How to Make Pores Smaller and Remove Blackheads
Large pores and blackheads, also called open comedones, can make skin appear rough and dull. Blackheads occur when your skin's pores become clogged by dead skin cells and oil, which causes them to appear large and dark. While pore size itself is largely determined by genetics, it is fairly easy to remove blackheads and oil buildup, both of which can make pores look larger than they really are. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Comedone extractor or blackhead removal strips
- Cleanser with salicylic acid
- Oil-free moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Instructions
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Minimize Pores
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1
Wash your face every night with a cleanser containing salicylic acid. This ingredient dissolves dirt and oil buildup that can cause blackheads and make pores appear large. Remove all traces of makeup from your face to keep your pores clear.
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2
Exfoliate your skin regularly. For physical exfoliation, use a gentle facial scrub to remove accumulation of dead skin cells that can make your pores appear large and dull. For chemical exfoliation, use a gentle at-home facial peel with alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, twice a week. Avoid both chemical and physical exfoliation simultaneously as the combination can irritate your skin.
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3
Apply facial cream containing retinol, a form of vitamin A that increases cellular turnover and makes your skin appear smoother. Retinol provides a gradual exfoliation and should not be used in combination with other chemicals that exfoliate.
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4
Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to your skin to keep pores smooth and hydrated. Avoid heavy moisturizers, which can make oily, clogged pores appear even bigger.
Remove Blackheads
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5
Wash your face thoroughly in lukewarm water. Remove any creams and makeup so that your face is as clean and fresh as possible.
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6
Steam your face over a bowl of hot water for several minutes. This will open and loosen your pores, which will make removing your blackheads easier.
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7
Remove blackheads with a comedone extractor. If your skin is very sensitive, or if you are unsure whether you can remove your blackheads safely, apply blackhead removal strips to oily, clogged areas.
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8
Rinse your face in cool water after removing your blackheads. Cool water helps to temporarily seal pores.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply sunscreen to your face and body regularly. Skin damage caused by the sun's rays can cause your skin to appear rougher and can make your pores larger over time.
Ask your dermatologist about microdermabrasion treatments or deep chemical peels to provide a thorough, more permanent option for exfoliation.
Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water to make your skin healthy, youthful and smooth.
Never attempt to remove blackheads if the blemishes appear swollen or infected. This can cause permanent scarring.
Avoid sun exposure as much as possible when using retinol and other chemical exfoliants as they increase sun sensitivity. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to your skin when using these products.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
