How to Make Masks to Help Close Pores

Pores do not actually open or close but instead stay the same size. When your pores are clogged with

sebum, an oily substance from sebaceous glands, or dead skin cells, many people refer to your pores as open. Astringents, such as lemon juice and honey, cause facial swelling, giving a closed, or smaller, appearance. You can use a variety of masks to create a temporary irritant allowing you to get the look that is commonly misconstrued as closed pores. These masks temporarily minimize the appearance of pores.

Things You'll Need

Hair clips

Cleanser

Towel

Small bowl

Egg

Lemon juice

Oatmeal

Baking soda

Honey

Cucumber

Blender

Instructions

Mask Application

1

Clip your hair out of the way and clean your face with a mild cleanser before applying any mask.

2

Apply a mask with your fingertips to your entire face, leaving holes around each eye. The skin around your eyes is sensitive, so leave plenty of room.

3

Pat the mask onto your face gently. Rubbing roughly may irritate the skin.

4

Remove the mask by rinsing it off your face as much as possible instead of scrubbing it off. Don't leave the mask on longer than the recommended time.

5

Pat skin dry -- don't rub -- after rinsing off the mask. Masks make skin more sensitive; rubbing can aggravate your skin.

Egg White Mask

6

Beat 1 egg white in a small bowl.

7

Add 2 tsp. lemon juice and mix well.

8

Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 10 minutes. This mask will give you a tingling sensation as it works.

9

Rinse the mask off and dry your face.

Oatmeal Mask

10

Mix 3 tsps. fine oatmeal and 1 tsp. baking soda.

11

Add water to form a thick paste.

12

Apply generously to your face.

13

Rinse the mask away after 20 minutes.

Cucumber Mask

14

Mix 1 tsp. honey, 1/4 of a medium cucumber (peeled) and 1 tbsp. water in a blender.

15

Strain the mask mixture so it is smooth.

16

Stir in 2 tsp. ground oatmeal and 1 tsp. wheat germ.

17

Apply to face and let the mask sit for 20 minutes.

18

Remove the mask and pat face dry.