Don’t you sometimes wish that all those large pores that make your skin look tired and unhealthy would just disappear? Well, don’t be so quick to dismiss the pores; they have an important function to perform!
The pores on your skin are the openings through which the oil (sebum) produced by sebum glands at the bottom of the pores travels up to the surface of your skin. This oil is essential to keep your skin healthy – it forms a protective barrier and keeps the skin moisturized and supple.
But enlarged pores can be unsightly. So let’s take a look at what causes large pores and what you can do to make them less prominent.
Why Do Pores Get Enlarged?
The size of your pores is generally determined by heredity. However, here are a few other factors that can make them larger:
1. Aging
Your pores become larger as you age because the natural proteins (collagen) that maintain the skin’s structure degrade, causing the pore openings to lose support and become lax.1
2. Your Skin Type
If you have oily skin (that is, your oil glands secrete too much oil), the excess oil and dead skin cells could clog up the pores, making them larger. People with a combination skin (where the central part of your face, forehead, chin, and nose are oily) might get large pores on the forehead and nose.2
3. Alcohol
Chronic drinking isn’t just bad for your liver. It can also cause you to develop larger blood vessels and oil glands. This can mean larger pores, especially in the chin and nose.3
So what can you do to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores?
Follow A Good Skin-Care Regimen
A few healthy habits can take care of the texture of your skin:
- Cleanse your skin with gentle products to remove dirt and oil that can clog your pores.4
- Choose makeup with care. Avoid greasy products that block and enlarge pores. Also remember to always remove makeup before going to bed.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly (about once a week). This helps remove dead skin cells so that they don’t plug your pores. But take care not to over-exfoliate or you could do more harm than good.5
Use Natural Remedies To Minimize Pores
Natural remedies can help you improve your skin’s texture. Whether you’re looking for an astringent that temporarily shrinks your pores, something that removes excess oil from your skin, or an exfoliant that takes care of pore-clogging dead cells, here are a few simple remedies that can help:
1. Fuller’s Earth
Clay was one of the earliest substances to be used as a beauty mask. It can draw excess oil from your skin and stop it from clogging up your pores. But since the clay can make your skin really dry, do not leave the mask on for too long.
The clay helps balance the natural pH level of the skin, helping to get rid of clogged pores. It also has a cleansing effect.6
2. Marigold
Marigold contains tannins, compounds that react with proteins for a contracting and tightening effect when they’re applied. Strain an infusion and apply it to your face to shrink the pores.7
Marigold also helps treat and reduce acne, which is also a root cause of clogged pores with the dry skin and excess oil. You can make a paste using marigold, apply it on the affected area, and wash it off after a set time depending on the type of pack.8
3. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel also contains pore-tightening tannins. Make a decoction from the bark and use topically for an astringent effect.9
It also a natural astringent, which helps reduce acne with its anti-inflammatory properties and decreases the oil content.10
4. Yogurt
Yogurt has lactic acid, which can remove dead skin cells and debris and tighten the pores. Spread plain yogurt over your face, wait for 20 minutes, and rinse.11 Since the yogurt can make your skin dry, make sure you lightly moisturize your skin later.
It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne, consequently helping unclog the pores.12
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidity in apple cider vinegar can help to shrink the pores. You can add a few drops to your regular moisturizer to get younger-looking smooth skin.13
Since the acidity in the vinegar is quite high, make sure you dilute it before applying in any form.
6. Orange Peel
Orange peel can have an astringent effect on your skin.14 It also has flavonoids which inhibit sebum production.15 Just rubbing the fresh peel on your face can be helpful.
You can also put the peel through a blender, apply the juice on your face, and wash it off after 5 to 10 minutes.16
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda can exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells. Just add a little water to baking soda to make a thin paste and spread it over your face, making sure to avoid the area around your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 2 or 3 minutes before rinsing off for smoother skin.17
Note that baking soda might be too harsh for sensitive skin. So use it with caution.18
8. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is full of alpha hydroxy acids that can slough off dead skin cells. For a pore-minimizing toner, mix lemon juice with water and splash on your face. Or try mixing lemon juice with some sugar to make a paste. Rub it in gently and rinse to improve the texture of your skin.19
9. Egg Whites
Egg whites can cleanse your pores and draw out excess sebum. They also help shrink the clogged pores and tighten the skin around it.
Separate an egg and beat the white. Add a few drops of lemon juice and apply it on your face. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off. 20
10.Tomato
Tomatoes are commonly used to take care of large pores. They contain high levels of lycopene, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, all of which help in reducing acne and clearing clogged pores.
Smooth the pulp of a ripe tomato over your face, let it sit for about thirty minutes and wash it off for beautiful skin.21
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