Large Pores on Cheeks
The Best Pore-Minimizing Tips and Tricks
It seems that the older we get, the bigger our pores become.
Large pores are seen in those with oily or combination skin but can also be problematic for mature skin.
The leading cause of pores enlarging is aging. However, big pore size is genetic. The sebaceous glands regulate oil production.
Yes, dirt and debris can clog our pores and cause them to expand.
When Do Pores Get Bigger?
As we age, our natural ability to slough off skin cells slows down.
As a result, big pores appear on our noses and cheeks.
They just do not slough away as fast as they used to. So when we get older, our skin cannot function as it did in our younger years.
In our teen years, our cells are regenerated every 28 days. But, by the time you turn 30, the rate decreases significantly. The good news is that pores that look larger can look smaller too! With a few simple tricks at home, you can restore the look of a bright, healthy complexion.
Large pores are a widespread occurrence, especially with mature skin. Over time, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows. As a result, our face no longer exfoliates dead skin cells as it did when we were younger.
Dead Skin Cells Clog Pores
What ends up happening is that dead skin cells build up on our skin, clogging our pores and creating a dull appearance. Most of us do the occasional exfoliation, but you must exfoliate consistently to keep your pores clean. Every week is good, but 2-3 times a week is best with a mild exfoliant if your skin can tolerate it.
If you are using harsher treatments, such as microcurrent, it needs to be done in a series of six treatments and then upkeep every 6-12 months.
If you have a lot of dead skin cell build-up, especially those with oily and acne-prone skin, we recommend doing a few microdermabrasion treatments.
Overactive oil glands in the skin can also cause enlarged pores. Too much oil clogs the pore, and they are unable to close. Again, keeping the pores clean helps to minimize the look of open and large pores. Below are some helpful recipes to close large pores.
Minimize Pores with a Toner
Using a toner helps to keep pores clean. You can use astringents. Just make sure they are not abrasive or harsh. Toners and astringents contain unique ingredients to close pores and help shrink them. For example, our Pore Minimizing Toner uses Disapore 20 and Lemongrass to tighten and minimize large pores.
Facial Steam Opens Pores
Minimize large pores on the face with steam. The steam opens up pores so that you can clean them more efficiently. Boil water on the stove and remove it from the burner. Add six drops of essential oils suitable for the skin, like Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemon, Cedarwood, Egyptian Myrrh, or Oregano.
We suggest a blend of 2 drops of each of the following essential oils:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Eucalyptus
Place a towel over your head to capture the steam. Continue for approximately 5 minutes. Then, splash cold water on your face to close your pores.
Shrink Pores with Cold Water or Ice Cubes
Anything cold helps to shrink inflamed areas or skin. Splash your face with cold water or apply an ice cube wrapped in a towel to the areas needed.
Apply a Mask
Mix Buttermilk and salt until it is a creamy mixture. Apply a thin layer to the skin and sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Next, use a hot cloth and wrap your face. Remove the towel and splash cold water on your face once the towel has cooled.
Look for products with exfoliating ingredients:
- Lemon or lemongrass
- Enzymes
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Manual microdermabrasion with jojoba beads or aluminum crystals
Did you know pores are hair follicles?
An average adult has approximately 5 million hairs on their body. So, if you are concerned about the large pores you might have on your face, take heart that more than 4.9 million of your pores are nice and tight.
There is only a relatively small number that is causing you grief. However, large pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes can pose a significant problem for anyone wanting to look their best.
These annoying minor issues get in the way of healthy, beautiful skin and contribute to premature aging.
Enlarged pores on your face, especially in the nose, chin, and cheeks, are unsightly when clogged with oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. And although it is practically impossible to get rid of large pores permanently, a proper skincare routine can unclog, clean, and shrink the pores.
Some Tips Before You Start:
- Ensure your hands are clean before touching your face since your fingertips contain oils that might clog your pores.
- Have everything ready before you begin your skincare regime.
- Avoid doing everything at once.
- Ensure your products aren't expired (we often forget to check the expiration date).
- If anything irritates your skin, stop immediately.
- Never over-steam your pores.
8 Easy Ways you can Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores on Your Face
1) Wash Your Face Every Day
Pores on your face enlarge only when they become clogged with oil, dirt, and bacteria, resulting in inflammation. Washing your face with mild soap morning and night can help keep your facial pores small.
2) Steaming Treatment for Pores on Your Nose
Steam treatments are perfect for unclogging the pores on your nose. All you need is a heatproof bowl and boiling water. Fill the container with water, and add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. To steam your face correctly, drape a large towel over your head and lean over the container/bowl.
Let the steam penetrate your skin for about ten minutes. Then, take an ice cube and gently rub it on your face, especially on your nose and the areas around it, for two to three minutes. It will close the pores that were opened and cleared by steaming. Do a steaming treatment once a week.
3) Baking Soda Paste
The majority of renowned makeup artists worldwide swear by baking soda since it helps minimize the size of pores while fighting acne and spots simultaneously.
Note: Use it cautiously if you have sensitive skin since it might irritate you.
Mix equal parts of warm water and baking soda. Preferably two tablespoons each. You will form a smooth paste. Massage the mixture into your pores gently using a circular motion for about a minute. Then, rinse off your face with lukewarm water. Use it as a part of your everyday face-washing routine for five to seven days.
Reduce baking soda usage to three to five times a week after ten days.
4) Yogurt Mask for Pores on Your Cheeks
Plain yogurt contains probiotics and lactic acid, which keep the harmful bacteria in check, decreasing acne and pore size when used on the skin. Take a couple of tablespoons of plain yogurt, and apply a thin layer over your face for five to ten minutes. Please do not keep it for longer than 10 minutes since it might irritate your skin. Use the mask once a week for the best results.
5) Lemon and Pineapple Juice
Take a washcloth and soak it in a mixture of lemon and pineapple juices. Place it over your face for a minute, and rinse your skin with cold water. Pineapple and lemon juice contain natural enzymes that are known for skin tightening. In addition, it cleans and brightens your skin. Lemon juice, in particular, can shrink your large pores.
6) Crushed Mint Leaves and Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an organic astringent that can help minimize pores to create smooth, healthy skin. In addition, it has certain anti-fungal and antiseptic qualities that help deep clean and protects your skin, resulting in bright, beautiful skin with a healthy complexion and fewer breakouts.
Mix two tablespoons of crushed fresh mint leaves and apple cider vinegar in a small bottle. Let the mixture sit for about a week, and strain the mint. Add one cup of filtered water into the mix, and use it as a regular toner, preferably before sleeping.
7) Use AHA's and BHA's
Alpha and beta acids are excellent ways to exfoliate. They can weaken the binding properties of lipids that keep dead skin cells. Thus, sloughing off the outer layer of skin will reveal a fresher complexion. Beta Hydroxy Acids (i.e., Salicylic) are better than Alpha Hydroxy Acids (i.e., Glycolic) at penetrating pores since they are lipid-soluble.
BHA's are excellent for those with problematic complexions. They can easily cut through the sebum and oil in your pores—AHAs help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. You only need to do a chemical peel every 4 to 6 weeks.
8) Use Clay Masks
The benefits of clay masks are endless! First, the clay draws out excess oil and moisture from your skin. Second, a mask can momentarily give your face a pleasant, tightening feeling and polished texture. Finally, pores in areas like your nose, cheeks, and chin will appear smaller.
Clay masks are also famous for their detoxifying properties. There are countless facial mask products available that you can use at home. Always opt for the ones that are entirely or, at least, partially natural. Moreover, check whether the mask you are considering matches your skin tolerance.
Clay masks are typically two clays, Kaolin (green) and Bentonite (grey). When added to a facial, they are excellent for refining the texture and tone of your complexion. Although these masks are ideal for sensitive skin, they might cause irritation and dryness if used too frequently.
Finally, it would be best to eat a balanced diet-- rich in whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoid caffeine-laden, sugary drinks as much as possible. In addition, drink plenty of water. Try to ingest Vitamins A, B, and C regularly.
Vitamins A and C are essential for healthy skin, as they minimize pore size, scars, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Oranges and other citrus fruits are best because they help rebuild collagen, increase skin elasticity, and decrease pore walls.
At Skin Perfection, we know that nearly everyone will have this issue at some point in their lives, and we hope that the tips in this article will help you successfully reduce the appearance of large pores on your face!