Proper care of oily, large face pores can help prevent a more serious acne problem. You can't actually reduce the size of large pores, but you can improve their appearance, according to Dr. Richard Glogau, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco, in an article published in "Fitness" magazine. You can also implement a skin care routine to help control oil, or sebum, on your face and prevent clogged pores.
Step 1
Clean your face regularly with a non-soap face cleanser. Cleanse at least twice daily with a cleanser designed especially for oily skin. You may need to cleanse three times a day if your skin is extremely oily.
Step 2
Remove makeup before you go to bed. Makeup pushes deeper into pores while you sleep, and clogged pores are more visible than empty ones.
Step 3
Exfoliate your oily skin with a scrub that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl or other chemical exfoliator. Perform the exfoliation at least three times per week, more often if you have extremely oily skin.
Step 4
Apply an over-the-counter topical retinoid to help make your large pores less noticeable. Such products help unclog pores, stimulate new collagen growth and make skin look smoother.
Step 5
Absorb excess oil by blotting with paper blotting sheets throughout the day, or by applying mattifying cream. Blotting with compact powder adds more makeup and can cause clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid smoke and sun exposure. Just as they cause wrinkles and loose skin, they also cause saggy pores. Consult a dermatologist about a prescription retinoid if the over-the-counter products in Step 4 fail to produce desirable results.
- Do not use moisturizers and cleansers that contain petroleum or mineral oil, as these can lead to clogged pores. You should also avoid stay-put and waterproof makeup, which are typically oil-based and difficult to remove with regular cleansers.
Things You'll Need
- Face cleanser
- Facial scrub
- Topical retinoid
- Paper blotting sheets
- Mattifying cream
Member Comments