The skin pores on your face are there for a reason, but they can get larger than needed and typically happens when your pores are clogged. Clogged, enlarged pores make your skin more prone to oiliness, whiteheads, blackheads and acne. Here are the six tips to help you shrink the size of your pores:
1. Stop using products that clog pores
The first step is to eliminate the things that could clog your pores. Your makeup could be a primary culprit, but so could your skincare products. Stick to products labelled non-comedogenic and oil-free.
2. Exfoliate your face
Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells, combining with your skin’s oil to clog pores. Here are some easy ways to keep those dead skin cells at bay:
- Use an exfoliating face wash
- Try an enzyme mask or a glycolic acid peel
- Mix granulated sugar and coconut oil into a paste for a DIY exfoliator
- Mix baking soda and water into a paste for a more intense exfoliating scrub
3. Wash your face twice a day
Cleanse your face in the morning and night to prevent clogged pores. Use warm water (not hot) to help open pores slightly to flush them out. Wash gently to avoid irritating your skin, making pores more noticeable.
4. Treat acne
If you’re dealing with acne, you’re dealing with clogged pores infected with bacteria. Treat any acne using a spot treatment like benzoyl peroxide. If you’re prone to breakouts, use a salicylic acid cream at night.
5. Use a pore minimizer
Several products are available in the market to help shrink pores. Some active ingredients in pore-minimizing products include vitamin C, retinol, green tea extract, willow bark extract and azelaic acid.
6. Use toner
Toners have astringent properties that prevent oiliness, tighten the skin, and shrink your pores. Typically, toners are available for specific skin types. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might want a toner that contains salicylic acid. If you deal with dryness, choose a toner that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid or vitamin E.
Final Tips
Pores can also become more visible when your facial skin loses its firmness, so include collagen-boosting skincare products in your routine. By exfoliating regularly and unblocking clogged pores, you can shrink the size of the pores on your face and get that “porcelain doll” look.
