Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Exfoliate
• Method 4 of 4: Make-up to hide pores
• Tips
• Warnings

Pores don't open or close, so there's no way to shrink them, but you can make them look smaller. Pores are difficult to see when the skin is healthy, but when they get clogged they appear much larger. Read on for four methods to make your pores look smaller: exfoliation, a face mask, special treatments, and makeup to hide the pores.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Exfoliate

1. 
2. Use a special product. Many creams, gels and cleansers contain small particles that exfoliate the skin. Use these sparingly as the other ingredients can irritate your skin.
3. Make your own facial scrub. Sugar, honey and green tea are great for giving your face its own glow. These ingredients are gentle on the skin and should not irritate the skin.
4. Use alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acid, known as chemical exfoliants. You can purchase these at beauty salons. They remove flakes from your skin without you having to exfoliate.
   • Start with a clean face, apply the product and leave it on for 15 minutes, or as long as the package specifies.
   • Rinse off the mask and pat your face with a soft towel.
   • Don't leave the mask on too long or it will irritate your skin.
5. Consider stripping away blemishes. Most beauty advice about blemishes is to leave them on. But if they are very eye-catching and large, it's okay to get blemishes from time to time.
   • Exfoliate the blackhead first. Then wipe the area sterile. Roll the skin around the blackhead into a small mound and with a cloth wrapped around your fingers, to prevent the spread of bacteria, press gently until the blackhead leaves the skin.
   • An alternative are special tools to remove blackheads. Always wear mini finger gloves or tissues to avoid spreading bacteria.
6. A micro-dermabrasion treatment. This professional treatment removes a layer of skin that is too deep to exfoliate. This treatment is usually expensive and can damage the skin if done too often.

Method 4 of 4: Make-up to hide pores

1. Use concealer. Concealer adds another layer of color and texture, and can completely mask the skin, depending on the brand you choose.
   • If your pores look large, you may be tempted to apply the makeup in thick layers. Concealer helps in small amounts, but using too much will only draw more attention to those areas you want to hide.
   • Choose your brand wisely. Concealer can clog your pores and make them look bigger. Make sure the concealer is not just making the problem worse before including it in your repertoire.
   • Remove your makeup every night. Make sure to remove it before going to sleep so you don't wake up with clogged pores.

Tips

• Drink plenty of water and eat your vegetables. Making lifestyle choices that are healthy for your skin will reduce inflammation in your face.
• Always use natural products whenever you can. You run the risk of harming the skin from the treatment with chemicals, even if they are intended to exfoliate or unclog pores.

Warnings

• Don't scrub too roughly while exfoliating. You can make the problem worse by causing your skin to become inflamed after brushing and scrubbing too hard.
• Don't indulge in the removal of blemishes. Constant plucking at your skin increases the risk of scars and other irregularities, which are more noticeable than large pores.