How To Eliminate Large Pores

Pores serve the purposes of hair growth, protective oil secretion and temperature regulation. According to Advanced Dermatology, one square inch of skin contains an estimated 1 million pores. If pores are small, they give your skin a tight and youthful appearance; however, as pores become enlarged they can cause a serious reduction in your self confidence. You cannot eliminate pores; however, you can use various methods to reduce their appearance.

Step 1

Wash your face twice per day -- once in the morning and once in the evening. Use an oil-free facial wash that contains salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores. As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elasticity, causing pores to lose the ability to bounce back to their original size after being unclogged. By preventing clogged pores, you will not have to worry about pores stretching.

Step 2

Apply moisturizer after washing your face. According to "Beauty," individuals with oily skin are prone to larger pores. Even if your skin is oily, you still need a moisturizer, so look for an oil-free moisturizer targeted at oily skin types. If you have an oily "t-zone," but dry cheeks, look for moisturizers targeting combination skin.

Step 3

Exfoliate your face twice per week with a facial scrub to remove debris and dead skin cells that reside on the epidermal surface. Dead skin cells and debris can surround the outside of pores, causing their diameter to appear larger.

Step 4

Wear a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor, or SPF of 30. Sun damage and aging often cause enlarged pores, so protecting your skin from the sun is a critical step in eliminating future enlargement of your pores.

Step 5

Wear a wide-brimmed hat in combination with sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

Tips and Warnings

If your pores remain large after several weeks of at-home treatment, contact a dermatologist. Some treatment options available are microdermabrasion, chemical peels and a prescription strength retinoid. If exfoliating irritates your skin, according to Advanced Dermatology, look for creams with benzoyl peroxide, which remove excess oil and dead skin. According to CareFair.com, avoid wearing foundation, since it magnifies your pores.
Discontinue using products if you experience hives, itching or a rash. These are all signs of an allergic reaction.