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Curse the existence of open pores on your face all you want, but you know you still need ‘em pores to release sebum and keep your skin naturally moisturised. If the last bit seemed like a news flash to you, you should know pores aka the ventilation set-up of your skin help it breathe. So, yes, all of us have open pores on our faces. The difference is in the size. It’s when the pores are enlarged and overtly visible that panic strikes and you wish they could do their job more discreetly.
No, we won’t tell you that pores can be banished forever. Sure, they can get prominent due to various reasons as you age however, with a few changes in your skincare routine, you can always unclog the pores and minimise them. We are talking about one less hitch standing in the way of your #ClearSkinGoals.
Causes Of Open Pores On The Face
Truth is, to fight the enlarged, open pores, you’ve got to get to the source. So here’s a lowdown on the primary reasons you may have open pores on your face.
• Genetic Make-Up
Your genes play a vital role in determining your pore size. So if your parents have large pores, gear up, for you may have enlarged pores around your cheeks, forehead, and nose, too.
• Ageing
As you age, your skin tends to lose its elasticity thereby, making the pores look larger.
• Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, brace for dilated open pores because excess oil and impurities tend to collect in your pores thereby, expanding them.
• Hormones
Hormonal changes triggered by pregnancy, menstruation and puberty can make the pores larger and more visible.
• Sun Exposure
Extreme exposure to the sun tends to shrink the tissue beneath your skin, which stretches the edges of your pores. It also reduces skin’s collagen, water and elastin levels which pave the way for wider pores.
• Hair
If you have inherited thick hair follicles, thick skin or oily skin, you are more likely to end up with enlarged pores.
Ways To Reduce The Appearance of Large Pores
• Opt For Gel and Water-Based Formulations
Oil-free products that boast humectants such as honey and urea are ideal for those who possess large pores. Steer clear of oil-based formulations that comprise petrolatum, coconut oil, and any other essential oils. While the following ingredients maximise moisturisation, they can lead to the overaccumulation of sebum on your skin, making your pores appear larger.
• Remove Makeup At Night
Sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no. An accumulation of dirt, grime, sebum, and makeup is sure to clog your pores and make them appear larger. Hence, make sure that you cleanse your skin before hitting the sheets.
• Cleanse Twice a Day
Invest in a gentle, gel-based cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Wash your face up to twice a day, especially if you tend to sweat profusely or engage in a lot of physical activity.
• Exfoliate
Purchase a face scrub imbued with salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and polyhydroxy acids to exfoliate your skin not more than twice a week. Gently rub the product onto your skin in a circular motion to drive away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells. However, do not be too harsh, as it may cause micro-tears on the skin.
• Moisturise Daily
Applying an oil-free moisturiser can go far in minimising the size of your pores. After cleansing your face, slather a generous layer of the product onto your skin to ensure that the oils penetrate deep into your pores, rather than sitting on the surface.
• Apply a Clay Mask
Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help eliminate excess sebum resting in your pores, thereby reducing their enlarged appearance. However, avoid exfoliating and masking up on the same day, as over-treating the skin can cause irritation.
• Wear Sunscreen
As sun exposure contributes to the enlargement of pores, wearing sunscreen is paramount—pick one that contains SPF 30 or more.
Home Remedies For Open Pores
If you are looking for open pores treatment at home, here’s a lowdown on the home remedies for open pores.
1. Egg White
A study suggests that egg white can help tighten the skin and remove build-up from large pores.
Step 1:In a bowl, whip 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and 2 drops of lemon juice.
Step 2: Using a brush, apply the paste to your face.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, wash off with lukewarm water.
2. Turmeric
Step 1:In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of rose water to get a smooth paste.
Step 2: Gently rub this paste on the affected area for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with cold water.
3. Tomato
Step 1:Extract the pulp of a tomato into a cup and add 1 drop of honey. Mix it well.
Step 2: Massage this paste all over your face.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 15 minutes, rinse off with water.
4. Aloe Vera
Step 1: Scoop out the gel from an Aloe Vera Leaf into a bowl and refrigerate it for an hour.
Step 2:Massage the cool gel on your face and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with cold water.
5. Brown Sugar
Step 1:In a bowl, add and mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 drop of honey.
Step 2: Gently massage this scrub on the affected areas for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Wash your face with water and follow it up with a moisturiser.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Step 1: In a bowl, dilute 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 tablespoon of Water.
Step 2: Using your fingertips, massage this solution on the enlarged pores and let it dry naturally.
Step 3: Follow it up with a mild cleanser.
7. Baking Soda
Step 1: In a cup of warm water, add 2 tablespoons of Baking Soda. Stir it well.
Step 2: Now, apply the paste to the pores and massage with your fingertips for 10 minutes.
Step 3:Wash off with cold water and follow it up with a layer of moisturiser.
8. Multani Mitti
Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Multani Mitti powder and 2 tablespoons of Milk. Stir it well so that no clumps are formed.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of this paste on your face as a mask and wait 15 minutes. Multani Mitti helps in the reduction of pores, as per a study.
Step 3: Rinse with cool water.
Best Products For Open Pores
Scroll for the best intensive pore care products to ensure your pores are refined and minimised.
1. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is dermatologist-recommended and deeply cleanses without stripping away moisture. The cleanser also combines the moisturising Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and hydrating glycerin to help minimise pores while preserving the skin’s moisture barrier and improving water retention.
2. WOW Skin Science Pink Rose Clay Face Mask
The WOW Skin Science Anti-Acne Neem & Tea Tree Clay Face Mask is supercharged with essential oils and white Kaolin Clay to draw out deep-seated impurities, clear pores and tone them. Also, it works at balancing sebum levels to give your skin a soft, dewy glow. What’s more? The blend of sweet almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter delivers intense hydration while protecting the skin from free radical damage.
3. Votre Advanced Pore Minimising Toner
The fusion of exfoliating Tea Tree Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Rose Extracts in this hard-working facial toner degunks skin and tightens enlarged pores while bidding dark spots adieu. These compounds concoct a mild alcohol-free formula which makes it perfect for sensitive skin too. Besides, Aloe soothes while Watermelon refreshes skin to leave it soft without disrupting its natural protective barrier. Pretty cool, huh?
4. Dot & Key Watermelon AHA Pore Tightening Alcohol-Free Toner With Glycolic Acid For Glowing Skin
What are we looking at? An alcohol-free facial toner that calls upon Glycolic Acid to address enlarged pores and acne. This is a non-drying formula that doesn’t skew your skin’s pH balance. It’s also infused with Watermelon and has soothing and cooling abilities to refresh tired skin. Oh, and yes, it melts into your face and feels like your own skin but much clearer with no glimpse of enlarged pores.
5. Mamaearth CoCo Face Scrub with Coffee & Cocoa for Rich Exfoliation
The Mamaearth CoCo Face Scrub is a skin-clarifying force that relies on the triumph of togetherness. Walnut Extracts with their exfoliating properties buff away dead skin cells whereas Shea Butter deeply conditions skin. At the forefront of the battle is Coffee which penetrates deep into the skin to shed away impurities and unclog pores as well as has anti-ageing properties as per this study. We are talking clear skin! And the whiff of de-stressing cocoa aroma while achieving a pearly glow is just an added bonus.
FAQs
1. How to reduce open pores on the face with toner?
Apply a toner on your face daily after cleansing it and before moisturising it. Toner is necessary to get rid of all the residue that is left behind on your skin after cleansing, such as makeup, excess oils, impurities, and dead skin cells. By using a toner, all such pore-clogging residues are gently removed, lowering the chances of swelled-up pores and future breakouts.
Nykaa Recommends: Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner With Himalayan Waters, Lakme Absolute Pore Fix Toner, Kaya Alcohol-Free Daily Pore Minimising Face Toner, Mamaearth Green Tea Face Toner With Green Tea & Collagen For Open Pores
2. How to get rid of open pores with the best cream for open pores?
Effective creams for open pores include:
1. Olay Total Effects 7 In One Night Cream
2. Lakme 9 to 5 Naturale Day Creme SPF 20 With Pure Aloe Vera
3. The Face Shop Tea Tree Pore Cream With Ip- Bha, Pha & Hyaluronic Acid
4. Plum Green Tea Night Gel Cream With Glycolic Acid
3. How to get rid of open pores with the best face wash for open pores?
Effective open pores face wash include:
1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
2. Himalaya Herbals Fairness Kesar Face Wash
3. Lotus Professional Phyto-Rx Deep Pore Cleansing Face Wash
