Solutions for Large Pores

Your skin has small openings on its surface, called pores, leading into sebaceous glands that secrete oil for skin protection and lubrication. Most skin pores are barely noticeable to the naked eye, and we pay them little attention. Except, that is, when we see them staring back at us in the mirror like so many moon craters. In my late thirties, I used to have this very problem. No more.

What Causes Pores to Enlarge?

While it’s commonly accepted that pore size is genetically determined, several other factors most likely contribute. Hormone imbalance may play a role in excessive oil production, promoting pore enlargement. As skin ages and loses collagen, pores become larger, continually trapping more and more dead skin cells along with oils, which plug and stretch the pores even more—a vicious circle. Enlarged pores almost always go along with an oily skin problem. The odds of having dilated pores are not in your favor if you struggled with acne as a teenager and attacked the problem with your bare hands. Sun damage to the skin can also factor into pores becoming more visible.

Approaching the Large Pores Problem from Within

The way to a beautiful exterior always starts inside. Before you see perfect facial skin, your liver, stomach, colon, pancreas and other internal organs must experience a state of health. Since you are constantly building and re-building your cells with the help of the foods you consume, diet is the number one player when it comes to addressing any health or cosmetic issue. If you are already on a raw food diet, you’re ahead of the game. Make sure you drink fresh, predominantly green juices regularly. Take a look: The skin of frequent juicers is vibrantly alive, healthy looking, and clear. A glass of juice has more potential for your skin healing and rejuvenation than any cosmetic procedure or pharmaceutical product you might be tempted to try.

Concentrate on foods that help rebuild collagen in your body, such as silica-rich radish, alfalfa, nettles, burdock root, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, sulfur-rich cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green cabbage), pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, watercress and mustard leaves. Foods high in protein, vitamins A, C and E, copper, zinc and iron all play important roles in collagen formation. You don’t have to be formulaic—you’ll find that if you eat a wide variety of colorful raw foods, you’ll have your all your bases covered. Maintaining your raw plant-based diet is the foundation for any additional external approach you might take toward achieving beautiful skin.

Keep your Face Clean

Enlarged pores can be stubborn. Commit to keeping your face as clean as you can, always. Experiment with diluted raw apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon of vinegar for 8 ounces of water) instead of soap. You are trying to catch up with excessive oil production by removing dirt, oil and skin debris as soon as they are produced. Let them remain, and the pores become more visible.

As you move through your day, reach for a lemon slice and rub it over your face. Lemon juice is a natural cleanser and purifier, with the ability to tighten skin and shrink pores. If you’re peeling a grapefruit or an orange, rub the inside of the peel on your skin for a similar cleansing effect. Experiment with cucumber, too: Feed your skin by rubbing it with one slice, and eat the rest.