How to Use Essential Oils for Enlarged Pores

According to a L’Oréal Paris study, almost half of the female respondents (45%) wished they could change the size of their pores. About a third were even more concerned about pores than wrinkles. In fact, porexia is what doctors use to describe the condition of pore size obsession.

And although we technically can’t change our pore size, we can do things that will help to minimize their appearance.

One of the ways you can approach it is to use essential oils for enlarged pores. But which ones?

Read on to learn the details of essential oils and pore health

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Pore Details

The surface of our skin contains millions of tiny pores, which are little openings that come in two different forms. They are largely determined by your genetics and skin type.

For example, those with fairer skins generally have smaller pores than those with darker skins.

The surface of our skin contains millions of tiny pores, which are little openings that come in two different forms. They are largely determined by your genetics and skin type.

If you have oily skin, then your pores will look more enlarged than if you have dryer skin. Also, men tend to have larger pores, although changes in female hormones can cause pores to look bigger during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy.

The first type of pore is our hair follicles, which hold our sebum-making sebaceous glands. Sebum is the natural oil produced to lubricate our skin and keep it hydrated.

You’ll find these pores everywhere, except on your hands and feet.

The other form of pore releases moisture from your sweat glands, which regulates your body temperature. You’ll also find these pores all over your body, although they’re more concentrated in the armpits, groin, hands, and feet.

As far as large pores on the face are concerned, depending on your skin type and genetics, it could be your hair follicles, sweat glands, or a combination of the two causing your skin’s discontent.

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The Big Issue

The appearance of pores does change when they become clogged with dead skin cells, pollution, dirt, and excess sebum production, which will eventually lead to blackheads, whiteheads, blind pimples, and full-on acne breakout.

Therefore, it is imperative that your skincare routine not only keeps your skin clean, but also helps to prevent enlarged pores from getting blocked. And there are seven essential oils that you can use to help you do just that!

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Seven Essential Oils for Enlarged Pores

Clary sage

Using clary sage essential oil in a carrier oil, like grape seed or argan, will help to reduce greasiness and bring balance back to your skin’s natural pH levels.

Frankincense

Used in many anti-aging formulas, this essential oil’s astringent properties support the tightening of the skin, as well as reducing inflammation, which is a big plus if you have enlarged pores.

Geranium

This essential oil is well known for assisting in the healing of wounds and scars for faster skin recovery, which is great if you have a tendency to pick your skin.

Rosehip

The oil from the seed of the rosehip is a powerful antioxidant that contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties among others. It also smooths out skin to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a great essential oil for minimizing the look of large pores, due to how it works to decongest the skin to prevent them from clogging in the first place. It’s also an astringent, so it stops your skin from producing excess sebum.

Sweet basil

This essential oil is also effective at treating acne breakouts, due to its antiseptic properties. Making a facial steam bath with this oil will decongest your blocked pores.

Tea tree

You probably aren’t surprised to find that this essential oil has made the list, since it is found in so many products designed to eliminate acne, target nail fungus, etc.. Tea tree oil is a great treatment for killing bacteria inside enlarged pores, which will reduce the chances of any breakouts.

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DIY Pore Reducer

Making your own pore tightening facial serum using essential oils suited to your skin’s needs will not only be fun, but also sustainably friendly. If you have normal skin, for example, you can use just about any carrier oil, as long as it doesn’t feel sticky on your skin. Fractionated coconut oil would be a good place to start.

Making your own pore tightening facial serum using essential oils suited to you skin’s needs will not only be fun, but also sustainably friendly.

For dry or aging skin types, more moisturizing carrier oils like shea oil and nourishing rosehip oil would do the trick. If your skin is already oily and/or acne prone, then you’ll need to stick to lightweight carrier oils to keep your pores unblocked.

This means you should choose oils with a comedogenic rating of zero, which absorb quickly to keep your skin moisturized, but won’t clog your pores. Carrier oils like hemp seed, argan, evening primrose, and grape seed would work best for acne-prone and oily skins.

This easy recipe contains just four ingredients, including the carrier and essential oils:

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp carrier oil suitable for your skin type
• 3 tbsp pure aloe vera gel
• 10 drops of clary sage, frankincense, or geranium
• 7 drops tea tree

Clean colored glass jar, either amber or blue/purple, with pipette

Preparation:

Add the aloe vera gel to the jar, then add the essential oils. Either stir using a non-metal tool or close the lid and gently shake the mixture. And that’s it. To keep it form-stable, make sure that your jar is stored in a cool dry place, completely away from any direct sunlight.

Apply a few drops to your face after cleansing patting.

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Conclusion

Armed with the right carrier oil for your skin type, you can also get creative with essential oils for enlarged pores. Change up the recipe above to create your own unique potion for shrinking your pores long term, using the wonderful properties of the essential oils we’ve mentioned here.