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Top 20 Ways to Shrink Pores and Get Beautifully Clear Skin
Photo credit: flickr.com
Although we must have skin pores in able to sweat, remove toxins, and allow oil and sweat to coat our skin, but no one wants to have large, open pores, especially on our face. If you have oily skin or mixed skin types (such as dry on your cheeks but oily around your nose and forehead), then chances are that you will also have larger than normal pores.
Although you can’t change the type of skin you have, there are natural ways to help shrink and minimize the appearance of pores. Don’t try these one right after the other, day after day, or you will only end up with super irritated skin. Start with whichever remedy sounds like it might work for you and give it try for a week or two before moving on to another remedy. One of these will work for you and your skin type.
Just a few tips to help you in your efforts to shrink pores:
- Don’t pick at your face and touch it as little as possible. You will only spread bacteria and add more oil and dirt from your hands.
- Never go to bed with makeup on.
- Don’t consume fried foods, as this causes your face to make more oil.
- Always rinse your face with cold water.
- Wash your hands before touching your face or preparing any of the remedies.
- Use good quality ingredients so your skin can receive maximum nourishment.
- Have all your ingredients ready so you aren’t rushed and can do the treatment properly.
Keep reading for the top 20 ways you can shrink your pores and have a flawless, beautiful complexion.
1. Aloe Vera
The gel from aloe vera plants is not only great at helping skin to heal itself faster, it can actually help seal facial pores. Take some of the fresh, clear gel from aloe vera leaves and rub it into your skin for three to five minutes. Then allow it to dry completely. Rinse off with cool water.
2. Ice
This is a simple way to tighten the skin and shrink the pores. It’s invigorating and will instantly improve your skin’s appearance. Simply rub ice over your skin for 20 to 30 seconds. You can keep things neat by wrapping the bottom of the ice cube in a clean washcloth. Do this at least twice daily. You can also wash your face using ice water. Simply put some ice in a sink full of water.
3. Chamomile and Tomato
This sounds like a strange combination, but it really works. Chamomile will calm the skin and encourage pores to return to normal, while the acid in the tomato will help to exfoliate and brighten your skin. Mix equal parts of tomato pulp and chamomile powder. Apply this on your enlarged pores and allow it to sit there for a few minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
4. Yogurt Mask
Plain, natural yogurt (no added sugars or fruits) contains lactic bacteria and probiotics, which will help to keep the bad bacteria that causes acne from forming. This is also a great cleanser that will reduce pores and remove impurities and dirt in the pores. Stir a container of plain, natural yogurt and apply a thin layer to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Do this once or twice each week for best results.
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5. Witch Hazel
This herb is a natural astringent that minimizes pores but does not over-dry your skin. Witch hazel will remove excess oil, bacteria, dirt, and other impurities. Saturate a cotton ball with witch hazel and rub it over your face. Allow it to dry completely, then wash off gently, rinsing with cold water.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a wonderfully natural cleanser that will not only remove dirt from deep within your pores, but it will also balance the pH of your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to choose another remedy, or try it on a small area first. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of warm water and mix until it forms a paste. Apply this to your face in a circular motion, gently massaging it into your skin. Allow to sit for 1 minute, and then rinse with cold water. Use every day for the first week, and then reduce it to 3 times per week.
7. Milk of Magnesia
This might sound like a strange remedy, but it’s been proven to be quite effective. Milk of Magnesia is nothing more than magnesium hydroxide. Apply a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia to your face and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. First wash off with lukewarm water, then rinse again with cold water to help seal those pores closed.
8. Egg Whites and Lemon Juice Facial
Another old but very effective remedy to tighten the skin and draw out excess oil is to use egg whites as a facial. Whisk together 2 egg whites and then add the juice from half a lemon. Mix well and then apply this mixture to your face. Allow it to sit until it dries completely. Rinse off with cold water. Do this three times per week for best results.
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9. Butter and Salt Scrub
This mask will first open the pores to remove dirt and oil, and then it reduces their size and seals them. Mix a couple tablespoons of butter with a tablespoon of salt to make a paste. Apply this to your face and rub gently. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, and then wash off with cold water.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar will naturally balance the pH of the skin, as well as kill the bacteria that tends to cause acne breakouts. Always dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it to your skin. Mix one part of apple cider vinegar and one part water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and rub it over your face. Allow it to sit for two or three minutes, and then rinse off with cold water. Apply a moisturizer afterwards so it doesn’t dry out your skin too much. Use this remedy once per day, usually before bedtime is best. read more about apple cider vinegar uses.
11. Oatmeal Mask
Oatmeal is a wonderfully moisturizing food and tomato is a natural astringent the removes excess oil and shrinks pores. Together, they make a powerful pore shrinking, face cleaning combination. Mix one part oatmeal with one part tomato pulp and mash them together well. Apply it to the face and allow sitting for 30 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
12. Cucumber Juice
Have you ever wondered why cucumber is in so many face and body products? Because it’s a natural astringent, refreshes the skin, gives it a beautifully healthy glow, while shrinking open pores. Juice one fresh cucumber and apply the juice to your face with a clean cotton ball. Allow it to work its magic for 15 minutes, the rinse off with cold water.
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13. Sandalwood/Turmeric Mask
Mix one tablespoon each of turmeric powder and sandalwood along with three or four drops of sweet almond oil. Make a paste and rub this gently over your face and neck area. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse your face with cold water. This mask will revitalize your skin, give it a really beautiful glow, and minimize those open pores.
14. Clay Mask
This naturally occurring substance from Mother Earth is perfect for absorbing purities and excess oil. You can use either green clay, white clay, or bentonite clay. Simply mix two tablespoons of whichever clay you prefer with just enough water (or rose water if you have it) to make a smooth mask. Apply it to your face and allow drying for about 20 minutes. Gently rub off the clay using cool water. Use this twice per week for best results.
15. Rose Water/Cucumber
Mix three or four drops of rose water in some freshly squeezed cucumber juice and apply to your face with a clean cotton ball. Rinse with cool water after 15 minutes. This will minimize those larger pores while the silica in cucumber juice will improve overall skin texture.
16. Lemon Sugar Scrub
Mix two tablespoons of sugar and the juice of half a lemon. Apply to your face and gently massage it in for about 30 seconds. Rinse off with cool water. Use this scrub twice a week. Don’t scrub too hard or you will irritate your skin. This is a great scrub for brightening your complexion, lightening dark spots, removing excess oil and dirt, as well as shrinking your pores.
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Photo credit: bigstock.com
17. Steam Facial
Wash your face with a mild cleanser, then steam your pores open by putting your face over a pot of very hot water. Be careful not to burn your face. After about 5 minutes, rinse your face with cold water immediately afterwards.
18. Honey
This sounds like a sticky problem, but raw, organic honey is one of the best washes you can use for your skin. It is antibacterial and has super healing compounds when it comes to your skin. Mix some raw, organic honey and plain, unsweetened yogurt and apply it to your face. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, and then rinse off with cool water. Do these three or four times each week for best results. Find out how to make a natural toner for oily skin with honey.
19. Almond Scrub
Almonds contain skin restorative compounds that will make your skin beautifully smooth and clear. Get 5 or 6 unsalted almonds and crush them well. Add a few drops of lemon juice, and then grind this mixture to make a paste. You can add a few more drops of lemon juice if you need to in order to make a smooth paste. Apply to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
SEE ALSO: 6 Super Quick and Super Easy DIY Personal Care Products
20. Fuller’s Earth
Mix two tablespoons of fuller’s earth with one tablespoon each of whole milk and honey. (Don’t use nut milk here, use whole cow’s milk.) Combine all ingredients well, and then apply to your face. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water. This will nourish your sin and shrink open pores.
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