If you look at the skin on your face and see rounded, visible pores instead of smooth, even skin, you are one of the many people who experience large pores. Enlarged pores are typically caused by two chief factors--excess oil build up and genetic predisposition. While it may not be possible to change your genetic makeup, you can take actions that can reduce the appearance and how noticeable your pores are.
Step 1
Wash your face daily with an antioxidant face wash, such as one that contains Vitamin A or Vitamin C. These antioxidants are associated with increasing collagen and elastin production, which can help to reduce your pore's appearance. Also, because enlarged pores are associated with oil and dirt build up, washing your face in the morning and at night (removing all makeup, sweat or other build up from the day) can help shrink your pores.
Step 2
Exfoliate with a mild facial scrub (such as one that uses almond meal, jojoba or other round exfoliating beads) two to three times per week. Exfoliation is effective in tightening pores because it reduces the amount of dead skin cells on the face that can lead to build up in the pores.
Step 3
Wear a daily sunscreen or moisturizer that contains sunscreen every day before going outside. The sun not only causes the pores to enlarge, it also can create scarring on the rims of the pores that prevents them from minimizing. You should choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, as these are most effective in preventing sunburn. You may need to reapply if you are especially active or spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
Step 4
Use only oil-free products, including makeup, face wash, moisturizer or other facial product. Using products with oil can only further enlarge your pores and trap oil inside the pores.
Step 5
If you wear makeup, use a skin primer (typically a clear gel-like application) before applying foundation or powder. Primer helps keep foundation from sinking into the pores, which can reduce clogging of the pores as well as give your skin a smoother appearance.
Tips and Warnings
- A spa or salon treatment known as microdermabrasion (the use of a specialized wand to exfoliate the face) may also help to exfoliate the face and reduce facial pores further. As this is more exfoliating than an everyday scrub, you should only undergo this treatment once every three weeks.
- Although exfoliation is important to reducing the size of your pores, overexfoliating your face can have an adverse effect on your skin. Because some amount of oil is necessary to keep your face soft, you should refrain from stripping the face of too much oil.
Things You'll Need
- Face wash that includes Vitamin A or Vitamin C
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