How to Minimize Pores on Your Face:16 Natural Remedies

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your face is covered in large pores? You’re not alone.  Many people struggle with the appearance of large pores. This can make your skin look less than smooth and flawless. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to reduce the appearance of large pores and improve your skin health. This article will explore the causes of large pores and provide 18 natural, science-backed remedies to minimize pores on your face naturally. This can help you enjoy a more even skin tone and a smoother complexion.

What are Facial Pores?

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand what pores actually are. These tiny openings in your skin house hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, your skin’s natural oil that helps keep it moisturized and protected from environmental damage.

In most cases, genetics determines who will experience enlarged pores. However, some Other factors contribute to the visibility of pores.

Here are some common causes of enlarged pores:

• Genetics – Some people have acquired large pores from their parents or relatives.
• Age – As people age, their skin becomes less elastic. This can cause the skin to have large pores from time to time, and instead of returning to its usual size, it stays that way, especially if you do not eat all the right food products to help your skin.
• Sun Damage – Those exposed to the sun tend to have larger pores because the pores open up to release oil and possibly bacteria on the skin’s surface. Constantly being exposed to the sun will make the pores remain that way.
• Inadequate Skin Care – If you do not take care of your skin, it will likely not recover from all the environmental factors you expose it to daily.
• Blackheads and acne – When people have blackheads, their pores become larger to contain the oil and dirt stuck on the skin. This is also the same for whiteheads.
• Prolonged sun exposure may also open pores as it damages the collagen and diminishes the elasticity of the pore canal walls.

18 Easy Ways to Minimize Pores on Face Naturally

1. Double Cleanse for Deeper Clean

The double cleansing method originated in Korean skincare routines. It has proven remarkably effective for thoroughly cleaning pores without stripping the skin of essential moisture.

First, start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve oil-based impurities like sebum, sunscreen, and makeup. This works because oil attracts oil, making this first step crucial if you have oily or combination skin. Then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove water-based impurities like sweat and environmental dirt that may have settled on your skin.

This thorough but gentle approach prevents the buildup that can make pores appear larger while respecting your skin’s natural moisture barriers. For best results, you can take your time massaging each cleanser into your skin for at least 60 seconds. Focusing on areas where your pores are most visible, typically around the nose and cheeks.

2. Incorporate Clay Masks Weekly

Clay masks work wonders for drawing out impurities from deep within pores. It can create a noticeable temporary tightening effect while removing excess sebum. Different clays offer various benefits depending on your specific skin concerns:

• Bentonite clay: Offers powerful detoxification properties due to its strong negative charge that attracts positively charged toxins
• Kaolin clay: Provides a gentler option for sensitive skin while still effectively absorbing excess oil
• French green clay: Rich in beneficial minerals and particularly excellent for oily areas without over-drying
• Rhassoul clay: Contains silica, which helps improve skin elasticity around pores

Apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave on until it’s almost dry (but not completely tight and cracking, which can actually damage your skin), then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Be mindful that overusing clay masks can dry out your skin, potentially triggering more oil production as your skin tries to compensate, so limit application to once or twice weekly.

3. Steam Your Face with Herbs

Facial steaming softens the skin and loosens the debris within pores, making subsequent cleansing significantly more effective. Adding herbs to your steam enhances the benefits while creating a spa-like experience in your home:

• Chamomile for sensitive or irritated skin (also helps reduce redness)
• Rosemary for oily skin and its natural antimicrobial properties
• Lavender for balancing all skin types while providing calming aromatherapy benefits
• Peppermint to invigorate tired skin and help control oil production
• Thyme for its natural antibacterial properties if you struggle with acne

Boil filtered water, pour it into a heat-safe bowl, add your chosen herbs (1-2 tablespoons), and place your face about 8-10 inches above the bowl with a towel draped over your head to create a tent that captures the steam.

Remain in this position for 5-10 minutes, allowing the warm vapor to work its magic. Then follow with gentle exfoliation and moisturizer to maximize results.

4. Try Oil Cleansing with Non-Comedogenic Oils

The oil cleansing method follows the scientific principle that “like dissolves like.” Using the right plant oils can effectively dissolve the hardened oil in your pores without stripping your skin of necessary moisture.

Effective non-comedogenic oils that won’t clog your pores include:

• Jojoba oil (which closely resembles human sebum and helps “trick” your skin into producing less oil)
• Hemp seed oil (lightweight and balancing for combination skin)
• Squalane (mimics skin’s natural moisture and absorbs quickly)
• Grapeseed oil (light texture with astringent properties, ideal for oily skin)
• Argan oil (if you need more moisture while still keeping pores clear)

Massage the oil into dry skin using circular motions for 2-3 minutes, focusing on areas with visible pores. Remove with a warm, damp microfiber cloth, which provides gentle exfoliation as you wipe away the oil. This method can transform your skin’s texture when used consistently, often showing results within 2-3 weeks of regular use.

For enhanced benefits, consider adding 1-2 drops of essential oils like frankincense (for mature skin) or geranium (for balancing oil production) to your cleansing oil blend. Always perform a patch test first to ensure you don’t have sensitivity to any essential oils.

5. Exfoliate with Natural Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away more easily.

• Glycolic acid (AHA): Derived from sugarcane, excellent for surface exfoliation and improving overall texture
• Lactic acid (AHA): A gentler option often derived from milk or fermented ingredients, ideal for sensitive skin
• Mandelic acid (AHA): Larger molecule size makes it more gentle while still effective, especially for skin of color
• Salicylic acid (BHA): Oil-soluble acid that penetrates pores deeply, making it exceptional for oily, acne-prone skin

Natural sources that you can easily incorporate into homemade treatments include:

• Papaya and pineapple enzymes (chemical exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells)
• Plain yogurt (contains lactic acid that gently exfoliates)
• Willow bark extract (natural source of salicylic acid)
• Hibiscus flowers (a natural source of AHAs when crushed and applied as a mask)

Start with once-weekly applications, gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Watch for signs of over-exfoliation like redness, tightness, or increased sensitivity, which signal that you should reduce frequency.

6. Apply Ice to Tighten Pores Temporarily

While this method provides temporary results lasting several hours, it’s perfect before special occasions, photography sessions, or important meetings when you want your skin looking its absolute best. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, temporarily tightening the skin and making pores appear significantly smaller.

Wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth or clean cotton handkerchief and gently glide it across your face after cleansing, moving in upward circular motions.

Focus on areas where pores are most visible, typically the T-zone. Alternatively, store your facial tools like jade rollers or gua sha stones in the refrigerator for a cooling effect during your skincare routine.

7. Honey and Lemon Mask: The Sweet and Sour Pore Refiner

Honey is naturally antibacterial and can help fight acne-causing bacteria. It’s also a humectant, meaning it helps the skin retain moisture. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help exfoliate dead skin cells and tighten pores. Together, they make a powerful duo for improving skin texture.

How to make a honey and lemon mask:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
• Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse off with lukewarm water

Use this mask once a week for best results. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test first, as lemon juice can be irritating for some people.

Personal tip: If you find lemon juice too harsh for your skin, try substituting it with a few drops of tea tree oil. This essential oil has similar antibacterial properties and can help combat oily skin without the potential for irritation that comes with citrus fruits.

8. Egg White Mask

Egg whites contain proteins that temporarily tighten the skin and absorb excess oil. While not a long-term solution, this can be remarkably effective for special occasions when you want your pores to appear minimized for several hours.

Simply separate an egg white from the yolk, whisk until frothy (approximately 1-2 minutes), and apply a thin layer to clean skin using a makeup brush or your fingertips. Allow it to dry completely (about 15-20 minutes) before gently rinsing with lukewarm water. Your skin will feel noticeably tighter and smoother immediately.

For enhanced benefits, consider these variations:

• Add a few drops of lemon juice for enhanced astringent properties (but be cautious with sun exposure afterward, as lemon can increase photosensitivity)
• Mix in half a teaspoon of honey for antibacterial benefits
• Incorporate a quarter teaspoon of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties if you have redness around pores

You can apply this mask once weekly for maintenance or before special events when you want your skin looking particularly smooth and refined.

9. Aloe Vera Gel for Hydration and Tightening

Aloe vera offers dual benefits that make it ideal for pore care: it hydrates without adding oil while its natural astringent properties help tighten the skin. This combination makes it perfect for minimizing pore appearance without triggering additional oil production.

Extract the gel directly from an aloe plant by cutting open a leaf and scooping out the clear gel. You can also use a pure, commercially available option that doesn’t contain alcohol or artificial fragrances. Apply to cleansed skin before your moisturizer, allowing it to absorb for 2-3 minutes before applying subsequent products.

For enhanced cooling and tightening effects, store your aloe gel in the refrigerator. Consistent use helps maintain balanced hydration levels. This can prevent the overproduction of oil that can make pores more noticeable over time.

10. Oatmeal Scrub: The Gentle Exfoliator

Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores without irritating your skin. It contains saponins, natural cleansing agents that can help remove dirt and oil from pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin.

How to make an oatmeal scrub:

• Grind 1/4 cup of oatmeal into a fine powder
• Mix with enough water or milk to form a paste
• Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions
• Rinse off with lukewarm water

Use this scrub once or twice a week for smooth, refined-looking skin.

Personal tip: For an extra nourishing treatment, try mixing your ground oatmeal with honey instead of water. The combination of oatmeal’s exfoliating properties and honey’s humectant qualities can leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

11. Balance Your Diet for Skin Health

What you eat directly impacts your skin’s appearance. Research has found strong connections between certain dietary patterns and sebum production that directly affects pore visibility and overall skin texture.

Focus on incorporating these skin-supporting foods:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation
• Zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, oysters) to control inflammation and regulate oil production
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (especially berries, dark leafy greens, and orange vegetables) help fight free radical damage that breaks down collagen
• Vitamin A-rich foods (sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach) to support proper skin cell turnover
• Adequate hydration (aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily) to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance

Plus, reducing consumption of certain foods that have been scientifically linked to increased sebum production and inflammation:

• Dairy products, particularly skim milk (which has been linked to increased sebum production in multiple studies)
• High-glycemic foods like white bread, pasta, and processed snacks trigger insulin spikes
• Excessive sugar, which contributes to glycation, damages collagen
• Highly processed foods containing trans fats promote inflammation

Making these dietary adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements in your skin’s appearance within 4-6 weeks.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and has impressive antimicrobial properties. This can help clear pores while balancing skin pH, making it an excellent natural toner for pore care.

Create a diluted solution (1 part ACV to 3-4 parts filtered water for sensitive skin, or 1:2 for oily skin) and apply with a cotton pad after cleansing. The acetic acid in ACV helps dissolve dead skin cells while its astringent properties temporarily tighten pores and restore your skin’s natural acid mantle.

For enhanced benefits, you can consider infusing your ACV toner with herbs like rosemary or thyme. This can add antibacterial properties, or calendula for soothing benefits, if you have sensitivity. You can store your homemade toner in a dark glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Always perform a patch test first, as ACV can be too strong for some skin types. If you experience any stinging or redness, increase the dilution ratio until you find the right balance for your unique skin needs.

13. Jojoba Oil: The Balancing Pore Refiner

It might seem counterintuitive to use oil to minimize pores, but jojoba oil is very similar to our skin’s natural sebum. By using it, you can help balance your skin’s oil production and potentially reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

How to use:

• Apply a few drops of jojoba oil to clean the skin
• Gently massage in circular motions
• Leave on overnight or rinse off after 15-20 minutes

Jojoba oil is suitable for most skin types, but if you’re prone to acne, start with a small amount and see how your skin reacts.

Pro tip: Try mixing a drop or two of jojoba oil into your regular moisturizer for an extra nourishing boost. This can be especially beneficial if you’re using acne treatments that tend to dry out your skin.

14. Green Tea: The Antioxidant-Rich Pore Refiner

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your skin from damage and reduce inflammation. It contains catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds can help protect the skin from free radical damage and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

How to use green tea for your skin:

• Brew a strong cup of green tea and let it cool
• Use the cooled tea as a toner by applying it to your skin with a cotton pad
• Alternatively, you can place cooled green tea bags directly on your face for a soothing, pore-tightening treatment

For an extra cooling effect, try storing your green tea toner in the refrigerator. It’s especially refreshing on hot summer days!

DIY green tea face mist: Brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool, and pour it into a spray bottle. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for an extra refreshing boost. Use this mist throughout the day to refresh your skin and keep pores tight.

15. Baking Soda Scrub: The Gentle Exfoliator

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. It has a slightly alkaline pH, which can help neutralize acid on the skin’s surface. Its fine particles act as a gentle physical exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

How to make a baking soda scrub:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste
• Gently massage the paste onto damp skin in circular motions
• Rinse off with lukewarm water
• Follow with a moisturizer

Use this scrub no more than once or twice a week, as over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and potentially lead to more oil production.

Caution: If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first or consider a gentler exfoliation method. The alkaline nature of baking soda can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance if used too frequently.

16. Cucumber Toner: The Cooling Pore Tightener

Cucumbers are naturally astringent and have a high water content. Plus, Cucumbers contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. They also have a high water content, which can help hydrate the skin while their natural astringent properties help tighten pores.

How to make cucumber toner:

• Blend half a cucumber and strain the juice
• Apply the juice to your face using a cotton pad
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse off with cool water

For an extra refreshing treat, try keeping your cucumber toner in the refrigerator.

DIY cucumber eye pads: Save the cucumber slices after making your toner and place them in the freezer. Use these frozen cucumber slices as a soothing treatment for puffy eyes or to cool and tighten the skin around your eyes.

17. Practice Consistent Sun Protection

Sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin, the essential proteins that help maintain proper pore structure. When these supportive elements deteriorate, pores can appear significantly larger and more noticeable, especially on the cheeks and nose.

Use broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This tends to be less pore-clogging than chemical options while providing excellent protection. Aim for SPF 30 or higher for daily use, and reapply every two hours when outdoors. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) when UV radiation is strongest.

Supplement your sunscreen with physical protection like wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective clothing. This can provide additional defense against the collagen-degrading effects of UV radiation. You can also consider adding antioxidant serums containing vitamin C under your sunscreen for enhanced protection.

18. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out

Proper hydration is fundamental for maintaining skin that appears plump, refined, and healthy. Dehydrated skin often overproduces oil to compensate for water loss, leading to more visible pores and potential congestion.

Internally, aim for adequate water intake tailored to your body size and activity level—generally 8-10 glasses daily, more if you exercise intensely or live in a dry climate. Consider adding electrolytes to your water if you struggle to maintain hydration levels.

Externally, incorporate hydrating ingredients in your skincare routine:

• Hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water
• Glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin
• Ceramides that help seal in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier
• Beta-glucan, which provides deep hydration without heaviness
• Panthenol (vitamin B5) helps skin retain moisture effectively

A well-hydrated skin barrier functions optimally, regulating oil production and maintaining the structural integrity that keeps pores looking their best. You can consider using a humidifier in your bedroom if you live in a dry climate or during the winter months.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While natural approaches can significantly improve pore appearance for most people, certain conditions may benefit from professional intervention to achieve optimal results:

• Deep, persistent congestion that doesn’t respond to home care after several months
• Significant textural irregularities that affect your confidence
• Severely sun-damaged skin with structural changes that need more intensive treatment
• Acne scarring that has altered pore shape and requires professional intervention
• Extremely oily skin that may benefit from prescription-strength ingredients

Dermatologists can recommend targeted treatments like professional chemical peels, microneedling, laser therapy, or prescription-strength retinoids that complement your natural routine. These approaches, when combined with consistent home care, often provide more dramatic results for challenging cases.