The Natural Way to Minimize Pores!

Pores are tiny hair follicles in the skin. They may take on a larger appearance when they are clogged with dirt or oil. They can also become larger due to the increase of dead skin cells that gather at the base of the pore. The most effective means of minimizing pores naturally is to keep them clear. This includes regular cleansing, exfoliating and care. Whether you choose to make your own skin care products at home or buy them, you can naturally reduce your pores with a few quality ingredients. Oats, cucumber, sugar, mint and even steam are some of the recommended components to look for or include. Here are a few suggestions for how to minimize pores naturally.

1. Clean your skin with a mild, all-natural soap. Cleansers with oatmeal, goat milk or cucumber are recommended for clearing pores.

2. Exfoliate the skin with an all-natural scrub. Whether you make your own or buy one, some good choices for exfoliating include ingredients such as sugar, whole oats or strawberry seeds. These items have a gritty texture that works well for removing dull, dead skin cells. Look for these and other exfoliants in natural skin care products or homemade product recipes.

3. Use an all-natural toner to deep clean your pores. Avoid products that contain alcohol or peroxide because these can dry your skin.

4. Try opening the pores with a steam bath. This can be done by boiling a pot of water on the stove and then putting your face directly over the steam for approximately 15 minutes. Or you can run hot water in the sink, place a towel over the back of your head and put your face down to catch the steam in your face as it rises. The towel will hang down the sides of your face and help trap the steam. The steam will help open the pores and clear away any residue.

5. Drink plenty of water every day. Hydrated skin not only has a more healthy appearance, but also assists in healing itself.

6. Mix a solution of apple cider vinegar and crushed mint leaves. Combine 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of each into a small glass bottle. Let the solution sit for 1 week then strain out the mint and add 1 cup (236 ml) of filtered water. Use this like a toner, preferably at night because it does have a strong vinegar odor.

7. Try a solution of baking soda and water. Stir 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of baking soda with a small amount of water until a paste forms. Apply this paste to your skin and allow it to dry for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

8. Apply ice directly to your skin for a quick fix. The cold will naturally shrink your pores temporarily and allow you time to apply make-up or sunblock without it getting deep into the pores and causing them to clog. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse away any make-up or sunblock as soon as you can.

9. Avoid smoking and second hand smoke whenever possible. Smoke reduces the amount of oxygen, blood and nutrients flowing to the skin. This inhibits the skin's ability to repair itself naturally

I did this because my birthday is coming up in 3 weeks and I want my skin to be in tip-top shape! Try some of the tips and let me know the results. I tried the baking soda clay mask and it really is miracle in a box. I immediately saw a change in my pores. Hope you all enjoy!