Large pores can be inherited but always seem to get worse as we age. The older you are, the larger they get. This is because as we get older our skin actually expands, which actually spreads it out. Who knew?
They're are not only more visible, they can attract more bacteria and increase oil (sebum) production below the skins surface. Problem skin can happen at any age. Its not just for adolescents and teens anymore!
Using a concealer
to cover them up
can actually make
them appear larger.
The more recent rise in problem skin can be attributed to many causes. Pollutants are a major cause of skin problems. Other factors include an unhealthy diet, aging, and sun damage. Using a concealer to cover them up can actually make them worse, especially if they are an oil based product. These cosmetics only clog the pores more and increase oil production below the skin. The more oil that clogs them, the larger they get.
Frustrating aren't they???
Making changes in your beauty habits and diet can decrease oil levels in your skin, thus helping to close pores.
First Things To Do!
Eliminate processed foods - Eliminate as many processed foods or those foods that contain trans-fatty acids as you can. An important part of good fat is cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. Include it in your diet daily!
Wash your face twice daily - Make sure you keep your face clean and free of dirt, debris, oils, and bacteria. Your skin will produce more oils though if you over clean it, so twice a day should be sufficient. If you have dry facial skin however, once a day is enough.
Eat lots of fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits - These foods are rich in antioxidants and Omega 3 Fatty Acids and are essential to skin repair.
For makeup coverage - Dot on a light, oil-free foundation only where you need it or use mineral makeup! Minerals won't block or clog pores and keep bacteria OUT! If you are unsure about mineral makeup, try a trial size like Sheer Cover, Medium 30-day. That way you don't spend a lot of money on something you're unsure about for you. Most women however, love minerals and the convenience of using them. They save a ton of time and look terrific!
Reducing Treatments
#1) Try Minimizers - Pore Minimizers really help close pores and reduce the amount of oils on your face. They help smooth and tighten your skin, which reduces their size. Makeup goes on a lot easier just by using them in your daily routine. Check reviews of the products you buy so you know it works well!
#2) Use Microdermabrasion Treatments - Microdermabrasion treatments and face peels are also good options. These help refine and reduce their size over time. There is a wide variety on the market so buying one that fits your budget and lifestyle is easy. Micro-Dermabrasion Kits give you the everything you need so there's less expense!
#3) Hot Water/Cold Water - Use hot water to open your pores. Either use steam to open them or rinse/soak with as hot a water as you can stand. Immediately rinse/soak with as cold a water as you can stand.
Years ago, I read an article about soaking your face in cold water. This is shockingly cold water, but it works.
Here's how it works:
What you'll need:
*Large pot or bowl
* 18 - 25 Large Ice cubes
*Snorkle (You can find a cheap one in the swimming dept. at a local superstore.)
*Timer
Twice a week, immerse your face in the cold ice water for 10 minutes. Be sure to set the timer so you'll know when you're finished. (*When your face is in the water, you want to be sure the room is safe from sudden sounds that could interrupt you or startle you. i.e.kids coming in and out)
THIS WATER IS COLD! Trust me though, when you finish soaking, your face will feel and look so smooth!
#4) Try Retin A - If they are really bad, your physician may recommend Retin A to you.
#5) Water and Tea - Drinking a lot of green tea and water will help flush your body and can help reduce their size.
#6) Black or Green Tea Bags - Soak a few tea bags in hot water for a few minutes. Ring them out a bit and refrigerate for at least an hour or so. (until cold) Lie down and apply them to problem areas. Leave them on for 15 minutes then wash your face.
#7) Olive Oil - Mix a few drops of olive oil/baby oil with half a teaspoon of sugar into a paste. Massage gently onto the face, using light circular movements. Don't scrub too hard! Rinse initially with hot water then rinse with extra cold water.
#8) Baking Soda - Add just a tiny pinch of baking soda to your facial soap or cleaner. It works great!
#9) Lemons or Limes - Some people use astringents. Others use lemon or lime juice. Apply a small amount of either one to a cotton ball. Apply to problem areas overnight. Rinse in the morning with cold water.
#10) Try pore refining lotions - Over time, these work great at reducing their size.
#11) Rose hips oil - Someone recently commented on my skin care products video on youtube. She told me that she uses Rose Hips Oil for her large pores and it works! You can buy it online or in Beauty Supply Stores.
#12) Facial Masks Clay masks, or facial masks, really help! These products suck your skin tight and suck all the impurities out from deep in your skin. (Things like bacteria, oils, and dirt.) To use, slightly moisten your face, then apply a light layer of clay to it. Be sure to get around the mouth nose, but don't get too close to your eyes. Your delicate eye area is the one place you'll want to leave oils. Allow the mask to dry thoroughly. When it's dry, use a very warm, wet washcloth and gently remove the mask. Rinse with cold water and apply a toner afterward. I've been using Queene Helene Mud Pack since I was in high school. It always works well and is very inexpensive to buy!
You may break out in zits after you use a mask. It is only temporary and should clear itself up in a few days. For that reason, masks are generally better done only once every two weeks.
You can also use facial skin scrubs, which work well to minimize your pores size. Use once every week for a clean, fresh complexion.
Cold water and toners are a great place to start! Robert Redford is as well known for his large pores as he is for his acting. He's one beautiful man too! Maybe we are our own worst critics. Just because you have them doesn't mean you don't look great!
really help close pores and reduce the amount of oils on your face. They help smooth and tighten your skin, which reduces their size. Makeup goes on a lot easier just by using them in your daily routine. Check reviews of the products you buy so you know it works well!
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give you the everything you need so there's less expense!
