Pores: those pesky holes on the skin that can take away from a #flawless appearance. It seems there are hundreds of “pore minimizing” products on the market these days. But, did you know there are also some natural ways to shrink pores? Let’s explore.

What are Pores? 

Pores create a lot of things, from sweat to pimples and blackheads. But, when we talk about reducing the size of pores, we’re talking about the sebaceous glands and not the sweat glands. 

The skin pores (aka sebaceous glands) are responsible for making sebum, which helps moisturize skin and keep it smooth and supple. There are several factors that go into pores appearing large.

What Causes Pores to Enlarge? 

Many factors, from race to age and overall health play a role in the size of our pores.

Race

Studies show that Chinese and Japanese women have much lower pore density (about 5-8 times less pore density than other ethnic groups).

Indian and Brazilian women have the most noticeable pores, according to studies. Caucasian women are slightly behind Indian women, and Asian women by far have the least noticeable pores.

Age

There’s a common misconception that pores get bigger as we age. Though pore density can vary with age, these differences are usually insignificant. Ethnicity and genetics play a much more prominent role in pore size than age does. But, skin damage can make pores more visible, and skin damage does increase with age. A 2017 study found that while women’s pores don’t grow in size or number as they age, the shape of the pores changes from round to oval.

Hormone Imbalances

Hormones control a wide range of bodily functions, including fertility, growth, and skin changes. As we get older and our estrogen decreases, we experience more skin damage and thinning because as the epidermal layer gets thinner, dead skin cells stick around longer. Hormone imbalances affect women of all ages and can contribute to early signs of aging, acne, and other skin issues that make pores easier to notice.

Another hormone, IGF-1, is vital for a healthy body. But, like most things in life, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Too much IGF-1 has been linked to a higher risk of cancer, shorter lifespan, and other serious complications, including pores. A 2010 study found that too much IGF-1 can cause facial pores to appear more noticeable.

How to Shrink Pores Naturally

Now let’s talk about ways to diminish the appearance of facial pores naturally by following these steps:

• Clear out your pores
• Boost collagen, elastin, and cell turnover.
• Improve your skin from the inside out with a healthy diet and balancing hormones 

The following remedies can help you achieve the above-mentioned keys to unlocking smooth skin and keep pores at bay. 

Detox Your Pores with a Mask

As our pores become clogged with gunk, they appear larger. Our skin plays a key role in eliminating toxins, so it’s vital to keep pores clear and open. Buy or make a homemade mask that contains bentonite clay, rhassoul clay, or charcoal to pull impurities from your skin. 

Egg White Face Mask

Did you know that proteins found in egg whites can help tighten and plump the skin to reduce the appearance of pores? Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Whisk one egg white until it’s smooth.
• Apply the foamy egg white to your face, and let it soak in for about 15 minutes.
• Gently wash the egg white off your face.

Papaya Face Mask

Papaya contains papain, a naturally occurring enzyme that is great for the skin. It helps exfoliate dead skin, repair skin and reduces wrinkles. To make your papaya face mask:

• Mash papaya and apply it to the face. You can combine it with yogurt and honey if you’d like or apply it plain.
• Leave on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse the mask off.

Facial Steam

A facial steam is another excellent tool in your fight against pores. It works by clearing the congestion on your skin, allowing it to breathe, and clear out dirt and impurities in the pores. The steam also gently opens pores. Herbs can further help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Here’s what we recommend adding to your next pore cleansing facial steam:

• Rose
• Yarrow
• Witch hazel
• Green tea
• Black tea

Apple Cider Vinegar 

 ACV has many skin benefits, including toning the skin and reducing the appearance of pores. This works best when ACV is used as a toner. To do so:

• Dilute ACV with water
• Apply the mixture to a cotton ball and swab your face

We hope this guide helps you achieve beautiful, healthy skin and shrink your pores. To browse our line of skincare products to help you achieve your healthier skin, click here.