Skin pores are tiny openings whose primary function is to release sweat and oils, cooling the body and keeping the skin healthy. These openings are the passageway between the body’s interior and exterior. That means they are necessary for the skin and body health.
However, you may have enlarged pores that are more noticeable and interfering with your beauty, especially on the forehead and nose. While skin pores are impossible to close completely, you can try the following ways to get rid of large pores.
1. Cleansing the Skin Every Day
Daily cleansing is a crucial aspect of a proper skincare routine. Skincare experts recommend washing your face twice per day and after sweating. Using lukewarm water to clean areas with large pores and a gentle, non-alcoholic, and nonabrasive cleanser can help. Also, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Use Gel-Based Cleansers
Gel-based cleansers are ideal for minimizing the appearance of large pores, especially for people with oily skin. Alcohol- and oil-based cleansers can irritate the skin. Therefore, avoid them if you want to get rid of large pores. Also, avoid moisturizing cleansers because they leave residue on the large pores while increasing oiliness. On the other hand, gel-based cleansers clear oil from the large pores, minimizing their appearance.
3. Exfoliate with the Right Products
Exfoliating your skin once or twice weekly can also help eliminate large pores. Skin exfoliation removes excess flakes which clog the pores. If you experience an acne breakout, avoid exfoliating because it can irritate the pimples.
Beta-hydroxy and alpha-hydroxy acids are the best exfoliants for people with large skin pores. BHAs have salicylic acids, meaning you should avoid them if you are allergic to aspirin. Both ingredients increase the benefits of skin exfoliation. However, BHAs can penetrate the pores, treating acne.
4. Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizing the skin prompts it to produce less oil or sebum to compensate for possible dryness. However, choosing the correct moisturizer is crucial. Oil-free moisturizer is ideal for minimizing the appearance of large pores. Apply it after washing and patting the skin dry to allow sebum to penetrate deeper into your skin, preventing clogging of the pores.
5. Use Water-based Skincare Products
Skin moisturizers have active ingredients, such as oils. However, humectants will benefit oily skin more than oils. Urea and honey are some of the humectants in skincare products. Oil-based moisturizers have coconut oil, petrolatum, and other types of oil. These may be unsuitable for people with large pores and oily skin. Therefore, choose a water-based skincare product because excess oil can collect on your skin, making the pores more visible.
6. Use a Clay Mask
Using a quality clay mask at least once weekly removes extra oil from the skin pores. That’s because it absorbs excess oil, preventing pore enlargement. Thus, a quality clay mask will eventually make your pores less visible.
7. Remove Makeup Before Sleeping
Removing makeup before going to bed prevents it from blocking the pores. Therefore, use cleansing wipes to ensure oil, makeup, and bacteria buildup don’t clog the pores, making them more visible.
8. Wear Sunscreen
Caring for your skin when spending time outdoors is crucial. Sun exposure dries the skin, making the pores appear more prominent. Therefore, use a moisturizer with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Protecting your skin from the skin will keep it supple.
9. Hydrate Your Body
Proper hydration can also benefit your overall skin, including removing large pores. When you drink sufficient water, it hydrates the skin internally. Also, it enables the skin to remove toxins from the pores while improving the overall complexion. Healthcare experts recommend a daily intake of at least eight glasses of clean water.
10.Apply Topical Retinoids
Retinoids or vitamin A can also minimize the appearance of skin pores. Therefore, when buying over-the-counter products, look for ingredients like retinal aldehyde, retinyl esters, and retinol. Nevertheless, use topical retinoids cautiously because excess application can irritate the skin.
11.Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like cinnamon bark and clove oil have anti-inflammatory properties. Also, they fight skin bacteria, giving the user a balanced skin appearance with smaller pores. Experts recommend mixing the active oil with gentle carrier oils like jojoba and almond oil. Also, blot the skin dry after leaving the mixture on the skin for a few minutes.
12.Use Chemical Peels
Chemical peels containing hyaluronic acid may regulate sebum production, while those with salicylic acid enhance new skin cell growth, replacing damaged cells. Therefore, chemical peels can help if excess sebum production is the cause of your large pores. Nevertheless, use moderately to prevent your skin from becoming too sensitive.
Several home remedies and skin care products can minimize the appearance of large pores. Nevertheless, find what works best for you, depending on the causes of the large pores and your skin type, to achieve your goal.