How To Shrink Facial Pores Naturally?

The surface of the skin naturally has pores. The function of the pores is to help sebaceous glands release oil on to the skin surface, giving skin its texture. Factors such as exposure to UV rays of the sun, hormones and aging cause these pores to become large.

As the skin ages, its elasticity decreases, causing pores to dilate and appear large. Due to poor hygiene or overactive oil glands, dirt clogs the pores, resulting in pimples and black heads. This makes the pores look even larger. Paradoxically, the larger the pores, the more likely it is for dirt to accumulate in them.

It is not possible to reduce skin pores permanently but they can be reduced in size or covered up with makeup. You can do a number of things at home to make the size of pores less obvious.

1. Steam your face by heating water in a basin. Cover your head and the sides of the basin with the same towel so that steam cannot escape. This will loosen dirt and oil and help to remove it.

2. If your skin is very oily, exfoliate it every alternate day, else twice a week. This will help to remove the accumulated dead cells on the topmost layer of the skin. Newer softer skin will be seen on the surface which will have smaller sized pores. Microdermabrasion kits are available for home use which gently scrub away dead skin cells.

3. Learn to identify products best suited to your skin type. Make it a habit to read the list of contents before buying the products. Choose products containing salicylic acid because it helps to control oil in the skin and increases the production of new cells. Retinol and Vitamin C are antioxidants that encourage repair of collagen and elastin and also loosen dirt and oil present in the skin. Fuller’s earth absorbs excess oil and witch hazel is an antiseptic. All these products will shrink pores.

4. Use lukewarm water to wash your face. Hot water will make your face dry and the skin will produce more oil to overcome this condition.

5. Rub ice cubes on your face for a minute or so. You can also apply the pulp of a tomato or cucumber to shrink pores.

To hide enlarged pores, makeup will come in handy. First apply a skin primer to even out the skin tone and also to prevent foundation from getting into the pores. Let the primer dry, and then apply foundation. Use a cream or cream to powder foundation. Use loose translucent powder to make the skin smooth.

The only advantage of large pores is that the aging skin becomes drier and therefore wrinkles prone. The oil counteracts drying and delays wrinkling.