It never hurts to keep in mind that you need your pores, even if you don't love how they look. They're a natural part of your skin, not a flaw. It can also help to come to terms with the fact that your genes play a role in their size. In other words, you can't make them smaller or get rid of them entirely.
Usually, genetics determine larger pores. But, oily skin, sun damage and aging can be other factors that make your pores look bigger. While you can't change the size of your pores, you can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
Your pores can become clogged for a number of reasons – excess oil resulting from hormonal changes, dry skin, a buildup of dead skin cells, or dirt and oil becoming stuck beneath the surface. When the skin closes over the top of a clogged pore, you get a pimple – aka a closed comedone.
"Retinoids clear clogged oil and dead skin cells to make pores appear smaller," Dr. Feely says. That explains why women noted improvements in their pore size when they applied a retinol every night for three months, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
According to dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, ice cannot affect the opening or closing of skin pores.
“Since cold water tightens your pores, bacteria and debris can get trapped and won't clear out as easily as using warm water,” explains Knapp. She recommends washing your face with lukewarm water first as a way to remove any makeup and pollutants from the day.
Apple cider vinegar is known to cleanse the skin and also shrink the pores. It acts as a toner and tightens your skin. In a bowl, dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water. Using your fingertips, massage this solution on the enlarged pores and let it dry naturally.
Cucumber is a natural skin hydrant; the high water content of cucumber helps replenish the skin and tightens it. It is an excellent home remedy for open pores on oily face and skin. Both besan and turmeric are equally effective in shrinking pores. Mix 1 tablespoon of besan with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
Cold water or even cold air both contract the pores on your face, making them appear smaller. You can also constrict the pores on your face by using products with a mildly acidic pH (around 5.5).
Because rosewater has astringent properties, it helps close the appearance of open pores and tighten up your skin. Regardless of your skin type, rosewater can also eliminate any excess oiliness so your skin isn't greasy and hydrate your skin cells sufficiently so it isn't dry.
Yes, it is! Rubbing an ice cube over your face after a hectic day can give you instant stress relief. It boosts blood circulation to your face and makes it radiant. Applying ice to an area of the body for health purposes is also known as cold therapy or cryotherapy.
A good Vitamin C serum can help fade discolorations, even out skin tone, shrink pores, and make dull skin more bouncy and radiant.
Hyaluronic acid serum tightens skin and minimizes pores so they shrink and become invisible over time. Smaller pores mean fewer clogs and breakouts.
Laser Treatments
Several treatments are available at Dermatology and Laser Centre. Fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing decreases the appearance of pores and acne scars. For enlarged pores, Dr. Gallacher uses the Vbeam laser as well as fractionated CO2 lasers.
Smaller Pores
The more water you drink, the better balance of oil and water on the surface of your skin. This can help reduce your pore size, decrease acne breakouts, and reduce blemishes.
Cucumber with lemon juice
Take 4 to 5 cucumber slices and blend it. Add 2 tablespoon of lemon juice to it and apply this mask to your face. Rinse it after 15 minutes. Do this regularly to see a difference.
Pomegranate has the highest amount of antioxidants that prevent blocking of pores and give you clean skin. Eat a bowlful of pomegranate seeds or squeeze them into some refreshing juice that can open up those pores and let your skin breathe.
Professional, noninvasive laser treatments, such as Laser Genesis, Pixel Perfect, and the Fraxel Laser are done in a dermatologist's office or in a medical spa. They work by rejuvenating collagen production and may be most effective for large pores caused by aging or sun damage.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in skin care as a toner, face wash, and even a spot treatment. The use of an apple cider vinegar toner, specifically, may help to tighten the skin and protect it from harmful environmental elements.
Hold the warm washcloth over your face to steam out your pores. The steam helps loosen dirt, make-up, and such in your pores. Repeat the process. As the washcloth cools, continue to heat up the washcloth with new hot water, and hold it over your face, up to three or four times.