How to Keep Pores From Enlarging

Having large pores diminishes the smooth, clear appearance of your skin. Pores are small areas where special glands release oil onto your skin's surface, maintaining skin moisture and protecting it from damage. Pores become larger when your skin becomes less elastic, oil builds up on your skin, or pores become infected and clogged with skin cells. Although genetic factors play a large role in the size of your pores, taking certain precautions and exercising good skin care techniques prevents your pores from enlarging.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Facial cleanser
• Pore-minimizing moisturizer
• Non-comedogenic makeup
• Makeup remover
• Facial exfoliant
• Home microdermabrasion kit
• Large bowl
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the size of your pores in a mirror. Look for larger pores in the T-zone area of your forehead, nose and chin.

• 2

  Use a facial cleanser every morning and evening to prevent oil accumulation on your skin. Look for a cleansing product that contains benzoyl peroxide, nordihydraguaiaretic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid to reduce oil production.

• 3

  Apply a pore-minimizing moisturizer with vitamins and retinol to your face every day. Gently rub the moisturizer into your skin after cleansing to reduce pore size.

• 4

  Use non-comedogenic makeup to prevent your pores from becoming clogged. Remove the makeup with a mild makeup remover every evening before you go to bed.

• 5

  Exfoliate your skin using a mild facial exfoliant or home microdermabrasion kit. Gently exfoliate your skin during these treatments without causing redness or pain, which are signs that you are scrubbing too hard. Limit your exfoliation treatments to two per week to prevent skin damage.

• 6

  Steam your face once weekly to open and unclog your pores. Prepare a large bowl full of very hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head to allow the steam to pass over your face. Remain with your head in the steam for three to five minutes. Pat your face dry with a clean washcloth.

• 7

  Reduce your sun exposure by wearing sunscreen every day. Sunlight damages your skin and reduces its elasticity, causing pores to become larger. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light clothing to cover your skin, preventing further sun damage.