You may have heard from people that they’re suffering from open Skin pores. But, what are these open pores they are talking about?

Well, skin pores are tiny pores present naturally everywhere on the skin. They help in keeping skin smooth and hydrated by secreting natural oil and allowing your skin to breathe. They also secrete waste products and toxins through sweating. Moreover, sweating also helps in thermo-regulation and cools down your body.

Overall, skin pores are an essential part of our body system and it’s only when these pores get clogged that you may find yourself in trouble.

People with oily skin tend to have more frequent severe open pores problems as compared to those with dry skin. These open pores can really be annoying around the nose and cheek area, where the oil (sebaceous) glands are maximum.

If you’re aiming for a flawless skin, it’s imperative to stop these skin pores from gaping. In order to do that, you must maintain a balanced nourishment, while keeping skin healthy by cleansing, moisturizing and toning.

Why does one have open pores?

As already discussed skin pores are present everywhere there is skin. Where do you think those tiny hair sprout from? And, where does that glistening sweat and oil come from?

Overall, skin pores are an essential part of our body system and it’s only when these pores get clogged that you may find yourself in trouble.

People with oily skin tend to have more frequent severe open pores problems as compared to those with dry skin. These open pores can really be annoying around the nose and cheek area, where the oil (sebaceous) glands are maximum.

Now, let’s look at some of the causative factors in the development of open pores.

1. Genetic causes

Our genome affects almost everything that our body does naturally. If your parents or siblings have the problem of open pores, it’s very likely you may also have it.

2. Oily skin

At large having an oily skin is another genetic factor that may affect the development of open pores. When there is more production of oil by the sebaceous glands than the pores can actually secrete out, the pores tend to get blocked. The excess sebum/oil gets clogged in the pores, and further worsened by an inflammation, causes the skin pores to expand and open.

3. Sweating

Extreme sweating also has the same impact as excessive oil production. More the skin pores have to work, more they are stretched. Thus, the chances of getting open pores are increased too.

4. Clogging of pores

Excessive oil secretion, clogged dirt particles and dead skin cells in the pores can lead to expanding of the pores as well. The same mechanism leads to acne or blackheads.

5. Aging

As the skin ages, cell renewal is slowed, and there are increased problems with collagen, a natural protein structure to maintain skin, leading to hampered elasticity and tautness of skin. This loss of skin composure makes the pore expand and appear bigger.

6. Poor Hygiene

If you’re not washing your face properly, you’re doing a crime. The dirt that settles and clogs the pores can proliferate several problems including acne, blackheads and open pores.

7. Exposure to the sun

If you’re exposing your skin to prolonged hours under the sun without appropriate protection, the skin is bound to get damaged. It badly damages the skin cells, including the collagen present in the skin cells. The skin elasticity is reduced and pore enlarges.

8. Makeup

You might be using makeup to hide those open pores, but did you know makeup may actually do more harm than good. If you apply it for a long duration or don’t remove it properly, it settles in the pores and further proliferates them.

9. Other causes

Other causative factors for open pores include hormonal imbalance, improper skin hydration, smoking, and improper nutrition.

How to get rid of enlarged open pores?

The skin pores are natural and you cannot get rid of them permanently. In fact, one can not actually survive without the skin pores. However, there are some treatment options available for enlarged skin pores. Following are a few medical options available:

1. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, a β-hydroxy acid, percolates through the skin pores to the the sebaceous glands and clears the keratin plug. It is so effective that a lot of face wash and skin toners are, now a days, adding it for special Oily Skin preparations. However, salicylic acid shouldn’t be used for the dry or sensitive skin as it might harm skin.

2. Retinoids

Retinoids can be used to reduce oil secretion both orally and topically. When there is less oil secretion, chances of clogged pores is reduced as well. Hence, less open pores, and acne. But, you should only take retinoids after consulting a dermatologist.

3. LASER treatment

The LASER treatment of skin is used to promote collagen remodeling, which forms the skeleton of skin. Although this method is effective in reducing larger pores and scar from acne, its effectiveness in reducing open pores is yet to be established.

4. TCA Cross

This technique requires the application of trichloroacetic acid around the walls of open pores with the help of an applicator or toothpick. This forms a black coating in the applied areas that should automatically fall off within 10 days.

5. Derma-Rollers

The mechanism for derma-rollers remains same as the LASER Treatment; collagen remodeling. Nevertheless, this technique is proved to be less effective in comparison to LASER treatment.

6. AFT Technology

This method is light-based and focuses on rejuvenating the skin. A natural light percolates deeper into the skin and stimulates collagen and new skin formation. Its results are spontaneous with no downtime and no side-effects.

7. Clearlift

This technique also works on the mechanism of stimulating collagen. Activated collagen keeps the skin taut and elastic, making your skin feel younger and free of open pores. It also helps with pigmentation. The results are visible within 20 minutes.

8. Pixel Perfect technology

This technique accelerates self-exfoliation of skin cells. The new skin form in a week, giving your skin a healthier, rejuvenated look.

Although there are many products based on the above-mentioned medical treatment options available in the market to get rid of open pores, there are several home remedies to treat open pores which are equally effective. So, why spend more when you can get the same result for the same cost? Here are a few home remedies to get you started:

Ice Cube

Cold has a skin tightening action. You can apply an ice-cube on your skin after the use of a mild face wash. Repeat it twice daily. Besides tightening skin, it will also tone the skin. You can also wash your face with chilled water for similar effects.

Tip: Take lemon and tomato juice, and fill your ice-tray with it. Then, place the tray in the freezer. Once converted into ice-cubes, rub them over your skin for additional benefit.

You can also add cucumber juice, green tea, rose water or apple juice in the water you’re using to make the ice cubes.

Caution: This method may not be suitable for people suffering from sinusitis.

Fuller’s Earth

Commonly known as Multani Mitti in India, Fuller’s earth is excellent for the skin. Not only does it treat open pores, it also tightens the skin, and makes it radiant. It removes excess oil, reduces blemishes, scars, and sun-tan.

Tip: You can make a face pack with Fuller’s earth by adding rose water to it. Apply on your face, and leave for 20 mins. Alternately, you can add honey and milk to Fuller’s earth to prepare the pack. Afterwards, scrub off the dried pack and wash your face with cold water for a nourished radiant skin.

Steam

Steam is excellent for unclogging and clearing the skin pores. Wash your face with a mild cleaner, followed by steaming. Afterwards, don’t forget to wash your face with cold water to close the unclogged pores.

Egg White

Eggs can also be used to tighten the skin, thus, treat enlarged skin pores. They also remove excess oil from the clogged pores.

Tip: Prepare an egg white batter. Add lime juice and oatmeal to it, and apply on your face. Keep it for 30 mins. Before scrubbing it off and rinsing your face with cold water. You should do this 2 times a week.

Alternately, you can prepare a mask using egg white and tissue paper. First, apply the egg white batter on your face. Next, cover your skin with a tissue paper. Apply more egg batter on the tissue paper and allow it to dry. Peel it off once dry.

Honey

Honey is long known in Ayurveda for its antibacterial and other medical properties. It is also a good source of potassium that also has bactericidal action.

Tip: Mix honey and yogurt well and apply on the affected skin areas. Wash with fresh water after a few minutes. Furthermore, lactic acid in yogurt facilitates skin exfoliation.

Almonds

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E which essential for healthy skin. They make skin fresh and smooth while reducing the open pores.

Tip: Crush 6-7 almonds and add lemon juice to them to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your skin and leave it for 20-30 mins. Afterwards, wash your face with cold water. You may also add orange rind and rose water to crush almonds for best results.

Sugar Scrub

You can also remove open pores by scrubbing your skin with a homemade sugar scrub. This helps in removing excess oil and dirt, while also promoting skin exfoliation.

Tip: Make a mixture of 1 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp of sugar and 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Rub this scrub gently on your face for 30 seconds. Wash your face with cold water. You may scrub your face with sugar scrub twice a week.

Cucumber Juice With Rose Water

Silica in cucumber helps in improving skin texture and complexion while reducing the skin pores.

Tip: Take cucumber juice and add a few drops of rose water in it. Dab this solution on your skin with cotton balls. Let is stay for 20 mins before washing it off with cold water.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood rejuvenates the skin and reduces open pores.

Tip: Take 1 tbsp sandalwood powder, a pinch of turmeric powder and few drops of almond oil. Mix them well and apply this pack on your face. After 20 minutes wash your face with cold water. This pack reduces open pores along with other skin benefits.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has exfoliating properties and removes excess oil, dead skin, and dirt from the skin. It also helps in maintaining skin pH balance.

Tip: Take 2 tbsp baking soda and lukewarm water, mix them. Apply the solution on your face and gently massage in a circular motion. Afterwards, wash your face with cold water. You can repeat it daily for best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with beauty benefits to the skin. It’s an excellent natural skin toner, with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial action, thus preventing acne. It improves skin texture and reduces skin pores. Also, it acts as a natural buffer and maintains skin pH balance.

Tip: Mix apple cider vinegar with water in equal amounts. Dab the solution on your skin with a cotton ball and leave for a few minutes. Wash with cold water. You can repeat this method every night after cleansing your skin. Afterwards, apply a soft moisturizer.

Fruit Massage

Fruits are not only good for the body but they are also good for skin. You can massage your face with fruit pulp. You can use pineapple, strawberry, grapes, orange, lemon, watermelon, banana, sweet lime etc. They remove the skin debris, reduce open pores and gives you healthy and smooth skin.

Oatmeal and Tomato Mask

Oatmeal is an excellent skin exfoliator and removes excess oil and debris from the skin. It also mollifies the skin, thus, great for those who have a sensitive skin. Tomato has natural astringent which helps to reduce the size of open pores and remove excess oil from your skin.

Tip: Take 2 tbsp oatmeal and tomato juice. Mix them well and apply this pack on your face. Leave it for 30 minutes. Wash your face with cold water.

Alternately, you can make a mask with 2 tbsp each of oatmeal and milk powder and 5 tbsp of honey.

Gram Flour

Gram flour can also be used for reducing open pore size. Take 1 tbsp gram flour, 2 tbsp plain yogurt and a pinch of turmeric. Mix them and make a paste. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your face with cool water.

Alum

Mix a pinch of alum in warm water. Dab this solution on affected areas of skin with cotton balls.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk can be used to nourish your skin. Soak a cotton ball with buttermilk and apply it on your skin to reduce the open skin pores.

Milk

Mix sea salt in milk. Dab the solution on your skin with a cotton ball to treat enlarged skin pores.

Tomato

Grind a mixture of half a tomato and 4 garlic pods. Apply this mixture on your skin. Rinse after 15-20 minutes with warm water. Then, sprinkle cold water on your face to close the pores.

Alternately, you may run a slice of tomato on your skin.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel acts as natural astringent. It reduces enlarged pores but doesn’t dry the skin. It also gets rid of excess oil, debris, dirt, and bacteria. Witch hazel is particularly good when open pores are caused by pimples.

Tip: Dab a cotton ball in a tbsp of witch hazel and apply on your skin. Once the mix is dried, wash it off with cold water.

Catechu

Catechu is helpful in preventing enlarged open pores on your skin.

Tip: Take catechu and mix in rose water (for oily skin) or milk (for dry skin). Add sandalwood powder in the mix and prepare a paste. Apply the paste on your skin and let it stay for 15 mins. Rinse with cold water.

Chamomile

Mix chamomile powder and tomato pulp in equal amounts. Apply the mixture on affected areas of skin. The enlarged open pores would reduce in a few days.

Mint juice

Mix mint juice with watermelon juice and apply the solution on your face. Afterwards, wash with cold water.

Oak Tree Gum

Take oak tree gum extract and add in milk to make a paste. Apply the paste on your skin for few minutes and wash off with cold water.

Fenugreek

Mix fenugreek powder, cucumber paste and ginger paste in equal quantities. Softly massage your face with the paste for a few minutes. Wash off your face a few minutes later. Repeat regularly to reduce the open pores.

Lettuce leaves

Crush lettuce leaves to extract its juice. To the juice add few drops of lime juice. Apply the solution on your skin and leave it for 20 mins. Wash with cold water afterwards.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel acts as an excellent natural skin cleanser. It can also help in reducing enlarged skin pores.

Tip: Massage the affected areas with aloe vera gel for 5 mins and allow it to dry. Wash the face with water. You may mix lemon juice with the gel for better results.

Cucumber

Cucumber acts as a natural astringent. It is helpful in reducing open pores as well. Regular use of cucumber improves skin texture and complexion.

Tip: Extract cucumber juice and soak a cotton ball in it. Softly apply the juice on your facial skin. Leave the juice on your skin for 20 minutes before washing with cold water.

You may add lemon juice or rose water to cucumber juice for additional benefits.

Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia is a magnesium hydroxide solution and widely popular for its laxative action. However, it can also be used to reduce enlarged skin pores.

Tip: Apply some Milk of Magnesia to the affected areas of the skin. Leave the solution on the skin for 15-20 mins. First, wash off the solution with lukewarm water. Immediately, rinse your face with cold water to close the open pores.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid which is a good skin exfoliator and has several more beauty benefits. It also helps in reducing open pores.

Tip: Mix lemon juice of one lemon with 1 tbsp of honey. Apply on your skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with cold water. Repeat the process everyday for 1 month for skin pore reduction.

Additionally, you may add cinnamon powder or tomato juice to lemon juice for additional benefits.

Preventing skin pores from enlarging

1. Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is the basic requirement of a healthy, glowing and well-nourished skin. You should take food rich in fibre, Vitamins A, C & E, and antioxidants. Fibre is helpful in keeping your gut healthy and body fit, thus preventing skin problems. Antioxidants have anti-ageing properties, fights free radicals and toxins, thus, preventing skin damage, open pores and fine lines on your skin. Vitamin C is helpful in replenishing collagen, while A and E are also required to keep skin healthy.

2. Sunscreen

Always use sunscreen when leaving the house. UV rays in sun not only tans your complexion but also damages collagen and remove moisture. Prolonged sun exposure causes premature ageing and leads to wrinkles and open pores. Use a sunscreen according to your skin type. Even if you spend most of your time in the shade, you must still wear a sunscreen.

3. Remove Makeup At Night

Sleeping with makeup can be the worse thing you’d do to your skin. The leftover makeup leaves particles on your skin that would clog the pores leaving them prone to enlarged open pores, blackheads and acne. Thus, you must always remove your makeup before sleeping in the night.

4. Choose Skincare Products Wisely

It’s advisable to take expert help in checking for your skin type and choosing all your skincare cosmetics based upon it. If you use the wrong skin product you will end up doing more harm than good. Whether you have an oily skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, or normal skin, there are skin products in the market for you, buy accordingly.

5. Additional Tips

• Clean your face twice a day.
• For oily skin always apply astringent after cleansing.
• Always use cool water while washing your face.

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