Large pores are more common in individuals with oily skin, and they sometimes become more noticeable with age. As the skin ages, it loses elasticity, which can cause the pores to dilate and appear larger. According to DocShop.com, people prone to blackheads are more likely to develop enlarged pores, because the diameter of pores expands when they become clogged with dirt and oil. Although it is impossible to physically shrink large pores, you can visibly minimize the appearance of facial pores by following a simple skincare routine.
Step 1
Use a face wash that contains retinol or vitamin C once or twice daily to help minimize the appearance of large pores. These antioxidants increase your skin's production of collagen and elastin, while loosening dirt and oil from your pores at the same time. Thoroughly cleansing the pores reduces their prominence.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin once or twice weekly using a gentle facial scrub. Exfoliation gently removes the dead surface layer of skin, and reveals the softer, healthier skin beneath. Regular exfoliation helps prevent blemishes and minimizes the appearance of large pores.
Step 3
Apply a toner or astringent to your face just after washing and exfoliating. Toners and astringents close and tighten the pores, which reduces their appearance, according to Stephanie Tourles in her book "Herbal Remedies for a Lifetime of Healthy Skin."
Step 4
Soak an absorbent cotton cloth in buttermilk, and wring out any excess. Apply the cloth directly to your face after washing, and leave it on for 20 minutes. During this time the lactic acid in the buttermilk will close, tighten and minimize the pores, according to Lydia and Joan Wilen in the book "Healing Remedies."
Step 5
Make an herbal astringent to help reduce pores. Combine 1 tsp. each dried sage, dried witch hazel and dried yarrow in a small bowl. Cover with 1 1/2 cups boiling water, and allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a bottle, and store in a cool, dark place for up to seven days. Splash onto your face to tighten and minimize facial pores.
Tips and Warnings
- In her book, "The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets," Diane Irons suggest using sugar as a natural facial scrub to combat large pores. Sugar is a natural glycolic acid that helps loosen dirt and dead skin from the pores. Combine 1/4 cup raw sugar with 2 to 4 tbsp. water to form a thick paste. Scrub your face with the mixture for one to two minutes and rinse with tepid water. Follow with an astringent to close the pores, and they will be less noticeable for a short time. Repeat once or twice weekly for the best results. If you don't have a toner or astringent handy after you wash your face, rub an ice cube over your skin to produce similar results, or splash your face with ice-cold water or apple-cider vinegar. These substances tighten and minimize the pores.
Things You'll Need
- Retinol or vitamin C face wash
- Gentle facial scrub
- Toner or astringent
- Buttermilk
- Cotton cloth
- 1 tsp. dried sage
- 1 tsp. dried witch hazel
- 1 tsp. dried yarrow
- Mixing bowl
References
- DocShop.com: Large Pores
- "Herbal Remedies for a Lifetime of Healthy Skin"; Stephanie L. Tourles; 1999
- "The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets"; Diane Irons; 2005
- "Healing Remedies"; Lydia Wilen, Joan Wilen; 2008
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