How to Shrink Pores

The right skin care routine is the best way to make pores look smaller and tighter. Although pore size is hereditary, there are a few things you can do to shrink your pores and leave your face fresh and radiant.

Table of Contents

Wash one’s face

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Understand that pore size is genetic. Pores are the oil glands of hair follicles, and their size is largely determined by genetics, meaning it can’t be changed permanently. Pores are also affected by skin type: pores look larger and more visible on naturally oily skin, while dry skin is almost invisible. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Pores can also enlarge if dead skin cells and oil build up. They can also get larger if the cplagen weakens with age or exposure to UV light.

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Wash your face before bed every night. Going to bed with makeup and dirt accumulated on the face all day will definitely make the pores clogged. Make it a habit to wash your face every night to reduce the risk of clogged pores.

Wash your face with warm water to avoid skin irritation.
Splash cold water on your face after rinsing. Cold water makes pores appear smaller, although the effect is only temporary.
Pat dry with a soft towel.

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Use a face wash that does not irritate the skin. Many cleansers contain strong ingredients that irritate the skin, making pores appear larger and “open” wider. To help close your pores, it’s best to use a gentle cleanser that washes away dirt without drying out your skin.

Choose a sulfate-free cleanser. Sulfates are harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and itchy.
Avoid using cleansers with exfoliating beads on a daily basis. These particles can cause skin irritation and should only be used 2-3 times a week.

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Try an oil-based face wash. More and more people prefer to use oil instead of soap to wash their face. It may sound strange at first, but using face oil instead of cleanser really works. The oil will bind to the skin’s natural oils and gently wash away dirt, sweat and makeup without harsh chemicals. You just need to rub the oil on your skin and use a wet washcloth to wipe it with a circular motion. Here are a few oil blends you can try: ^{[2] X Research Source}

For oily skin: Mix 1 teaspoon of castor oil and 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil.
For combination skin: Mix 1/2 teaspoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons olive oil.
For dry skin: Mix 1/4 teaspoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons coconut or olive oil.

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Wash your face in the morning. Splash warm water over your face and use a gentle daily cleanser. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Washing your face in the morning is especially important if you’re going to wear makeup. Makeup layer will not stick firmly if there is a lot of oil on the skin and it is not washed off.

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Exfoliate dead skin cells every few days. The dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin mix with sweat and dirt, which will gradually clog the pores. Regular exfoliation will help keep pores from clogging too quickly. The result will be small and tight pores instead of enlarged.

One of the best ways to exfoliate dead skin cells is simply by using a washcloth. Simply wet your face and rub the towel over your face in a circular motion.
You can also use a loofah to scrub deeper to remove dead skin.
Exfoliating face wash is also good. You can try a mixture of ground almonds and honey.
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, mechanical exfoliants like towels or loofahs can irritate your skin. Instead, you should try chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids.

Unclog pores

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Facial steaming. This is a great way to unclog pores, remove dead skin and dirt that clogs pores. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and dirt (otherwise, the steam will push impurities deep into the pores). Heat a small pot of water until the water starts to evaporate, then place the top of the pot of water over the pot and cover with a towel over your head. Let the steam steam over your face for 3-5 minutes, then wash your face with cool water.

Facial steam therapy helps open pores and become clear.
Washing your face after sauna is to remove dirt and clean the pores. Use cool water to close the pores.

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Apply a clay mask if you have oily skin. Clay is a natural element that draws impurities out of the skin as it dries. Mix dry clay with water to form a paste and spread it on your face. Let the mask dry completely, then rinse with cool water.

Clay masks are available at most beauty supply stores. You should look for masks designed to unclog pores.
You can make your own clay mask by mixing 1 tablespoon cosmetic clay powder (white or green), 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon water.

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Try using a seaweed mask if you have combination or dry skin. Similar to the clay mask, the seaweed mask will draw impurities from the pores and help close the pores. You can buy a seaweed mask at a beauty store, or use a seaweed mask the next time you go to a spa.

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Avoid picking or squeezing pimples. The act of picking or squeezing acne can cause skin damage, scarring, and even make pores permanently enlarged. It’s easy to be tempted to pick up stubborn spots, but if you leave them alone for a few days, it’ll be better for your pores and skin in the long run. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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See a dermatologist for a stronger solution, especially if you have acne. People with oily or acne-prone skin often have larger, more visible pores and are harder to deal with. If home remedies don’t work, make an appointment with a dermatologist and ask about treatment. You should estimate the cost as some treatments are quite expensive. Your doctor may recommend the following solutions: ^{[4] X Research Source}

Prescription exfoliators like Retin-A Micro.
Chemical peels salicylic acid or glycpic acid. In the US it costs 100 USD per session.
Non-invasive laser therapy to tighten pores by enhancing cplagen. In the US, the cost per treatment is $500, and usually 2-3 sessions are needed.

Use water to balance the skin and moisturize the skin

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Always wash your face and use a skin toner after washing. Regardless of whether you are using a facial steamer or a mask, you should always remember to wash off any dirt after you’re done. The next step is to use a toner. Toners help restore the skin’s pH balance after cleansing, leaving skin fresh and radiant, while helping to close pores.

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Avoid toners with chemicals that can irritate the skin. Beauty stores have different types of toners. Look for one that works for your skin type, but be sure to avoid toners that contain a lot of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate or dry out your skin. These toners will do more harm than good, and eventually the pores will appear larger instead of smaller. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Avoid toners that contain alcohol that can dry out the skin.
Avoid toners with glycerin and fragrances, as these can cause allergic reactions.

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Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples and is a natural, gentle toner for all skin types. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water, then use a cotton ball to apply to the skin after washing. Wait for the skin to dry, then apply moisturizer. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Advice

Change pillowcases at least once a week. Dead skin often clings to the pillowcase.
Roll ice on your face as a quick way to close pores.
Keep a pack of wet wipes in your pocket so that whenever you feel your skin is oily and greasy, you can promptly prevent oil on your skin from clogging your pores.
Enlarged pores on the nose can signal that you are prone to blackheads. If this is the case, you can regularly use acne peels to remove blackheads.

Things you need

Toner (skin toner)
Cleanser
Face mask

Steps

Wash one’s face

Unclog pores

Use water to balance the skin and moisturize the skin

Advice

Things you need

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