How to Shrink Pores

Skin pores are essential as they help to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and soft by secreting natural oil. However, if your pores get dilated, they can be reasons for concern. Dilated pores secrete more oil making your face appear pretty oily. Oily skin can get clogged with dirt and thus lead to bacterial infections that may cause pimples and acne. Facial pores may get enlarged either due to age or due to genetic factors. If you have thick and oily skin, it is usual to have large pores. Many people also develop enlarged skin pores with age. This is because the skin loses its elasticity with time as it gets damaged by harmful UV sunrays, pollution etc. If you have blackheads, this may also lead to enlarged facial pores. Blackhead affected pores get clogged with dirt and bacterial infection and the secreted oil gets trapped in it leaving the skin dry. As a natural response, the pores get dilated to secrete more oil to keep the skin hydrated. Although you cannot permanently shrink these pores, there are many home remedies available that can reduce the pore size and make it less noticeable. If you too are concerned about your enlarged skin pores and are looking for ways to shrink them, then here are some handy tips to your aid.

• Always wash your face and keep the pores clean, especially if you have oily skin.
• Exfoliation is often helpful in minimizing the pores. Use any good facial scrub and gently massage your skin with it to unclog the skin pores.
• If you have serious problems, you may seek the help of a dermatologist or opt for ‘microdermabrasion treatment’. Microdermabrasion involves gently scrubbing away the dead cells of your skin, thus revealing soft supple skin beneath.
• Tomato pulp is said to be a natural solution for facial pores. Mash the tomato and apply the pulp on the affected area. Leave the tomato pulp for 10-15 minutes and then rinse your face with cold water for relief.
• Clay is another natural solution for enlarged facial pores. Clay absorbs excess oils and helps the pores to shrink. Clean your face with a gentle face wash and then apply a clay mask. Leave it for 5 minutes or until the mask dries completely. Rinse off with water.
• Take 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix it with 1tablespoon of water and apply the mixture to your face with cotton balls. Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash off with cold water.
• Baking soda is also very useful to shrink skin pores. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with little water to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste to your face and allow it to dry. Rinse off with plain water. Not only will it reduce your facial pores, but it will also give you a fresh and rejuvenated feeling.
• Prepare your natural face mask by mixing one egg white with half teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir  well and then apply the mix over your skin. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. You can instantly feel the difference.
• Alcohol free skin toners are also of great help to shrink pores. Soak a cotton ball in a skin tonner and gently  rub your face with it in a circular motion. You can also prepare a toner at home by mixing butter with salt together. Apply the mixture daily before going to bed. You will notice the difference it does to your face pretty soon.