How to Shrink and Clear Large Pores

It’s not fair, but some of us were born with unsightly, large pores. My nose and forehead (the so-called T-zone) can get quite ugly if I stop my skin care regimen. Luckily for us, just because we were born with large pores doesn’t mean we are cursed to live with them. By dedicating a few minutes a week and buying the right skin care products, we can clear our pores and minimize their appearance. As an added bonus most treatments that clear pores are also effective on acne!

We first need to define your skin care goals. What is your budget? If your budget is unlimited, then there are skin care specialists who will leave your skin looking marvelous—for a price. High-end pore masks and facials can run hundreds of dollars, but I have found that the ones priced $20-50 do the job almost as well.

Are you just concerned with clear pores, or are you also worried about acne? What about your skin type? Is your skin oily? Is it sensitive? Are your problems so serious that you should see a dermatologist? By defining our goals and skin type we are able to choose the best pore clearing treatment.

Our first and simplest weapon to clear pores is the facial cleanser. A simple, gentle facial soap can do wonders in removing oil and dirt from the pores. I recommend washing your face twice daily for a week before attempting the more rigorous pore cleansing method described below.

Once you have your regular washing program in place, it is time to try more aggressive pore cleaning. A pore mask with a clay base (kaolin is usually considered the best) promotes clear pores and absorbs oil. Quality masks can be purchased for as little as $20 for 1 oz. Some masks contain additives to help those with sensitive skin or problem acne.

How does it work? The clay works like a natural sponge, sucking out all of the oil and impurities from your skin. Some people experience dryness after applying the mask, so you may want to choose one with aloe or other soothing additives. When completed, you may also want to apply some moisturizer.

Repeating this procedure once or twice a week can do wonders to promote clear pores. Of course, you should only proceed if you do not experience excessive dryness or irritation. For most women, taking these steps is enough for a beautiful complexion and the end of large pores.

Related Articles: How to Keep Your Pores Clear, What Causes Oily Skin?

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