Overview

Pores are tiny openings in the skin's surface that allow moisture to pass through. Anybody can develop enlarged pores, though individuals suffering from dry skin, oily skin or acne-prone skin are more likely to have problems, as noted in "Milady's Standard Cosmetology." Shrink your pores temporarily using toners and remove dead skin to refresh your complexion and prevent pores from becoming blocked by mixing up homemade remedies. Homemade remedies for large pores are simple to make and use and can be concocted using ingredients found in your home or local grocery store.

Mint and Citrus

Step 1

Mix 2 drops of mint essential oil and 2 drops of orange essential oil into a cup of distilled water. Mint adds a cooling sensation and orange peels away dead skin, which the Mayo Clinic notes can clog pores, enlarging them.

Step 2

Add a squirt of lemon juice to the mixture. The citric acid in lemon juice peels away dead skin and tightens pores, as noted by beauty expert Brigitte Mars in "Beauty by Nature."

Step 3

Mix the ingredients well. Stir rigorously to ensure the oil and water-based ingredients blend. Use an electric beater if the oil and water-based ingredients won't mix.

Step 4

Apply to your face. Avoid getting the mixture into your eyes—the citrus-based ingredients sting. If the mixture accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, rinse under cool water for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Rinse your face with cool water immediately after use.

Apple Toner

Step 1

Mix 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/3 cup witch hazel. Both of these ingredients are acidic in nature, causing pores to temporarily shrink, as noted in "A Consumer's Dictionary of Skin Care Ingredients."

Step 2

Add 4 drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender oil is lightly scented and has antimicrobial properties, as noted in "The Herbal Companion."

Step 3

Place all of the ingredients in a tightly sealing jar. Shake the jar rigorously for several minutes to ensure an even mixture of oil and water-based ingredients.

Step 4

Dab the mixture onto your face using your fingers or a clean cotton cloth. Apply the mixture after cleansing and moisturizing your face.

Step 5

Rinse the mixture from your face using cool water. Avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. Rinse your eyes under cool, running water for 15 minutes if the mixture happens to come into contact.

Chamomile Toner

Step 1

Brew 1 cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile, as noted in "The Herbal Body Book," has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is mildly acidic, two things that can lead to minimized pores.

Step 2

Mix the tea with 1 tsp. of tea tree oil, an ingredient recommended by the Mayo Clinic as an antiseptic and astringent.

Step 3

Apply the mixture to your face with a clean washcloth after cleansing and moisturizing your skin.

Step 4

Avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. If the mixture accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, rinse your eyes under cool, running water for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Rinse the mixture from your face immediately after use.