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Simply put, open pores are enlarged openings of hair follicles that appear as tiny dots on the skin’s surface, visibly on areas like the nose, forehead, and cheeks.
These pores are essential for the skin’s natural functions as they release sebum (essential oils) to the skin’s surface, helping maintain moisture.
However, when these pores are enlarged, they often trap dust, dirt, dead skin cells, and excess sebum which then causes acne, blackheads, and whiteheads making the skin look rough and dull.
Therefore, it's crucial to address open pores effectively to avoid frequent breakouts and acne scars.
Let’s learn about the causes of open pores, the best treatments to minimize them, and the effective treatments to reduce their appearance in this blog.
Causes of open pores
To understand how to reduce pores in the face, let’s first look at its common causes:
- Oily Skin: When you have oily skin, the excess oil and dirt can clog pores, causing them to expand and look enlarged. Therefore, people with oily skin tend to have more open pores on the face, particularly in the T-zone.
- Genetics: Your genes can also be a reason for open pores. If your parents have large pores, it’s more likely that you will experience them too.
- Aging: With age, the skin loses collagen and elasticity, causing the skin to sag. This loss of firmness makes pores appear larger.
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Environmental factors: Sun damage, broken skin barrier, and pollution can weaken the skin's structure, leading to the enlargement of pores.
Moreover, UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, making it harder for the skin to maintain its tight, youthful appearance.
- Wrong skincare routine: Using the wrong products or neglecting basic skincare, such as cleansing and exfoliation, can exacerbate the appearance of open pores. Therefore, it's important to use products that suit your skin type and double cleansing to remove makeup and dirt thoroughly.
How to get rid of open pores in the face?
Open pores are not something that can be cured overnight. For effective treatment of open pores, you need consistent efforts that include the right skincare routine and products. Following are some best ways of treating open pores:
1. Thorough cleansing
Clogged pores often cause them to appear enlarged. Therefore, the first step towards face pore treatment is cleansing your skin thoroughly every day.
Ingredients like salicylic acid help unclog pores and prevent buildup as they penetrate deeply into the pores, clearing out excess oil and dead skin cells.
Opt for salicylic acid cleansers for an effective cleanse. Moreover, opt for double cleansing to remove the residue of sunscreen and makeup before bed every night.
Lastly, ensure that your cleansers are gentle on the skin.
You can try the :
1% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Foaming Face Wash
2. Toning
An underrated step for open pores treatment is toning your skin regularly.
Toners deeply cleanse, balance, and refine the skin. By removing any lingering dirt, oil, and makeup after cleansing, toners keep pores clear, reducing the chances of blockages that can make them appear larger.
Toners with astringent ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide help tighten the skin, and balance oil production, preventing excess oil buildup that could lead to stretched-out pores over time.
Similarly, hydrating toners with humectants like hyaluronic acid plump and moisturize helps smooth skin texture and support a tighter, more even complexion.
Pick a toner suited to your skin type and use it twice daily in your routine.
3. Weekly exfoliation
Another crucial step for open pores treatment is exfoliation. Exfoliating your skin regularly helps get rid of dead skin cells, sebum, and buildup that can make pores appear larger.
You can opt for both chemical or physical peels. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work on a deeper level, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and keeping pores clear.
Similarly, you can opt for green tea scrub and glycolic acid for exfoliation. However, do not over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, leading to even larger pores.
You can try the
10% AHA + 5% PHA + 0.5% BHA Exfoliating Peel with Green Tea
4. Treat, moisturizer and protect
Even oily skin needs nourishment to balance the oil in the skin. Therefore, use serums for open pores and a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer like the Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer in your routine to target the treatment of enlarged pores.
Ingredients such as niacinamide and retinol help reduce pore size by regulating oil production and promoting collagen production.
A pore-minimizing serum can smooth the skin's texture, tighten pores, and improve overall skin health.
You can try the
2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face Serum
15% Vitamin C Face Serum with Mandarin
1% Retinol Face Serum with Bakuchiol
Similarly, a moisturizer will help hydrate your skin adequately and reduce oil production.
Lastly, as UV exposure is one of the reasons for enlarged pores, ensure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day with an SPF of 30 and above to protect your skin against sun damage.
You can try the
Niacinamide & Rice Water SPF 50 PA+++ Hybrid Sunscreen
Squalane & Vitamin E SPF 50 PA+++ Dewy-Bright Sunscreen
Cica & Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50 PA+++ Sunscreen
5. Face masks
Applying face masks is also one of the best treatments to open pores as they help absorb excess oil and tighten the skin.
You can opt for clay masks containing kaolin or bentonite to draw out impurities from deep within the pores.
Similarly, you can also whip a mask with fuller earth in your home for a quick refreshing open-pore treatment.
You can try the
6. Professional treatments
While not the best treatment for open pores, you can also opt for quicker and permanent solutions through professional and chemical treatments such as the following:
Microdermabrasion: This minimally invasive treatment buffs away dead skin cells and improves the texture of the skin, making pores appear smaller.
Laser treatments: Laser therapy is used to stimulate collagen production, tightening the skin and minimizing the appearance of pores. However, these treatments should be done by a licensed dermatologist.
Open pores can impact your overall appearance and make you look dull. However, with the right knowledge and treatment, you can effectively treat open pores, reduce their appearance, and achieve smoother, more refined skin.
Lastly, if you have tried all the tips recommended and are clueless about how to reduce pores in the face, you can consult a dermatologist to rule out severe skin conditions like rosacea and acne.
FAQs
Q 1. How do I get rid of open pores?
Thorough cleansing, weekly exfoliation, and pore-minimizing serums can help reduce the appearance of open pores.
Q 2. What are the causes of open pores?
Open pores are often caused by excess sebum accumulation in your skin, genetics, hormonal changes, aging, and environmental factors like sun damage and pollution.
Q 3. Which treatment is best for open pores?
A combination of salicylic acid cleansers, retinol serums, and professional treatments like chemical peels can provide the best results.
Q 4. Can you reduce pore size?
While you can't permanently shrink pores, you can minimize the open pores and reduce their appearance with the right skincare routine and professional treatments.
Q 5. Can ice close pores?
Ice can temporarily tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, but it doesn’t provide a permanent solution.
Q 6. How can I permanently tighten my pores?
Professional treatments like laser therapy or chemical peels may provide long-term solutions, but no treatment can permanently minimize pore size.
