Written by Sami Blackford
Picture credit: Pinterest

I’ve been getting a few questions and emails about large or open facial pores, just lately… it’s strange how these things come in waves – not long ago it was wrinkles and premature ageing, then acne scars, then teenage skin, now large pores…

Anyways… today I want to look at the causes and possible treatments for large pores.

Although not medically harmful in any way, larger pores can be a real nuisance and affect an otherwise clear complexion. Some people will have these larger pores purely due to genetic inheritance, but large pores are also a common problem for those with a history of acne problems.

In mainstream beauty circles, the recommended treatments would likely be dermabrasion or dermaplaning, laser treatment, or electrolysis to “soften” imperfections.

But, as I’m sure you’re aware by now, I NEVER recommend such treatments. Here at Love Yourself Naturally, we believe that Mother Nature offers us everything we need to look and feel great.

Natural Exfoliators 

While a harsh microdermabrasion technique is a popular option for those looking to reduce pores, other more natural remedies can also achieve the same results.

Here are a few you could try…

• Add water to oatmeal and make a thick paste, then spread over skin.
• Rub your skin gently with warm water and sea salt for a light scrubbing effect.
• Mix equal parts of baking soda and water into a fine paste and gently massage over your skin. This gives you a much finer exfoliation. (this one’s my favourite)

To get the best results from your home-made scrub, use it after taking a hot shower or steaming your face with a hot towel to open up your pores. The steam and heat will allow your scrub to get deeper into the pores and whisk away any clogging agents that are keeping your pores open wider.

Try A Mask

Face masks can have many and varied effects on the skin – there is literally a face mask for every skin type or problem! Here are a few for large or open pores…

• Drench a washcloth in lemon and pineapple juice. Place the washcloth firmly on your face for one minute. Then rinse your skin with warm water. Lemon and pineapple juice contain natural enzymes that tighten and firm the face while also purifying and brightening the skin if you have sensitive skin use moisturizer before hand just to make sure the citrus doesn’t break you out. Lemon particularly has the ability to cleanse and shrink the appearance of pores.
• Yogurt mask. Plain yogurt contains lactic acid and probiotics, which when applied to the skin, help keep the bad bacteria that causes acne in check, thereby reducing the appearance of pore size. Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt over face and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Longer than 10 minutes can irritate the skin. Use only about once a week.
• Honey and aloe vera. I recommend this mask for so many different skin situations – it’s quick and simple to make, and has loads of great skincare benefits! Mix together equal parts of honey and aloe vera gel, and smooth over your skin. Leave for 10 minutes and then rinse.

Cool Things Off 

Sometimes, it’s not pore clogging that’s keeping your pores large. In other cases, your pores are stretched out from repeated clogging over time, even when you’ve got them free and clear.

So, instead of heat and scrubs, try applying a cold compress, or an ice cube wrapped in a wash cloth, each day to keep pores shrinking on a temporary basis. Another approach is to use cold milk as a face mask, which soothes the skin and encourages cell turnover.

Tips to Help Reduce Pores 

A few things to consider on a daily basis…

• Clean makeup every night carefully. No matter how tired you are, you should not go to bed without cleaning your face. Even if you don’t wear make-up every day, take the time to clean the face with a cleanser and tonic.

• Use skincare products which are formulated for your skin type. Using “heavy” creams and lotions could add to the large pore problem. With Freyaluna’s TRY ME Selection Box you can try eight different products in sample sizes, to help you find products which are right for your skin.

• Chuck out your harsh acne products. Any products that contain alcohol, acids, or peroxides can actually keep your pores open wider and appearing more enlarged. While the ingredients do give the temporary “tightening” effect to your pores, but it won’t last, and can actually make pores worse when the effects wear off.

• Try a good sugar scrub weekly. Work a nice scrub into your routine each week, whether it’s one of the homemade ones mentioned above, or a gentle natural-based sugar scrub. These contain natural alpha hydroxy acids to help your pores shrink up without over-stripping your skin with harsh chemicals.

• Limit make-up use on large pore areas. Piling on the makeup can make your large pores appear larger. Stick to a light dusting of face powder and blush to smooth out your complexion without caking the product into your pores.

I’m not promising quick-fix results here, but if you keep up these good habits, over time, your pores will look smaller and smaller. Patience is the key when it comes to these natural treatments, so don’t lose hope.

Until next time,

 

 

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