How to Minimize Your Pores
The size of your pores is partly determined by genetics, and partly by whatever happens to be trapped inside them. If oil, dead skin cells, and dirt tend to accumulate in your pores, this can stretch them out and make them look bigger, resulting in highly unattractive skin. Large pores, like most skin-related problems, tend to get worse with repeated exposure to the sun, and the natural ageing process. However, there are a few techniques that can be employed to minimize your pores, and reverse or at least stop this process from happening.
Instructions
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1
Use products that contain salicylic acid. This is an ingredient contained in skincare products like creams, facial washes, masks, cleansers, and moisturisers. Salicylic acid is great for cleansing pores – it goes deep into the layers of skin, and dissolves any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells, thus clearing and minimizing pores.
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2
Apply a pore-shrinking toner. This is another great way to keep the size of your pores in check. There are a variety of products available in the market that will get the job done but if you are wary of using store-bought pore shrinking astringents, try putting together an all-natural pore-shrinking toner at home. Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar, soak a cotton ball with this and swipe it all over your face. Allow it to dry on your skin, and then follow up by applying your daily care moisturiser.
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3
Use a retinoid. This will help stimulate the production of new collagen in your skin, which will, in turn, improve your skin structure, getting rid of large, sagging pores – whether you choose to invest in an over-the-counter retinol, or a prescription-strength Retin-A, depends on you.
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4
Exfoliate, or use a chemical peel to get rid of dead skin cells which might clog and enlarge pores. Exfoliation should be a regular part of your skincare regime, but make sure you don’t over-do this – over-scrubbing can cause inflammation of skin, which leads to excessive clogging of pores. Invest in good quality scrubs, exfoliating face washes, and chemical peels, but do not use these products daily – twice a week is more than enough.
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5
Use sunscreen daily. This will go a long way in preventing your pores from dilating. The sun can damage skin structure, and lead to pores that are loose and sagging, as opposed to tight and fresh. For this reason, it is best to protect your skin from those harmful rays – invest in a good quality sunscreen, or a daily moisturiser that also doubles as a broad-spectrum sunscreen, of SPF 30 or higher.
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6
Use the right kind of makeup to minimize your pores. Using primer before the application of makeup can work wonders, as it smoothes the skin, fills in the pores, and prepares it for the layers of makeup that will follow. Similarly, mineral powder foundations are great for minimizing pores, as these give the skin an airbrushed effect.
