Skin pores are tiny openings on our skin. These pores are necessary for the skin, as it allows the skin to breathe. Each skin pore contains a hair follicle and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, necessary to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. The smooth texture that we have on our skin is because of these pores. All pores on our skin are open and depending on the nature of these pores some may find them appearing large and visible. Many amongst us have unattractive large or extremely large pores.

Large enough pores on the skin and especially on the face, known as ‘facial pores’ could be annoying and demoralizing. Although pores are necessary for the health of our skin, extremely large pores can be frustrating.

To get rid of large facial pores, we first need to know what causes them.

• Genetics: Our genes could be responsible for large pores. It has been studies that children with parents with large pores, often get them.
• Your Age: With growing age, our skin loses its elasticity, making it stretch and sag. This stretch and sagging of the skin make pores appear larger. Also as we age, our skin thickens, causing minuscule skin cells to gather in and around the pores, making it appear larger.
• Skin damage from the sun: Excessive and prolonged exposure to the sun can make pores appear larger. Damage to the skin from the sun makes the skin thicker and pores become bigger. Moreover, exposure to the sun can make the skin lose its collagen, water, and elastin, causing the tissue beneath the skin to shrink and pull the pores, making it looks bigger and sags.
• Clogging of the pores: Excessive oil and dead skin cells gathering in the pores makes them look large than usual. This problem is found mostly in people with oily skin.

Ways to cleanse and minimize pores

The best cleanser for pores are the ones that are natural and homemade. Follow the below-mentioned steps at home and get rid of pores naturally:

• Clean Your Face Regularly: Unwanted debris and dirt that gather on our face is one main cause of the facial pores getting clogged. Washing your face regularly with a mild face wash or cleanser according to your skin type works to reduce oil, cleanse and moisturize the facial skin while exfoliating and reducing pores.
• Apply face masks weekly: Natural masks like clay masks absorb the unwanted oil over the face and make the skin naturally glow. The clay helps draw out excess oil (sebum) from the skin while exfoliating the skin. Make sure you do not use masks more than twice a week to avoid any kind of skin irritation Choose the mask as per your skin type – oily, dry, normal, or sensitive.
• Exfoliate your facial skin: Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the upper layer of your facial skin. The process helps the skin to rejuvenate and brighten along with making it smooth. Regularly exfoliating the face, get your facial skin gets rid of all the dead cells that clog the facial pores, hence they won’t stretch out and look big.

Do not over-exfoliate, or else it will strip off the skin’s protective layer, resulting in dehydration and inflammation of the skin. Choose the right exfoliator depending on your skin type.

• Moisturize your skin often: One of the main reasons to moisturize the skin often or daily is to not allowing the skin to turn dry or oily – both of which can cause acne and clog skin pores. The moisturizer should be chosen as per your skin type.
• Sunscreens: Sunscreens are a must, and if you are getting out in the sun. Continuous exposure to the sun will make the pores stretch and sag, making them look larger.
• Use of Collagen Producing Products: Collagen-producing products like Retinol, Vitamin C, and Glycolic Acid are great in adding collagen to the skin that helps to unclog pores, protects skin damage, and helps regenerate collagen as well as exfoliate dead cells.

Some of the best facial pore cleanser

1. The Avene Eau Thermale Cleanance Gel Cleanser

 This is a gel cleanser with a mild cleansing formula that removes oil and dirt from the skin without being rough and damaging on the skin. It also does not dry the skin too much causing further damage. Its patented formula regulates skin oil production, has zinc with inflammatory benefits, and is soap-free.

2.    The Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser

Best for the most sensitive skin types, this gel-foam cleanser formula is derived from the famous Japanese luffa fruit and gently cleans dirt and grime off the skin, keeping pores clear. More it, it nourishes and keeps the skin soft, without the fear of irritation and inflammation.

3.    The Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

This Drunk Elephant Cleanser is 100% natural without any unnecessary harsh chemicals in it. This gentle cleanser dissolves dirt, makeup, and oil on the face. It has glycerin and cantaloupe fruit extract, which helps restore moisture in the skin around the eyes and soothes the skin after each use.

4.    Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

This ultimate pore cleanser contains charcoal as its main ingredient. Charcoal acts as a magnet to dirt and impurities, drawing them out of your pores in just minutes in no time. It leaves your skin feel refreshed and reinvented.

5.    Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

The best option for all skin types, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based powder that transforms into an exfoliating paste coming in contact with water. It contains salicylic acid which penetrates deep into the pores to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and debris while the rice enzymes help polish the surface of the skin, leaving it smooth and shiny.

No matter what your skin type and the problems are, the first step to clear pores and maintaining healthy skin is using a natural facial cleanser. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser helps remove dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. Be sure to wash your face regularly for the best results.