You may have noticed large pores developing on your face, especially in your "t-zone", which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. That means those facial pores are getting stretched out and collection oil and bacteria. So you should treat them as a warning sign that your facial skin is in need of a little pampering and a lot of cleansing to prevent major acne outbreaks and even infections. These tips will help shrink down those pores and get your skin healthy and clean.

The best defense against large pores is understanding how they got so big! Pores become enlarged when they get stretched. The following conditions can stretch out pores until they're gaping wide:

1. Squeezing pimples too forcefully
2. Excessive oil production
3. Poor facial cleansing and a buildup of dead skin cells
4. Sun damage
5. Smoking
6. Excessive makeup usage
7. Dry skin (which causes an excessive out put of clogging oils)
8. Genetics
9. Hormones http://www.beauty-advices.com/how-to-treat-large-pores-properly-treatments-and-procedures/

Some of these problems are easy to address: never apply excessive pressure when attempting to pop a pimple (or better yet, don't squeeze at all!). Always shield your delicate skin from the sun's damaging rays, and cut down on makeup usage, kick the cigarettes to the curb, and be sure to wash your facial t-zone regularly.

But these steps alone may not be enough, especially if you're also contending with genetics, hormone surges, or just a naturally oily face. Keep reading for some tips to shrink those pores right down.

For mild cases of enlarged pores, or for people on a tight budget, these home remedies may go a long way to shrinking those pores.

Almond Meal Paste

• Combine some almond meal and water until its the consistency of a nice paste. Spread on your face, especially in your t-zone. Allow the paste to sit for : 20 minutes, and then rinse it off completely with lukewarm water. Then do a cleansing rinse with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water. http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/large-pores.htm

Tomato Mash

• Mash up some tomatoes (1 or 2 should be plenty), and combine with some lemon juice. Then apply to the skin as a quick cleanser, and rinse with lukewarm water. Follow up with a nice steam for your face.

Oatmeal & Cucumber Mask

• For this mask, you'll need some cucumber juice and some prepared oatmeal. Combine the two and spread on your face. Allow the mask to set for 3 minutes and then rinse away with lukewarm water. http://www.goodskinhealth.org/lang/es/skin-problems/enlarged-pores/

Buttermilk Paste

• Combine some buttermilk and table salt into a nice paste. Massage into your enlarged pores and then rinse away with lukewarm water.

Breakfast Table Remedy

• Your face will think it's breakfast time with this home remedy! Just mix some bran and grapefruit together. Apply to pores and rinse with lukewarm water. http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/large-pores.htm

Egg Whites

• Combine some egg whites with lemon juice and apply to face to help tone the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Steam

• Clean your face as normal, and after rinsing use some steam on your face for about 5-6 minutes.

Cold Water

• Apply cold water to your face to shrink those pores down quickly. The cold causes them to snap shut.

Gently Remove Your Makeup Every Night

• Without harshly scrubbing your skin, make sure to remove your makeup

before it can clog and expand your pores.

If you talk to your Dermatologist or take a look around your local pharmacy, you'll see that there are a number of medical treatment options for shrinking your pores. Some are harsher than others, and some can be quite expensive. Consult your dermatologist to make sure that this treatment is safe for your skin.

Exfoliators

• Choose a gentle exfoliating scrub from the pharmacy that is made for your skin type. Use it according to package directions at least twice a week. Or opt for some exfoliating strips which lift up blackheads and dirt without damaging squeezing.

Toners

• Toners help restore your skin to health and minimize pores. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free version, especially if your skin is normally dry.

Oil-Free Moisturizers

• If your skin is dried out, it may trigger extra oil production which widens

your pores and causes acne in dry, flaky areas. To combat this, apply a light, oil-free moisturizer every night.

Pore Shrinking Creams & Lotions You'll find a variety of lotions and creams at the pharmacy that will clean away some of the sebum and dirt and debris.

Vitamin A Treatments

• This is supposed to help increase facial cell production and eliminate blackheads. Look for products containing Vitamin A that are designed to clean the face.

Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids

• Both types of hydroxy acid will do a really good job of keeping your pores free and clear of oils and gunk. Beta hydroxy acid, in particular, is great at lifting out deep-down oils. Products for the face that contain salicylic acid are a usually a good bet. Just make sure that it is designed for your facial skin type!http://beauty.ivillage.com/skinbody/facecare/0,,92jm7ttf-3,00.html

Retin-A

• This is a name-brand prescription treatment. The generic is known as Tretinoin. Its prescription strength will really clean out the pores and help aid skin cell reproduction to close up pores. See your Dermatologist for more information about Tretinoin.

Laser Treatment, Microdermabrasion, and Chemical Peels

• These are all treatments your Dermatologist may perform in his/her office to help dramatically recondition your facial skin. If your doctor recommends a peel, listen for him/her to suggest using Trichloreacetic acid (TCA), which is very effective at shrinking down pores.