Can you spot your pores from a mile away? Minimizing the appearance of pores is important when it comes to great-looking skin, but it is also essential for your overall skin health. The smaller your pores, the fewer bacteria get in. If you’re looking to combat your breakouts, caused by irritated and stuffed pores, consider these three helpful tips.
Steam
Steaming your face is a natural way to open and shrink your pores. Fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling as you don’t want to burn your skin). Hold your face over the bowl for 2 minutes, you can drape a towel over your head and the bowl to allow the steam to sink in and not escape. Then rinse your skin with warm water. If you want to tighten your pores even more, apply ice cubes to your face. Place the ice cubes gently along your pores for 15 seconds.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating isn’t only for dry and dead skin, but it can combat oily skin and help clean out your pores. Use an exfoliating facial cleanser like St. Ives’ Apricot Scrub daily to gently scrub away unwanted bacteria, makeup and oils building up in your pores. The cleaner your skin is, the smaller your pores. If your skin is sensitive reduce the use of an exfoliating scrub to a few times a week.
Nutrition
A healthy diet can improve the look of your skin and the size of your pores. Foods high in antioxidants are said to have a positive effect on your pores, such as blueberries or whole grains. Avoid processed and sugary foods as they can cause your skin to become oily, thus further clogging your pores. Also, citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines create elasticity in your skin, keeping it tight and pore free.
