Beautiful skin on the face is the key to beauty and self-confidence. After all, even if a pimple appears on the cheek or forehead, it already seems to us that the appearance is completely ruined. To prevent various types of rashes, it is necessary to regularly cleanse your face using various peelings, make moisturizing masks, and use nourishing creams. But any facial cleansing is impossible without opening the pores, otherwise it will have no effect. Therefore, first, using steaming, you need to expand the pores so that cleansing benefits your skin. But it happens that there are always enlarged pores on the face, how to get rid of this problem? After all, in this way various microbes penetrate the skin, subsequently leading to unwanted rashes (acne, pimples and other redness).
Most often, such problems with the epidermis occur in those who have oily skin types. but they can increase not only due to a hereditary factor, but also due to improper care, dehydration, or a reaction to certain cosmetics. In any case, enlarged pores on the face are a problem, it needs to be solved, and they must be narrowed accordingly using various masks and other methods, which will be discussed in this article.
About the reasons
Before considering narrowing methods, it is worth considering the causes of this skin phenomenon.
- Most often, pore enlargement occurs during hormonal changes in adolescence, then they either return to normal or become firmly established in this state. The cause may be a genetic predisposition.
- People who smoke or drink frequently have many skin problems. Usually these are pimples or blackheads. Therefore, when thinking about why the pores on your face are enlarged, remember whether you often drink alcohol or smoke.
- Nutrition plays an important role in the formation of problematic skin type. Fatty foods mean oily skin. If you abuse junk food (we are talking about baked goods, fast food, smoked meats), then do not be surprised that your face will become an excellent canvas for various rashes, as it will literally begin to absorb all the dirt and germs.
- Stress and nervous disorders are one of the causes of almost all diseases. And don’t think that constant tension won’t affect your skin. People become covered not only with acne, but even with hives due to nervousness.
- If your immune system is not okay, then this can also cause enlargement of pores on the nose and cheeks.
- Too much exposure to the sun (in tanning salons or on beaches) is harmful to the skin, and leads to enlarged pores.
- Incorrectly selected facial care products or low-quality cosmetics negatively affect the epidermis, resulting in acne.
- Gastrointestinal diseases is also an important factor in the occurrence of skin problems.
- Improper functioning of the thyroid gland plays an important role in this problem.
If you suspect any disease, be sure to consult a doctor, because only by eliminating the cause can you get rid of the problem.
About treatment: what masks will help narrow the pores on the face?
You can solve the problem with enlarged pores at home by making special masks from those products that you can easily find in the refrigerator.
- Tomato mask. This product will not only cope with the main task, namely, narrowing pores, but after using this mask, your complexion will improve significantly. Take one small tomato, cut it, remove the seeds, make a paste out of it (using a blender or by hand), then spread it on your face, wait about ten minutes, then wash with warm water. If you have dry skin, you can add yogurt to the tomato pulp.
- What if there are no tomatoes in the refrigerator, but only a box of tomato juice? This is also an excellent remedy for enlarged pores on the face. This, one might say, is a ready-made tomato paste. You simply lubricate the problem areas of your face with it and wait about twenty minutes, then wash your face.
- In addition to tomato juice, you can also use orange juice. Just add one egg white to a quarter glass of juice, mix everything well and add to problem areas on your face, wait about fifteen minutes and wash.
- Egg whites are good not only with orange juice, but also with lemon juice.Just add a few drops of lemon juice to the protein, then you will need to beat the protein until foamy and anoint your face. The mask should dry, after which you will need to wash it off with warm water.
- You can add white clay, a little green tea and aloe juice to lemon juice. This face mask should be kept on for at least half an hour. It will relieve you of enlarged pores.
- Regular baking soda which is undoubtedly present in every kitchen, will serve you as an excellent and very effective remedy for skin problems. Baking soda will not only help you remove large pores on your face, but will also remove dead cells from the epidermis, and also remove all impurities. Add soda to the water (two tablespoons will be enough), then apply this paste mixture to problem areas of the face using massage movements for about a minute, then rinse everything off with cool water. After a week of this simple procedure, you will notice how the condition of your skin has improved.
- If the pores are very enlarged, a gelatin mask can help. Just take dry gelatin; it will be enough to pour one tablespoon of it into a cup. After this, you will need to pour it with two tablespoons of milk (make sure that it is slightly warm, not just from the refrigerator), then leave it on the table for about ten minutes, then heat the mixture in the microwave for about fifteen to twenty seconds. Gently spread the warm gelatin mask over the surface of your face and wait about fifteen minutes. During this time, the mask will dry, and you can carefully remove the resulting film. If you can’t remove it completely, just wash it with warm water.
- You can reduce enlarged pores on your face with the help of nuts. How? Almonds need to be thoroughly crushed, brought to a paste using water, applied to the face, wait half an hour and rinse with cool water. Every day, such a simple mask will help your skin shine with health.
Enlarged pores: a few more tips
- In addition to masks and peeling, enlarged pores can be treated in other ways. An ordinary ice cube narrows them well. You can wipe your face with it every day, also making cubes from herbal infusions (chamomile, St. John's wort). To do this, you will need to pour these infusions into special molds and leave them in the freezer. With this simple method, you will see your face become fresh, rested and healthy.
- With the help of homemade masks you can get rid of problems with the epidermis, but if this method does not suit you, then you can use special creams for enlarged pores, tonics, scrubs, lotions. You can find suitable products at the pharmacy.
- Salon procedures can also help in this situation. Cosmetologists perform special microdermabrasion; this procedure helps get rid of enlarged pores on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. You can say that this is exfoliation, only in a professional setting.
- Remember to eat healthy. Be sure to remember to eat fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- If it's too sunny outside or you're going to spend time at the beach – don’t forget about protective cream.
- Use anti-aging cosmetics because when the skin ages, it causes enlarged pores.
So, we told you what to do if you have problems with the epidermis, how to deal with imperfections and take care of yourself. Remember that a healthy lifestyle and caring cosmetics are the right tandem in the fight for beautiful facial skin!
Most often, those with oily skin type face a variety of skin problems. Oily skin can ruin even the most attractive and blooming appearance: pimples, acne, inflammation. Let's look at how to tighten the pores on your face using various means at home.
Rules for caring for pores
You won’t be able to get rid of pores on your face forever, even by visiting beauty salons and doing expensive cleaning procedures. The fact is that natural processes constantly occur on the face, and it is not possible to radically change them. But if you regularly take care of your skin and follow all instructions, you can visually significantly reduce aesthetic problems.
For a productive result you need to follow the rules:
- Always cleanse the skin of cosmetics with foams, milk and other products;
- Wash your face twice a day: before bed and after;
- After using contracting tonics, micellar water or herbal decoctions;
- Cleanse your skin with a scrub 1-2 times a week, in addition to treatment with traditional methods;
- You need to use cosmetics for your skin type, which dries the surface and helps remove oily shine;
- If possible, visit a cosmetologist and dermatologist (once every two months is enough) or make masks at home.
For more information about how and with what products you need to care for your facial pores, you can watch our video.
Video: creams and masks that tighten pores
Tightening products for oily and normal skin
To narrow the pores on the face, astringent masks for problem skin are widely used. In this case, you can remove excess fat from the surface and cleanse the dermis of old particles. For example, a soda scrub for the face works wonders, perfectly removing the top stratum corneum.
#1: Blue, white or black clay mask.
In just half an hour, the skin will become noticeably lighter, and the pores will be less noticeable. It is very important not to leave the clay until it dries completely, especially for girls with sensitive skin. It is necessary to wash off immediately after the first chilling sensations. It helps some girls get rid of oily skin for a long time.
#2: Lemon-protein mass will help narrow and lighten enlarged pores on the face.
Lemon whitens damaged blemishes, and protein has an astringent effect. Proportions: for 1 teaspoon of juice you will need 1 egg white, whipped into foam.
#3: Steaming your face with almond peeling.
Almonds have wonderful healing properties and effectively cleanse sebaceous pores. But this method is absolutely contraindicated for young ladies with inflammation on the face.
#4: Berry whitening masks for normal skin.
Most often, the water or herbal base is replaced with a milk one, and this fruit paste is rubbed over the face with a sponge. Fruits with astringent properties:
- Strawberry;
- Apricot;
- Raspberries;
- Grape;
- Currant.
Strawberry mask
#5: Kaolin.
Mix a tablespoon of fennel oil with a teaspoon of kaolin, add glycerin and mineral water until a thick, dense mixture is formed. Apply the solution to especially noticeable facial pores and leave for 10 minutes (for sensitive skin) or 20 (to reduce oily combination skin).
#6: Linden decoction.
For half a liter of boiling water - 2-3 tablespoons of herbs. Leave for about half an hour. It is necessary to wash your face several times a day, it is advisable to continue the procedure for a long time. This way you can not only narrow pores, but also get rid of blackheads.
#8: Elderberry Constrictor.
These berries were popularly used to disinfect wounds and lighten skin. Boil chamomile, linden blossom and elderberry flowers over low heat, and after boiling, remove after three minutes. Proportions: take a spoonful of each herb for half a liter of boiling water. Mix the warm solution with heated flower honey (not hot, but pleasantly warm) and oatmeal. Add at your discretion, the mass should not be very steep or thick. Put it back on the fire and boil. Cool and apply several layers to the skin. Keep on the dermis for 20 minutes.
Pores before and after masks
#9: Orange zest actively tightens large pores on the face.
We grate the fresh skin of the fruit and mix it with its pulp. We carefully apply this porridge to problem areas. You can use the method to cleanse and whiten pores on the body. After twenty minutes, rinse well. Many cosmetics manufacturers have begun producing foundation creams based on orange extract; this is a very good decorative remedy.
#10: Famous mask with starch.
To prepare the ancient starch remedy, we need two spoons of potato powder, a little flower honey, heated to a pleasant warmth and a couple of spoons of warm milk. Mix all the ingredients and apply the mixture to the dermis. Keep it for no more than half an hour.
#11: Cryomassage with ice cubes.
A very good remedy is to rub pieces of ice over the skin. Particularly effective after steaming and cleaning pores. You can do this morning and evening, or pour cold water over your face in the morning.
#13: Blackhead strips from a napkin with whipped egg white.
Beat part of the egg into foam and apply to problem areas, but not to the entire face (otherwise it will be painful to peel off). We tear pieces of napkins and stick them on the same problem areas. Apply again to the whipped mass on a napkin and wait 15 minutes until everything dries. Then, with sharp movements, we tear the napkins off the face. The procedure may be a little painful if you have sensitive skin. We recommend applying to a small area first.
Napkin with protein
#14: Cooked potatoes.
Enlarged pores can be easily removed with a mixture of premium wheat flour, whipped egg whites and mashed potatoes. The same method will help cleanse mature skin, give it elasticity and get rid of age spots with regular use.
#15: Tomato mask.
We cut the fresh vegetable into slices and put it on the face. Tomatoes not only help to tighten the very visible pores of the face, but also cleanse the pores of old cells and remove toxins.
Tighten pores on dry skin
Thin skin with insufficient secretion of subcutaneous sebum is quite difficult to treat. Most traditional remedies irritate it and increase sensitivity. You can tighten the pores on your face if you have dry skin by using blue clay. Just before applying the mineral base, you need to treat the surface of the dermis with a nourishing cream.
#16: On mature dry skin, rosehip tincture works well to tighten pores.
A few drops of essence are mixed with two tablespoons of a decoction of these berries. Apply to the face as a compress and keep for at least 10 minutes. Apply 2 times a week.
#17: Decoction of burdock root and nettle leaves.
For half a liter of boiling water, the proportions in tablespoons are 1:1. Leave for one day in a dark place at room temperature, and wipe your face with this liquid several times a day. If you are worried about enlarged pores and acne on your back, you can take baths with this decoction; the water should be yellowish in color, but not very concentrated.
A step-by-step process for narrowing pores on the cheeks:
- Steam your face and inhale essential oils;
- Cleanse the skin with tonic or chamomile infusion;
- Apply a mask;
- Nourish the skin with cream;
- Several times a day, wipe the pores on your face with a swab soaked in herbal infusions or fruit juices.
Moreover, an integrated approach also includes a special diet. Every day you need to drink at least two glasses of special herbal tea. His recipe: lavender, coltsfoot, chamomile, sweet clover, rosemary, star anise are mixed in equal quantities and poured with hot water (not boiling water!). Infuse for a day in a cool, dark place. Dilute the resulting brew with warm water to the usual tea concentration and drink. If you really want to tighten the pores on your face, you can add a little sage and thyme.
Due to enlarged pores on the face, the skin looks uneven and rough, but it is impossible to completely get rid of this problem. Let's talk about how to visually narrow and even hide pores, and what products will help with this.
- Reasons for enlarged pores
- Is it possible to narrow pores
- How to tighten pores on your face at home
- Tools Overview
Reasons for enlarged pores
Sometimes the pores on the face are barely noticeable, and sometimes they resemble lunar craters. This happens due to the accumulation of fat and impurities in the ducts of the sebaceous glands, because pores are nothing more than their exit points to the surface of the skin. Toxins and salts are removed through the pores along with sweat, so they cannot be “closed.” But you can keep them clean and, to the best of your ability, fight the factors that provoke their expansion.
Hormonal imbalance. During adolescence and pregnancy, changes in the endocrine system can cause excess sebum production and enlarged pores.
Acne disease. Due to excess androgens, the keratinization process is disrupted, and dead skin flakes clog the pores.
Oily skin type. Unfortunately, increased sebum production is often genetically programmed.
Incorrect care. To prevent sebum from clogging pores, the skin must be cleansed properly and regularly.
Nutrition. A love of spicy and fatty foods, a passion for sweet carbonated drinks and baked goods does not have the best effect on the condition of the skin.
Passion for the sun. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, as a natural protective measure, the stratum corneum thickens, and it becomes more difficult for the pores to free themselves from impurities.
Age. Due to the destruction of collagen and elastin, the skin loses its elasticity, becomes loose, and the pores remain enlarged.
Is it possible to narrow pores
The bad news: once and for all - no. Good news: temporarily and visually - quite. But this problem will require constant attention, some effort and consistent action.
To make pores less noticeable, they need to be cleaned regularly. © iStock
Cleanse your skin properly. And don’t neglect washing your face with a pore-tightening gel, foam or cream.
If the problem is internal, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations. When treating acne, you may need special medications, a certain diet, etc.
Use care products that have the effect of narrowing pores.
Protect yourself from the sun. If the problem has worsened greatly during the holidays, make an appointment with a cosmetologist for a consultation and procedures.
How to tighten pores on your face at home
To make pores less noticeable, you will need a whole beauty arsenal.
Scrubs. The abrasive particles included in them perfectly remove accumulations of fat, dirt and dead cells. The skin becomes smoother, pores become less noticeable.
Creams with hydroxy acids (salicylic, lactic, glycolic).
Contracting masks.
Care products with the effect of narrowing pores.
The latter usually contain:
fruit acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic);
oils with gamma-linoleic acid: black currant, borage, evening primrose (evening primrose);
astringent components: calamus, white willow, birch, beech, witch hazel, laurel, myrtle, sage, eucalyptus, black currant leaves.
Cosmetics that tighten pores
Cleansing
Reduces comedones and pimples, frees the skin from dead cells, tightens pores.
Product name | Components | Effect |
Ultra-cleansing gel with anti-acne brush “Clean skin. Active", Garnier | 2% salicylic acid, complex of plant extracts | |
Pore-tightening cleansing lotion Normaderm, Vichy | thermal water, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin | Removes particles of dirt, sebum, and cosmetics that clog pores. Tightens pores and has a tonic effect. |
Pore tightening lotion Effaclar, La Roche-Posay | thermal water, lipohydroxy acid | Reduces the number of imperfections and evens out the skin. |
Product name | Components | Effect |
Cleansing toner against blackheads and oily shine “CLEAN skin”, Garnier | salicylic acid, zinc | Regulates excess sebum production, minimizes pores, mattifies the skin. |
Serum for mature skin against imperfections Blemish & Age, SkinCeuticals | complex of dioic, salicylic, capryloyl-salicylic, glycolic and citric acids | Cleanses and tightens pores, reduces the number of imperfections, evens out the skin, lightens age spots. |
Corrective care against imperfections 24 hours moisturizing, Normaderm, Vichy | complex of moisturizing components, salicylic acid | Makes pores invisible, eliminates oily shine, prevents imperfections and moisturizes the skin. |
Deep impact masks
Product name | Components | Effect |
Steaming face mask with zinc, Garnier | clay, zinc | Thanks to its steaming effect, it perfectly cleanses and tightens pores. The effect lasts for 7 days. |
Face mask “Magic of clay. Cleansing and Mattifying”, L’Oréal Paris | three types of clay (kaolin, gassoul, montmorillonite), eucalyptus extract | Pulls out impurities from pores, eliminates oily shine, mattifies, improves complexion. |
Cleansing mattifying mask Effaclar, La Roche-Posay | thermal water, two types of mineral clay, selenium | Cleanses pores and helps tighten them. |
Folk remedies
These recipes are great for exfoliating your skin and tightening your pores.
Baking soda scrub
Take 1 tbsp. l. baking soda. Add some water or milk to it to make a paste. Then massage the skin with your fingertips, paying special attention to the areas where blackheads most often form - the wings of the nose, chin, forehead. However, avoid the area around the eyes. Rinse off with warm water. The pores should be cleaned and become almost invisible.
Honey mask with gelatin
Dilute 2 tsp. gelatin with 4 tsp. water and let it brew. Bring to a homogeneous consistency in a water bath, avoiding boiling. Add 2 tsp. liquid honey and 2 tsp. l. glycerin. Wait until it cools, stir and apply to cleansed facial skin in several layers. After 30 min. Rinse off the mask with warm water and apply your usual moisturizer. The pores will become barely noticeable.
Do not forget that honey is a fairly strong allergen. Therefore, we advise you to use it with caution!
Herbal lotion to tighten pores
Take 2 tsp. chamomile, calendula and St. John's wort flowers. Pour a glass of boiling water and let it brew for about an hour. This lotion is a natural remedy for tightening pores. You can also wash your face with it. Don't forget to apply moisturizer after this.
How to tighten pores with salon treatments
There are several suitable procedures; your cosmetologist will advise you on the right one.
Peeling. A special chemical composition is applied to the skin, exfoliating dead cells and tightening pores. A course of 6–8 weekly procedures is required.
Cryotherapy. “Freezing” with liquid nitrogen is what you need to instantly narrow enlarged pores. For a lasting effect, 15–20 sessions are required.
Disincrustation. Exposure to electric current frees the skin from metabolic products. The procedure is performed once every 15 days.
Microdermabrasion. The surface layer of skin is removed with a special microcrystalline attachment. As a rule, up to 10 procedures are required, one per week.
Darsonvalization. This type of electrotherapy accelerates the elimination of toxins and normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands.
Regular visits to a cosmetologist are the key to excellent condition of the pores on your face! © iStock