large pores

i've had acne problems for as long as i can remember....it has gotten somewhat better over the past few months, but i still have LARGE PORES...i take hot showers to open them up, wash deeply and then rub alittle with ice to close them...

i'm very much against products because i've tried so many things that it seems like an endless game..

what is the best natural way to help unclog large pores and close them up??

-l.

[loiloi]

As you say, splashing with cold water will help close the pores up. I know you are reluctant to use products but you do need a toner. Clinique make good toners and they also make a pore-minimiser.

[constatlyinpain]

Honestly what you need is a series of deep pore cleansing/exfoliation facials.  At a good esthetics salon or a day spa they can run about $65 or so.  The ice---not a good idea.  You are going from hot steamy water to ice and shocking your skin.  Cool water, fine, but not ice.  Really what you should use fresh out of the shower is a toner.  Everyone now is "all natural" this and "all natural" that, but really if we have the technology why not use it???  Use the esthetician to get your pores clean, and exfoliation will help reduce the size of the pores once they've been cleaned...THEN do the all natural thing to KEEP your skin clean.

Hope this helps...

[Lynminx]

I have played the face wash game with so many products. I stopped when I bought Pro-Active. It's a life saver for my extremely sensitive, acne prone skin.

My dermatologist told me to always wash my face with cool water. Hot water promotes the growth of bacteria. Going from hot to cold will just make the pores worse. Try not to do that. Toner is the way to go.