Bad news first: You can't actually change the basic size of your pores. But here's the good news: You can do plenty of things to help minimize their appearance. Although your basic pore size can't be changed, there are plenty of ways to help minimize their appearance. You'll find 9 tips to try below.
According to dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, ice cannot affect the opening or closing of skin pores.
Apple cider vinegar has many antibacterial properties. It unclogs pores, ridding them of bacteria, excess oil, and other debris. It also balances the pH level of the skin. This natural ingredient contains alpha-hydroxy acids that improve cell turnover, reduce wrinkles, and shrinks and tighten pores.
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 pore size is largely determined by genetics, but pores don't usually become visible until adolescence, as it's often hormones that drive the skin to produce more oil and in turn, clog the pores," confirmed Dr Hextall. "Dead skin and oil build-up can make the pores far more apparent by stretching them somewhat."
The humble cucumber is the best way to bid goodbye to enlarged pores because the high silica content in the vegetable not only imparts a youthful look to the skin but also helps in tightening the large pores. Use lemon for better results as the astringent in lemon will reduce the appearance of the ugly pores.
Baking Soda for Preventing Blackheads
Baking soda can help minimise this issue by closing your skin's pores and also shrinking them slightly in appearance. This ingredient has astringent-like properties that help close the pores and prevent them from clogging with dirt that gives rise to blackheads and acne.
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. Consequently, it may actually make acne worse for some people (22). When applied to the skin, coconut oil may clog pores and make acne worse. It is not recommended for those with very oily skin.
A good Vitamin C serum can help fade discolorations, even out skin tone, shrink pores, and make dull skin more bouncy and radiant.
In Korea, skin is always first. They value skin as being more important than makeup or fashion. Their skin secret is that they are using alternative, animal and natural ingredients that a lot of popular skincare brands hadn't really considered using in the past.
Putting aloe vera gel on your face every day can give you a soft and smooth skin. It can also help in shrinking the pores, as well as cleaning and nourishing the skin by removing the oil and dirt from your skin. Scoop out and apply fresh aloe vera gel on your face and massage for a few minutes.
This is why Korean women live by the rule of double cleansing, double eye mask and double hydration in their skincare regimen. The step cleansing method includes a foaming face wash followed by an oil-based cleanser. This clears the skin of every last bit of makeup and dirt from face.
"Salicylic acid is oil soluble, meaning it's able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris." By removing that debris from your pores, your pores will appear smaller.
Vitamin E oil can benefit your skin in many ways. However, it is not suitable for all skin types. The oil can clog pores and aggravate breakouts. If you have oily skin, wash off the oil after 15 minutes.
Lemon juice contains citric acid that exfoliates skin and minimises the appearance of open pores. Astringents in it help close the pores.
Most of the research on tea tree oil for skin points to its successful use as a zit zapper and pore purifier. Thanks to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, tea tree oil has been shown to reduce redness, unclog pores, and promote healing of existing breakouts.
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.