Minimize the Size of Your Pores

Do you wish your pores looked smaller? Pores don't actually grow or shrink, but they can appear to be larger when they're clogged. Washing your face gently, using a steam treatment, trying a facial mask and wearing the right makeup can all help make your pores look smaller.

Steps

Daily Cleansing

  1. Begin by removing your makeup. Buildup from makeup is often responsible for clogging pores, so removing it properly is an important step in minimizing their size. Use makeup remover pads or a cotton ball saturated in makeup remover to gently wipe it all away.
    • Vaseline makes a good natural makeup remover. Rub it over the areas of your face with heavy makeup and wipe it off with a cotton ball.
    • Never go to bed wearing makeup. Your pores will look larger in the morning.
  2. Wash your face with warm water. Splash water on your face a few times in a row to remove all traces of the makeup remover. This gentle washing technique is sufficient for removing everyday buildup from your face. Avoid using cleansers that contain sulfates and other harsh cleansers; these irritate the face, causing pores to appear larger.
    • Use warm, not hot, water to cleanse your face. Hot water can cause skin irritation and dryness, leading to bigger-looking pores.
    • Blot your face dry with a soft towel, rather than scrubbing it, to prevent skin irritation.
  3. Exfoliate your face. Exfoliating regularly removes dead skin cells, which can otherwise accumulate, mix with dirt and sweat and clog your pores. Use one of the following exfoliation techniques a few times a week to help your pores look smaller:
    • Try dry brushing. Buy a small, soft-bristled brush (a baby brush will work) and use it to gently brush dead skin from your face while it's dry.
    • Use an exfoliation product. If possible, choose a facial exfoliation product made with natural ingredients that won't scratch your face. Many facial scrubs are made with ground nuts or sugar that are rubbed onto your face to lift off the dirt and dead skin.
    • Make a facial scrub. Make a cup of green tea and add a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of honey. Smooth the mixture over your face and gently rub it in circles to exfoliate your face. Rinse with warm water and pat your face dry when you're finished.
  4. Moisturize every night. Keeping your skin hydrated makes your pores look smaller by keeping your skin from drying out and accumulating in your pores. Use oil, lotion or cream every night after completing your washing and exfoliation routine to wake up with smaller pores.

Using Makeup

  1. Use a protective moisturizer. Since makeup contributes to clogged pores, you need a protective layer of moisturizer between the makeup and your skin. Apply a light, natural moisturizer, and let your face absorb it for a few minutes before proceeding.
  2. Apply foundation or concealer. Depending on your skin type, you might want to choose a matte or glossy concealer. Make sure it matches your skin tone, and apply it using a cotton ball.
    • Don't be tempted to use too much concealer in an effort to hide your pores. Caking makeup on will only draw more attention to areas you're trying to minimize.
    • Experiment with different brands. Some concealers may not work for your individual skin type. If one concealer seems to dry out your face or make your pores look bigger, try another one.
  3. Use mineral powder. A light application of powder over concealer can make pores appear much smaller. Wait until the concealer has set before using a blush or bronzer brush to lightly dust powder over your face.

Steam Treatment

  1. Wash your face. Remove your makeup and wash your face according to the technique described above. Pat it dry with a soft towel to prepare it for the steam treatment.
  2. Boil a small pot of water. When it has come to a boil, pour the hot water into a heat-safe bowl and place it on the table.
    • Add green tea, peppermint tea or another herbal tea to the water to get the benefits of aromatherapy as well.
    • If you have acne, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water. Tea tree oil has natural acne-fighting properties.
  3. Steam your face. Hold your face over the bowl and drape a towel over your head and shoulders so that the steam is directed toward your face. Let the steam bathe your face for about ten minutes. The steam will help release the plugs that are clogging your pores.
  4. Rinse your face with cool water. Splash cool water over your face to rinse away the steam and dead skin cells. Pat your face dry with a towel, then apply moisturizer.

Facial Mask

  1. Make your own clay mask. Clay masks are spread over the face and allowed to dry. As the water from the mask begins to evaporate, the clay pulls away from the skin and takes dead skin cells and debris that clog pores with it. Make your own clay mask using the following technique:
    • Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay, 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Use a spoon to stir until the ingredients are combined.
    • Apply the mixture to your face, taking care to cover all the areas where your pores are clogged. Allow it to sit until it dries, about 15 minutes.
    • Wash off the mask with warm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel. Your pores should no longer be clogged.
  2. Try an alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acid mask. These types of masks are available at specialty beauty stores. They exfoliate the skin with acids that eat away the dead skin cells, leaving your face looking renewed.
    • Rinse your face, pat it dry and apply the acid mask all over. Don't apply too much on the fragile skin near your eyes. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes.
    • Rinse off the mask with warm water and dry your face with a towel. Apply moisturizer to protect your face from drying out.



Tips

  • You can also make your own exfoliator by using sugar, olive oil and honey, it really works and your skin is really soft afterwards.
  • Do this about once a week if your skin is dry, and every 3 days if your skin is oily, however, cleanse and moisturize everyday.

Warnings

  • Never apply too much exfoliator, it will cause your skin to peel off and redden. Scrub gently, using circular motions.

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Sources and Citations

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