One important fact that you have to understand with pores is that you cannot shrink them permanently, but you can minimize their appearance. Consequently, it will give you a cleaner and more youthful look. Thankfully, there is a range of solutions that you can choose from, which you also have to stick on to for it to be effective. Here are top ten effective picks that will suit both the frugal and those who may have more to spare.

1.    Cleanse your skin properly

Your skin is prone to a number of external attacks that can just cause the pores to increase in size. One of the common problems that people have is oil oxidation. This is a process where the oil present in the pores goes into a reaction when they come in contact with the air causing it to darken, hence blackheads. This is why you have to cleanse your skin properly and regularly,
 Rx For Brown Skin Gentle Cleanser

Also, choosing the right cleanser is just as important. To avoid the formation of blackheads, reduce oil production, and prevent inflammation, a cleanser that contains the antioxidant NDGA or nordihydoguaiaretic acid is advisable.

A cleanser that contains salycilic acid (beta hydroxy acid), gylcolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can remove dirt and oil more effectively, keeping the pores clean and clear. In addition to that, it stimulates cell turnover creating a more youthful skin over time.

2.    Protection

Getting clean pores is not all about ridding it of dirt and grime, but it also has something to do about protecting it. This is where a sunscreen is important. Too much sun exposure can increase pore size because it damages the collagen layers and elastic tissue. But, skin protection is all the more important especially when you use pore minimizing products that contain AHA's and beta hydroxy acids. These make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, therefore, protect it well with a broad spectrum sunscreen.

3.    Natural pore minimizing recipes

Aside from commercial products, you can also whip up a pore minimizing recipe in your kitchen. Not only will this be safer because it is natural, but it is also economical. Here are some tried and proven recipes:
             
           ●     Cucumber juice

Image Source: wikihow.com

Cucumber contains a lot of skin health benefits, and it is also reliable in minimizing pores. Drinking it will effectively remove toxins from your body, which can also result to tighter pores. But in addition to that, you can also use cucumber as a mask by mixing its juice with a little salt. You apply it all over your face and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives enough time for the purifying action to take place.
       
          ●     Oatmeal mask

Oatmeal, when used as a mask, is also a very good in removing impurities lodged inside the pores. You just need 5 tablespoons of honey added to two tablesspoons of oatmeal and two tablespoons of milk powder. Mix them well together and massage it on your face in a circular motion. Do this for a couple of minutes, then wash thoroughly. You can do this at least two times a week to create a clearer complexion and finer pores.

         ●     Tomato juice

Aside from being loaded with antioxidants, it can also shrink pore size. Simply apply it on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Do this thrice a week and you can definitely see the difference.

4.    Avoid astringents

Astringents may have to be used with caution if you want to minimize pore size, since there are a lot out there that contain harsh formulations. This is where the irony of the skin comes in, since the drying action of harsh astringents will only stimulate oil glands to produce more on the skin. You don’t need to stimulate more oil production but instead control it to lessen pore size. To avoid this reaction, you can replace astringents with something that has a more gentle action, such as witch hazel.

5.    Exfoliate

An important step to a refined complexion is exfoliation. This is a step above regular cleansing since its action reaches deeper. This means that any impurities are extensively removed, thus minimizing pore size. You don't have to do it daily. Two or three times a week would suffice, just as long as you do it on a regular basis. Sea salt or sugar has long been regarded as safe and effective natural exfoliants. Doing this will give you the results you are looking for.

6.    Invest in a toner

Molton Brown UK Toner for Dry Skin

You might think that a toner is simply used for to even out the skin color, but it can also improve pore size. Toners are formulated to remove any dead skin, dirt and oil on the skin surface, and this action can also cleanse the pores in the process.

7.    Moisturize

When you expose your skin to such conditions like excessive heat or harsh astringents, you only destroy collagen, elastin and ultimately dry up the skin. This causes the tissues underneath to shrink pulling the edges of the pores, creating a larger appearance. That is why maintaining skin moisture is important so that the skin does not get dry. Choose a good moisturizer for this purpose, and remember to steer clear from those that are too oily.

8.    Prescription products

Dermatologists can also prescribe retinoid creams like Retin-A, Tazarac or Differin. These products can help remove oil and dirt buildup on the skin and in the pores. These products can also act on the effects of photoaging, which also contributes to increased pore size. Products that contain retinol also has pore minimizing action by increasing cell turnover which unclogs pores. But, you must know that once you stop taking these products, your pores will enlarge again.

9.    Makeup

If you want to get immediate effect albeit temporary, you can always use makeup. You just have to use it the right way to create that smooth and flawless appearance. For example in application, it is advised that you use a downward motion instead of an upward direction because the latter will only cause makeup to be trapped in your pores making them more noticeable. Using an oil-based moisturizer can also create the same effect, therefore ditch this for a more lightweight foundation like a tinted moisturizer.

10.  Pore minimizing procedures

You can also go for lasers, light treatments and peels to minimize pore size. The good thing about these is that not only are the actions limited on the surface of the skin but on the deeper layers as well. They can be more costly, but the results can be seen much faster and are definitely worth it. The instruments used are also programmed to deliver safe and uniformed results. These include treatments like:

            ●     Fraxel
            ●     LED treatment
            ●     IPL
            ●     Isolaz Deep Pore Therapy
            ●     Mosaic Laser

If you are interested in learning more about treating enlarged pores with the use of such pore minimizing procedures, call The Hair and Laser Clinic today. We can give you a more detailed and honest explanation of how this can help you achieve a cleaner, clearer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.