Many of us dream of having beautiful skin, but in reality it is often quite difficult… especially when unsightly enlarged pores get involved! Under the skin, there are glands that produce sebum to protect the skin and pores are their exit doors. In themselves, they are not bad since they allow the skin to breathe and reject sebum and perspiration. But sometimes, they become blocked and gain volume… The causes are numerous: heat and sun, poor makeup removal in the evening, unsuitable care, contraception, tobacco and alcohol, dehydration and other factors that we cannot do anything about. age, hormones or genetics. Discover two treatments to add to your arsenal of treatments adapted to your skin type prone to enlarged pores to obtain a finer skin texture. Dry skin, combination skin and oily skin love it!
Daily salt lotion against enlarged pores
Sea salt has many beneficial properties for the skin! It allows to cleanse, exfoliate and firm it. It also allows reduce sebum production and make the skin softer and brighter. This toner will help reduce the appearance of pores and general health for both mature and acne-prone skin.
What you need:
- 5 g of salt
- 5 ml of cider vinegar (with the mother if possible, it’s always better)
- 500 ml of filtered water
- Clean and sterilized airtight bottle (with spray or not)
The steps:
1) In a container, mix all the ingredients making sure the salt is well incorporated.
2) Transfer your preparation into your bottle.
3) Shake it before each use and apply it every evening before going to bed. If you opt for a normal bottle, use a cotton pad to help you and if you take a spray, spray it directly on the skin, avoiding the eyes.
Bonus: you can also use this spray to texturize hair! Spray it on damp hair and scrunch it.
The clay mask to minimize enlarged pores
Doing a mask regularly gives the skin a nice little boost of cleansing and a concentrate of active ingredients to treat it. Here, with two simple ingredients, you can minimize the appearance of pores and “purge” them while gently detoxifying and purifying the skin.
What you need:
The steps:
1) In a plastic or wooden container (never metal with clay, not even the spoon to stir), mix your ingredients.
2) If the texture does not seem ideal to you, you can add more of one ingredient or the other to obtain a thick, soft and homogeneous dough.
3) Apply to the skin and leave for approximately 15 minutes. You can re-moisten it with a spray if it hardens too quickly.
4) Rinse the mask. Use a soft wipe if you have one.
5) Repeat once a week on dry skin or sensitive and reactive skin. Otherwise you can go up to two to three applications per week on combination skin, oily skin and/or acne-prone skin.
On our site, also discover other natural solutions against enlarged pores to add to your skincare routine, as well as masks to tighten the skin’s texture.
How to avoid and prevent enlarged pores?
To avoid and prevent enlarged pores, it is essential to adopt a suitable skin care routine and follow some practical tips. First of all, carry out regular cleaning. To do this, clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores and make them more visible. Also exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle grain-free exfoliant to remove dead cells and promote cell renewal. Chemical exfoliants containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA), for example, can be particularly effective.
Additionally, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin well hydrated without clogging pores. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to produce excess oil. Good sun protection is also a plus. So apply daily a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays, which can damage collagen and elastin fibers, contributing to the enlargement of pores. And if that’s not enough, also include products containing retinoids or niacinamide in your skincare routine. Indeed, retinoids increase cell turnover and reduce pore size, while niacinamide helps regulate sebum production.
A way of life to zap enlarged pores and display a radiant complexion!
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial to maintaining healthy skin and preventing enlarged pores. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins provides essential vitamins and minerals for skin health. The antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables also help fight free radicals that can damage the skin and enlarge pores. What’s more, hydrate yourself by drinking enough water every day to maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which can reduce excessive sebum production. And above all, avoid tobacco and alcoholbecause they dehydrate the skin and can make pore problems worse.
Moreover, exercise regularly to improve blood circulation, which helps nourish skin cells and eliminate toxins. Finally, make sure you get plenty of sleep, as quality sleep allows the skin to regenerate and repair itself, contributing to a healthier appearance and less visible pores.
Important: for more personalized advice, consult a dermatologist. In particular, he or she may be able to offer you professional treatments, such as chemical peels or laser therapies, which can help tighten pores and improve the appearance of the skin.