Home Remedies for Large Pores on Face

The pores on your face become enlarged when they are clogged with oil. People with thick, oily skin tend to develop large pores more often than people with normal or dry skin. Large pores can also develop with age because the skin's reduced elasticity causes the pores to dilate. According to DocShop.com, you cannot permanently shrink your pores, but you can reduce their appearance. Keeping your skin clean and moisturized will improve the condition, and a few home remedies can also help diminish large pores on your face.

An overhead view of moisturizing cream and lemon slices. (Image: Olezzo/iStock/Getty Images)

Egg Whites

Egg whites dramatically tone your skin and temporarily shrink your pores, according to Stephanie Tourles in her book “Organic Body Care Recipes.” Combine the white of a small, cold egg with 1 tsp. cornstarch in a mixing bowl, and beat with a wire whisk or fork until it's frothy. The mixture should not be lumpy. Apply a thin, even layer to your face, and lie down on your back for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture dries completely. Rinse with warm water, and repeat once or twice weekly as needed.

Lemon Juice

A potent astringent, lemon juice tones your skin and reduces the appearance of large pores. In her book “Natural Beauty Secrets From India,” Roshni Dayal recommends soaking a clean cotton pad in lemon juice and dabbing it onto your face to shrink pores. Leave the juice on for about five minutes, and rinse with cool water. Follow with an application of oil-free moisturizer to prevent dryness. Individuals prone to dry skin should avoid lemon juice or dilute one part juice in two parts rosewater before applying.

Almond Meal

Applying almond meal to your skin helps refine pores and diminishes their appearance, explains Lydia Wilen in “Healing Remedies.” Make your own almond meal by pulsing 1/3 cup almonds in a blender until you achieve a powdered consistency, or purchase almond meal at well-stocked supermarkets and natural health stores. Combine two parts almond meal to one part water to create a thick paste, and spread gently over enlarged pores in an even layer. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes, rinse with tepid water and pat your skin dry. Repeat the treatment two to three times a week for the best results.

Herbal Compress

Jude C. Todd, author of “Jude's Herbal Home Remedies,” suggests applying a compress made with astringent herbs to help reduce the appearance of large pores on the face. Put 1 tbsp. dried herbs or 2 tbsp. fresh herbs into a heat-proof container, and pour 1 cup boiling water over them. Cover and steep until the liquid reaches room temperature, about an hour. Strain the herbs from the water, and soak a cotton cloth in the liquid. Apply to the face, and leave on for about 15 minutes. Repeat once or twice daily. Parsley, burdock, thyme and lemon balm are astringent herbs that work well for treating large pores.