How To Reduce Facial Pores
Many people would like to reduce facial pores, considering them unsightly, as well as being collection points for oil and dirt, leading to various complexion problems. Unfortunately, large pores are something we are born with or are inherited, although we may not notice them until reaching the late teens or adulthood.
It is possible to reduce facial pores or give the appearance of them having been reduced. Microdermabrasion is one technique, as is the use of laser technology. Both approaches involve what can be a considerable expense, although both are usually quite effective. There are other methods however that can be done at home, for the most part involving either cleansing, scrubbing, the use of special creams or ointments, or typically, all three.
Causes Of Large Facial Pores - Not all facial pores are the result of genetics. Some come with age and some come about as oil and dead skin cells are trapped in the pores, causing them to enlarge. Acne is often a cause of enlarged pores, and keeping acne under control or preventing it to the greatest extend possible will tend to keep the number of large pores to a minimum. This of course means that some large pores can be prevented, and others, which are not large due to genetics, can sometimes be reduced in size.
Very often we use harsh chemicals or cosmetics to deal with acne or other skin conditions. While such chemicals may have a cleansing effect, and may even reduce the size of the pores as the skin becomes tighter, any reduction achieved is at best temporary. Furthermore, harsh chemicals or astringents, in drying the skin can encourage greater production from the oil glands, setting the stage for large pores to appear once again.
Wearing makeup can also contribute to the problem, as makeup tends to clog the pores, and clogged pores tend to expand. One doesn't necessarily have to stop wearing makeup, but should attempt to use it as little as possible, not apply it too heavily, and wash it off when not in public.
Exfoliate - The process of exfoliation can also significantly help reduce facial pores. Under normal circumstances, the dead skin cells, which make up the outer layer of skin, continuously rub or flake off. On occasion however they may either accumulate or find their way into the pores where, when combined with oil, make an effective and expanding plug. Exfoliating the skin on a 3 times a week basis (for very oily skin), by using a gentle face scrub, removes the top layer of dead cells and keeps them from accumulating. If you have very sensitive skin, a weekly scrub may be all your face will be able to handle, but even a weekly scrub will be a great help in your efforts to reduce facial pores.
Face mask Or Toners – A Tightening face mask us another approach. Tightening and toning the skin helps keep pores from becoming larger in size and will shrink them as well, though the shrinking is temporary. Skin toner or toning creams can also help, though it should be mentioned again that any toner containing a harsh astringent may cause an excessive production of oil. Sometimes it's hard to have it both ways.
Herbal Face Steam - If you want to soothe your skin, while treating it, an herbal face steam may be to your liking. Sage and rosemary seem to work as well as any herb, or one can add a few drops of an essential oil to the water. You follow the procedure the same way as you used to inhale steam to clear up congestion when you were a kid, by draping a towel over your head and letting the steam come into contact with your face. If it's an herbal steam, inhaling some of it isn't going to hurt you any either.
There are other home remedies as well. The secret to success however, is once you've found something that helps, stick with it, keeping your face well cleansed at all times in the process.