How to Shrink Large Pores
Large pores can be a hassle, especially in a world full of airbrushed models with no visible pores filling our magazine pages. Large pores can also lead to a tendency to develop acne as well. While genetics and aging are usually the culprit of large pores, there are still some things you can do to shrink large pores and make them look smaller.
Sunblock. Sun exposure can expand your pores, and make the rim of the pores look bigger. Whenever going outdoors, put some sunblock on, or at least wear a hat.
Cleanse and Moisturize. Oily skin can cause oil to collect in your pores and make them look bigger, not to mention cause pimples! Regularly wash your face using a cleanser that works well with your skin and follow it up with moisturizer. Not using moisturizer can actually cause your skin to overproduce oil. You should also exfoliate and use a facial scrub at least once a week. Using cleansers with vitamin C or retinol is also said to be effective in minimizing pores, as they release elastin and collagen in your skin.
Don’t Squeeze Pimples. Acne scarring is one of the biggest causes of large pores. When you pop pimples, you cause wounds that do not close up properly and leave you with a large pores. If you want your pimples to go away, you can go get a professional facial treatment from a dermatologist, or apply tea tree oil directly on the pimple. Always make sure your hands are clean when handling acne.
Microdermabrasion Treatment. Microdermabrasion is a treatment provided for by dermatologists to help clear your skin of dead skin cells to reveal the healthier skin underneath. Think of it as more intense exfoliating.
Makeup. Applying makeup is the easiest way to get rid of large pores in a jiffy. Use a concealer that will blend in your natural skin color to conceal the large pores. Cover up with a foundation, followed with face powder. Apply touch ups when necessary.
Skin Regimen. Since aging is one of the top causes of large pores, an anti-aging skin regimen is your best bet in preventing and getting rid of large pores. Having an elastic skin won’t pull your pores into bigger sizes, and to have elastic skin, choose to use products that contain Retionol, alpha-hydroxy acids, collagen, vitamins and minerals that help keep maintain your skin’s elasticity.
Using day cream and night cream will also help regenerate, refresh and moisturize your skin, so use them daily.
Eat for Your Skin. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and try to remove fatty food from your diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help prevent skin aging. Chocolates and fatty food are also said to have adverse effects on your skin, so try to avoid them.
Drink Water. Drinking enough water every day goes hand-in-hand with any good lifestyle change, right up there with eating healthy and being hygienic. Water (no substitutes!) keeps your skin hydrated and elastic, and helps in flushing out toxins from your body, which will also help make your skin clearer.
Natural Treatments. Looking for an alternative natural treatment for your large pores? You don’t have to look far for them. Here are some things you can use to make your own pore treatments.
Almond meal paste is usually used for baking, but you can also use it to help shrink large pores. Simply take blanched or unblanched almonds and put them in a food processor. Pulse the processor until the almonds take on a paste-like consistency. Apply the almond meal paste directly on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and follow it up with a solution of apple cider and water.
You can also use a paste made from table salt and buttermilk to apply on your large pores. Massage the paste into your large pores and rinse off with warm water.
Mix cucumber juice, a cup of rose water with a tablespoon of tincture of benzoin and refrigerate it for a few hours. Use this mixture to apply after your usual facial cleansing routine.
Tomato juice is also said to be very effective in shrinking large pores. Use pure tomato juice and apply on your face, leaving it on for 20 minutes. You can add calamine or sandalwood powder to the tomato juice before applying. Rinse it off with warm water.