How to shrink pores on your face naturally.  These home remedies will help make pores appear smaller for a better complexion.

I inherited some good things from my parents, and I inherited some bad things.  Unfortunately, I inherited a sluggishly slow metabolism, unruly wavy hair, and large pores from them.

My large pores make it so my makeup never looks flawless.  I feel like people can see them from across the room, but they really can only been seen from a few feet away.

Regardless, it's something I'd like to change.  It took me a few years to get a skin care routine and find the right products that would shrink my pores naturally.

You can't permanently shrink your pores, but you can help them appear smaller temporarily.  Here are some natural ways to make your pores look smaller with natural products or with DIY recipes that you can make at home.  

HOW TO SHRINK PORES NATURALLY

WHAT CAUSES LARGE PORES?

Before I talk about how to shrink pores naturally, let's talk a little bit about what causes large pores.

Pores are small openings in your skin that let sebum (oil) and sweat escape from the body.  Pores play a big role in letting your body detox and secrete oils to keep your skin healthy.

You have pores all over your body except for on your palms and on the soles of your feet.

Pores can get clogged, which makes them look bigger.  Bacteria, dirt, and sebum can all get trapped inside your pores.  This makes your pores look bigger, and it can lead to acne or blackheads.  

Some people, like me, have larger pores than do other people.  Genetics plays a large role in pore size.  If one or both of your parents have large pores, chances are you will too.

Generally, people with oily skin have larger pores.  Your body is producing more oil, and the pores expand to accommodate this oil.  You can't control your skin type, but you can take steps to help reduce oil.

Your pores can get larger as you age.  Over time, our skin starts to lose elasticity, so it doesn't shrink as quickly after it's expanded.

WHAT CAUSES CLOGGED PORES?

Pores become enlarged when they are clogged.   Dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and excess oil on your skin can all get trapped in the pore.

The more that gets trapped in the pore, the larger your pore looks.  Pores can expand, and they will to hold everything inside.

HOW TO SHRINK PORES

Since pore size is largely determined by genetics, you can't shrink them permanently, but you can get some skin treatments done for longer lasting results.

These treatments include:

• Laser skin tightening
• Laser skin resurfacing
• IPL Photofacials
• Chemical peels

Since I want to talk about how to shrink pores naturally, I'm not going to talk much about these options.  

FACE MASSAGE

Since large pores can be caused by a decrease in collagen production, try massaging your face to boost blood flow and help boost skin elasticity.

You can use your fingers to massage your face twice a day, but I like to use my Michael Todd Soniclear Petite cleansing brush.  I have to wash my face twice a day anyway, so I might as well use that time to massage my face.  

I honestly can't say whether the Soniclear Elite helps make my pores look smaller, but it really does get my face cleaner and makes my skin look and feel better.  

USE A MASK

The best way to temporarily shrink my pore is to use a face mask.  I use either a clay face mask or a charcoal mask, and my favorite mask combines clay and charcoal.  (I shared my favorite clay and charcoal face mask as a guest post over at Living the Nourished Life.)

Charcoal can absorb several times its own weight, so it really grabs onto oil and debris and helps clean out your pores.

Some clays, namely bentonite clay, are charged, so they combine with the debris and toxins to pull them from your skin.

I use a clay or charcoal mask once a week to keep more pores looking good.

I usually make my own bentonite clay mask with the clay and apple cider vinegar.  It stinks and I look like Thing from Fantastic Four, but it really works.

If I don't use that, I use charcoal to make a mask.  Try this activated charcoal detox mask from Soap Deli.

I've also used the DERMA E Purifying 2 in 1 Charcoal Mask with great success.  It works just as well as my DIY masks, but it's easier to use.  DERMA E is also natural, organic, and cruelty free.

EXFOLIATE

Since dead skin cells can get trapped in pores and make them look bigger, it makes sense to exfoliate them before that can happen.

I exfoliate my face once a week about three or four days after I use a clay or charcoal mask.  It removes dead skin cells, and it also helps clear out pores so they look smaller.

My favorite homemade face masks are made with pumpkin.  My oily skin just loves pumpkin!  It makes it so soft and really helps moisturize it without making it oily.

My favorite DIY face scrub recipes are my pumpkin spice latte face scrub  and my pumpkin oatmeal face mask.

Right now, I'm almost through a jar of DERMA E Microdermabrasion Scrub. I really like it, and my skin feels amazing after I use it.  It does make my face red for a bit afterwards, so don't use this right before you need to leave the house.

EGG WHITE MASK

Egg whites are the best natural ingredient for tightening the skin.  Crack an egg and separate it.  Use the yolk as a hair mask.  Use your fingers or a brush to apply the egg white to your face.  Let it dry for about 20 minutes.

Rinse well and dry your face.  Your skin will be firmer and tighter for a few days.

VITAMIN C

Vitamins C can help shrink pores naturally in several ways.  First, it helps kill bacteria that can collect in your pores.  It can also reduce inflammation.

Vitamin C also helps promote collagen production.

I really like the Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum.

TONER

Using a toner after you wash your face can help tighten pores temporarily.  I use a toner after every wash, and I think it really helps my pores.  I just finished a bottle of Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner, and now I'm using just witch hazel.

My skin looked a little better with the Paula's Choice toner, but the witch hazel works well on its own.

You can also use apple cider vinegar as an easy and inexpensive toner to reduce pore size.

Try this DIY floral toner recipe from Country Hill Cottage.

FRUIT ENZYMES

Fruit enzymes are wonderful for your skin.  They are often high in vitamins like A and C and naturally exfoliate your skin.

I use this strawberry and clay face mask recipe every few weeks for the benefits of the strawberry powder.

I also really like the Michael Todd True Organics Banana and Pineapple Enzyme Exfoliant.  This can cause some redness, so don't use it before a big date or job interview.

MAKEUP TIPS FOR LARGE PORES

I use a primer under my foundation.  I really like NYX Pore Filler and IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Primer.  NYX is cruelty free and vegan.  IT Cosmetics is not vegan, but it is cruelty free.

Use a beauty blender to apply primer.  Gently tapping it on will help it fill in pores better than just using your hands.

Look for powder or cream foundations to minimize pores.  Avoid illuminating foundations because they can make pores look bigger than they are.

Use a big fluffy brush to apply your foundation in a circular motion.  I like the Sigma Flat Kabuki Brush.

When you're done with your makeup, use a setting powder.  I make my own DIY finishing powder.  If you buy one, don't use that the reflects light or an HD setting powder.  Try Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder.  It's translucent for all skin tones, and it absorbs excess oil.  Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder

Now you know how to shrink pores naturally!

More natural beauty posts:

• Beauty Benefits of Chia Seeds
• Derma E Naturak Skin Care Review
• How to Tighten Skin Under Eyes Naturally