How to Get Rid of Large Facial Pores

Large facial pores are considered a type of acne in that they are usually a result of clogged pores. When pores become filled with dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, they stretch out and become visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, the clogged pores become infected and turn into painful blemishes. A daily cleansing and exfoliating regime will help to keep pores clear and prevent them from becoming enlarged.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pore-refining cleanser
• Facial scrub
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Salicylic acid gel

1. Wash your face daily with a pore-minimizing cleanser like Neutrogena's Pore Refining Facial Cleanser, which contains alpha hydroxy acids that go deep into pores to remove dead skin cells and hardened pockets of oil that cause ordinary pores to stretch and enlarge. This type of cleanser also tightens pores, making them shrink and become less noticeable over time. Wet your face; rub a dime-sized amount of the cleanser all over your face in a circular motion. Rinse off with water. Pat dry.

2. Use a gentle facial scrub like St. Ive's Apricot Scrub about three times per week. This is a facial scrub that contains tiny little beads that buff and smooth rough spots on the skin. Regular use will diminish the size of large facial pores and give skin a smoother, more refined appearance. Use the scrub on dry skin, rubbing it deeply into the areas containing the largest facial pores. Allow the scrub to stay on your skin for about 2 minutes, then rinse off.

3. Use a glycolic acid cleanser--perhaps like the one from Jan Marini Skin Research--about twice a day, in the morning and before bed. This is a type of natural acid that absorbs deep into the skin to clean out dirt and oil, and it tightens pores back to their original size. It must also be applied onto dry skin and left on for at least 3 minutes.

4. Apply a thin layer of salicylic acid gel all over your face every night before bed. Salicylic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that clears out clogged pores, making them smaller and tighter. It also prevents pores from becoming clogged and enlarged when used regularly.

5. Use an oil-free moisturizer on a daily basis to prevent skin from over drying. The above treatments all have the potential to dry out your skin, making it flaky and irritated. Moreover, overly dry skin promotes the production of excess oil which then results in even more clogged and enlarged facial pores. Apply the moisturizer every morning or every night before bed to keep skin hydrated and soft.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a professional facial about once a week or once every two weeks.
• Consult a dermatologist before beginning any new skincare routine. Discontinue use of any of the above products if irritation or rash develops.

Resources

• Neutrogena's Pore-Refining Products
• Jan Marini Skin Research Glycolic Cleansers