Are the pores on your face larger than you’d like them to be? While people with oily skin are more prone to enlarged pores, they can appear on anyone and any skin type. Large pores result from a combination of issues, from increased sebum to aging to blocked and clogged pores. Although it’s impossible to actually get rid of pores completely, there are ways to make them look smaller and more refined. Smaller pores make your skin look smoother, evening out your skin tone and makeup application. Ready for a more flawless appearance? Here’s how to get rid of large pores on your face!
What Causes Large Pores?
Large pores can be caused by a number of varying factors. One of the primary causes of large pores is excessive sebum. The hair follicles that cover our bodies have glands inside them that produce oil. This is called a sebaceous gland, and when they produce oil, the oil rises to the top of the skin and collects in the pore. Excessive sebum occurs when a person’s sebaceous gland produces a lot of oil. It results in oily skin, which is why those with oily skin are more likely to have larger pores.
Another reason for large pores is decreased elasticity around the pore, which happens with aging skin. This occurs when the skin becomes less supple, so the pores appear enlarged. The collagen breaks down in the skin, creating a lack of elasticity, which causes the pore to swell.
It’s also possible that the hair at the end of the follicle can become clogged, leading to larger pores. When oil collects in the pore and is combined with dirt or makeup, the pore becomes blocked, stretching the pore and making it look bigger than it is.
How to Get Rid of Large Pores on Your Face Naturally
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has amazing antibacterial properties. It rids your pores of bacteria, excess oil and other debris, and also balances the pH level of the skin. Before applying your moisturizer, create an astringent with apple cider vinegar (one part apple cider vinegar to two parts distilled or filtered water). Use it as a toner, applying it with a cotton ball or pad, making sure to avoid the eye area.
2. Lemon Juice, Honey and Papaya
It’s important to deep clean your pores a few times a week in order to detox and clear them out. For a great pore cleanse, make a mask with a half a papaya, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to clean skin, let it sit for ten minutes then wash it off. The papaya will help exfoliate dead skin cells, the lemon helps to tighten your pores, and the honey balances the skin’s pH.
3. Vitamin C and Aloe Vera
Vitamin C and aloe vera are a match made in pore minimizing heaven! Vitamin C kills bacteria in your pores and increases your immune system, which can help break down toxins that form blackheads. Aloe vera is rich in enzymes that eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation of the blackhead. It helps fight infections that build up inside pores, reducing the size and look of your pores. Grate one medium size orange and blend with raw fragrance-free, chemical-free aloe gel until smooth. Leave on your face for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water.
6 Pore Minimizing Products Worth Trying
1. Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
Australian pink clay is loved for its ability to tighten pores and leave your skin detoxified, bright and glowing. It’s a magnet for toxins and deeply cleanses the skin with 100% natural and organic ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, this is a pore minimizing product everyone will love!
2. Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner
Packed with DMAE and salicylic acid, this pore minimizing toner exfoliates and purifies the skin of residue and build up. It minimizes the appearance of large pores, and visibly firms, hydrates and energizes the skin. It will leave your skin looking matte and radiant! Use a cotton pad or ball all over a cleansed face. No need to rinse it!
3. Dr. Brandt Pore Purifying Cleanser
This non-drying pore purifying cleanser removes makeup, residue and dead skin, while helping to banish sebum and decongest pores. It dissolves impurities and oil to purify skin and exfoliates dead skin cells for a glowing complexion. Use it both morning and night to smooth and balance your skin, leaving it mattified without the drying sensation!
4. Origins Active Charcoal Mask
Active charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out oils and debris that clog your pores. This skin mask also contains white China clay, which absorbs environmental toxins, and lecithin, which dissolves impurities and clears up your skin! Lay a warm towel over your face first to open up your pores, layer the mask on and allow it to dry, rinsing with warm water afterwards.
5. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This is a leave-on exfoliator that works to unclog and diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and even out skin tone. It combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, and blackheads, dramatically improving your skin’s texture! The beta hydroxy acid mimics the natural exfoliating process of younger skin, shedding extra layers while unclogging your pores.
6. Kate Somerville Liquid Exfolikate
Formulated with 10% AHAs and fruit enzymes, this leave-on treatment offers gentle chemical exfoliation, dissolving dead skin cell build up. You’ll notice smoother skin and minimized pores, making your skin look smooth and flawless. This product gently sloughs away surface dullness, evening and correcting the look of dull skin.
Ready to banish large pores? Use these tips and products to clean out your pores and make them look refined!
