Natural Treatments for Enlarged Pores

There are various ways to reduce the appearance of pores. However, natural treatments for enlarged pores are often better than industrial ones, both in terms of quality and price.
Natural Treatments for Enlarged Pores
Karla Henríquez

Written and verified by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Last update: 04 May, 2022

Here’s a list of natural treatments for enlarged pores, which we suggest using frequently to help keep your skin looking and feeling great for a long time.

These treatments will help keep your skin clean and also eliminate enlarged and blocked pores, along with blackheads and other blemishes.

Causes of enlarged pores

Visible pores on your skin are seen more frequently on your face. They’re the exit paths for internal glands that produce grease.

Pores vary in size, depending on your sex, genetics, and age. They can also be affected by the use of contraceptive methods or estrogen.

The biggest cause of enlarged pores is having oily skin, causing them to open by retaining impurities and dead cells.

The size of the sebaceous glands increases, causing a higher percentage of grease. This helps give acidity to your skin and lubrication.

Along with this, dead cells and sweat are produced, creating an acidic layer to prevent certain infections that come from bacteria, viruses, and fungus.

However, the problem happens when the amount of grease exceeds the neutral amount and produces enlarged pores. This causes the skin to look shiny and greasy.

Also, people who suffer from this skin issue tend to have acne, which is caused by the sebaceous glands.

The size of pores depends on the affected area and the concentration of skin oil. Most people tend to get enlarged pores on their nose and the areas in the middle of their face.

Natural Treatments for Enlarged Pores

There are several natural ways to help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores:

Just 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise!

Just a tablespoon of mayonnaise applied to your face is enough. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

The vinegar and the egg that is found in mayonnaise will help shrink your pores and leave your skin tighter. However, this isn’t recommended for people with greasy skin.

An Old Remedy: Milk Serum (Whey)

Besides being a classic product for clarifying skin, milk serum helps reduce the size of open pores.

This treatment consists of washing your skin at night. Scrub a cotton ball that has whey on your face. After 20 minutes, you should wash it with cold water.

Honey, Lemon, Apple, and Yogurt Mask
Natural Treatments for Enlarged Pores

Add a tablespoon of yogurt to a sliced apple. Also add a tablespoon of honey and lemon. Mix the ingredients until you get a homogenous mixture and then apply it to your face for 15 to 20 minutes.

This mixture will also smooth your skin. It’s perfect to use before going to sleep.

Almond Mask

Blend 1/3 cup of almonds until they become a powder. Then, add water gradually until you get a dough. You should apply this starting with your nose and extending out to the areas that have enlarged pores.

Let sit for 30 minutes and then wash your face with warm water. You should do this treatment at least twice a week.

Lemon Mask

Natural Treatments for Enlarged Pores

This lemon mask is formed by mixing lemon juice with a little bit of water. You should apply it with a cotton ball.

Let sit for approximately a half hour and avoid contact with your eyes. Lastly, remove the mixture with cold water.

Papaya Remedy

The first step is to wash your face and then rub a peeled papaya on it. You should do this with the part from inside the peel.

After 15 minutes, wash your face with a little bit of hot water. The treatment is also helpful in fighting pimples.

Cucumber, Apple, Egg, and Milk Mask

Natural Treatments for Enlarged Pores

Just mix an egg white with a tablespoon of powdered milk. Blend these two ingredients without any foam getting out and then add in the sliced apple and cucumber.

Mix it until you get a uniform paste and apply it to your face for 15 minutes. Then remove the mask with warm water.

Clay Mask

This clay mask should be applied once a week and should be prepared a day in advance. In this way, the clay can make your pores breathe better and remove dirt and grease from them.

This mask will also help absorb excess oil, as well as clean and reduce the size of enlarged pores.

Lemon Drops

All you need to do is add a few drops of lemon to your facial cream in another container. After, mix it and apply it to your face as if it were a mask for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove the mixture with warm water.

Other Treatments for Enlarged Pores

  • Exfoliation: Exfoliation greatly helps with enlarged pores. The glycolic acid in exfoliants helps smooth deeper salicylic acid and the superior layer of the skin. In this way, your pores become unblocked and their size gets reduced.

If your skin is very sensitive or has acne, we recommend using exfoliating enzymes that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) instead of the cleansing kind. Otherwise, bacteria can accumulate or your skin may get scratched.

In addition, we suggest using an exfoliant that contains retinol so that cell production is more efficient.

However, please note that pregnant women shouldn’t use retinol under any circumstance.

  • Hydrating and cleaning the cutis: To say goodbye to enlarged pores, you can use a skin cleanser that won’t damage it. You should also avoid products that dehydrate your skin, which can make your pores more evident and visible. It’s also good to avoid sun exposure, and reduce or stop smoking cigarettes.

You should wash your face with a gentle soap. And if you wear makeup, try to remove it before going to bed so that your pores are clean. You should also do a daily cleanse with a hydrating cream that doesn’t contain oil.

  • Daily care: Treatments for enlarged pores shouldn’t contain alcohol. Try to make sure that the cream you use can be used under your makeup and that it contains salicylic acid and matting agents so that they absorb oil in the skin. Other benefits include the ability to give smoothness and a better texture to your skin.
  • Microdermabrasion: This consists of a rather extreme exfoliation for people whose enlarged pores are a continuous problem. This smooths your skin, shrinks enlarged pores, and eliminates wrinkles and dry spots. For this reason, it’s a good option for those with mature skin and bad pores.
  • Laser: Laser treatments for enlarged pores are recommended as the last resort because they’re expensive. However, their effects last longer. Medical spas and private clinics use these. Laser treatment processes consists of a pulse of light that is directly pointed on your skin. If you use it, you have to avoid contact with the skin so that your skin doesn’t get damaged.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.