How to Shrink and Reduce Pores
Pore size is usually a hereditary trait. The pores of your face can't actually be reduced in size, but luckily there are many ways you can make them appear smaller and tighter. These techniques and products are great ways to make your skin look as flawless as if you were born with smaller pores. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keep your skin clean. Excess oil or dirt in your pores can make them appear larger. Wash your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and before you go to bed at night. (Never go to sleep with your makeup on.) Use a face soap specifically designed for your skin type, such as oily or dry. There are quite a few products that you can use that are gentle on your skin but also remove extra dirt, such as Olay Regenerist Pore Scrub or Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser.
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Exfoliate at least once or twice a week. There are special facial scrubs you can purchase that go deeper than usual in getting excess oil and dirt out. Look for a scrub that is not only gentle on your skin but leaves your skin moisturized as well.
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Use a face mask to help tighten the skin. But don't use a face mask more than once a week, because it can make your skin too dry. You can use a store-bought mask, or make your own by whisking together a egg white and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face until it dries and tightens, then rinse off with cool water.
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Use pore strips. Sometimes, the hardest pores to clean are the ones on your nose. Manufacturers such as Biore and Earth Therapeutics make pore strips that you dampen and put across your nose. When you pull the strip off after 10 minutes, you may be amazed at how much dirt see on the strips.
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Apply a pore-minimizing product. Treatments such as Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizer and L'Oreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Skin Re-Smoother claim to not only make your pores look smaller but to keep foundation from getting deep into the pores, helping your face look smoother.
If you decide not to go with a pore-minimizing product, try using an astringent or facial toner. These help shrink pores and should be used before applying makeup. Be careful however, because some toners and astringents are drying and can cause your skin to actually produce more oil to try and compensate.
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See a professional for a cosmetic procedure, such as microdermabrasion or a photofacial treatment. Microdermabrasion can be done in your doctor's office. It works to gradually remove dead surface skin cells, which helps minimize pore and creates a much smoother complexion. A photofacial treatment uses a intense pulse of light to promote new collagen growth. This tightens the skin and may reduce the size of large pores. It might take a few visits over a six-month period, but it can really be worth the time spent.
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References
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