How Redheads Should Minimize Skin Pores

The age-old idea that you can shrink your pores is sadly, just a fantasy. “Pore size is genetically determined,” says Diana Ralys, LE, Skin Expert Certified Health Coach, Owner and Founder of Diana Ralys Skin Health. “Using natural products can help keep the pores clean.” Here are Ralys’ 5 tips for naturally minimizing skin pores and brightening the appearance of the skin:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: For those with large pores, wipe the skin with apple cider vinegar a few times a week. Saturate the cotton ball and wipe clean skin. Wait a few minutes and wash off with water.

2. Witch Hazel: Use witch hazel as a toner, but make sure it does not contain any alcohol. Alcohol can be very drying on redheads with sensitive skin.

3. Lemon Juice: Wipe skin with freshly squeezed lemon juice few times a week at night to keep pores clean.

4. Enzyme Masks & Exfoliants: These will help digest aged sebum in pores. Once pores are empty of impurities, they naturally contract.

5. Clay-Based Masks: The best clay to look for in a mask is rhassoul clay, which is also call “the swelling clay”. It is 100% natural and ecological. It contains silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium. These minerals make the clay highly detoxifying. The clay not only works to remove impurities from your skin.

We also spoke with Holly Green, skin expert, esthetician and owner of Norabloom Botanicals & Beauty Lounge in Ithaca, New York. “Ladies with large pores, you have to keep them clear, ” says Green. “Always wash your makeup off in the evening. Avoid alcohol and peroxide because they’re too drying and it confuses your skin’s natural PH, especially if you have sensitive skin.”

READ: Best Red Lipstick Finds for Redheads 

READ: A Dry Shampoo Trick Every Redhead Should Know About

Green recommends making your own pore minimizing paste at home:

1/2 Cup Baking Soda
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice

Apply the paste to clean skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and a apply a light moisturizer to lock it all in. This remedy is a tip recommended by makeup artists everywhere, and celebrities love it too. Actress Emma Stone told France’s ELLE magazine that she uses the kitchen ingredient to exfoliate–to scrub her face and get rid of dry patches.

Rock it like a Redhead!