What Are Open Pores And How To Treat Them At Home?

Our skin has thousands of tiny little openings all over it where hair follicles are present. These openings are called pores. 

Pores contain sebum, our body's natural protective oil.

'Open pores' refer to enlarged pores that are visibly noticeable to the naked eyes. 

Open pores are generally seen on the face, neck, chest and back since sebaceous glands are more active on the upper half of the body. These areas are prone to all types of comedones including acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules, pustules, boils etc.

[Also Read: The Ultimate Guide You Need To Get Rid Of Acne]

[Also Read: Here Is How You Can Get Rid Of Blackheads & Whiteheads]

What Causes Open Pores?

1. Heredity and Genetics

Some people just have naturally oily skin due to excess sebum production in the sebaceous glands. 

Sebum production depends on the body's hormones and is thus beyond control. The pores get enlarged in order to accommodate the excess sebum.

2. Aging

When people grow old, the skin's natural cell renewal process gets affected. 

The skin also loses its elasticity and firmness. Thus the pores on the skin appear larger.

3. Sun Exposure

Sun exposure affects the skin's youthful firmness. 

The harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun damage the skin. Sunburn, suntan and rashes further worsen the skin's condition.

[Also Read: 10 Best Budget Sunscreens In India For All Skin Types]

4. Thick Hair Follicles

The pores become clogged due to the thick hair, oil, grime and keratin. 

The pores get stretched in order to accommodate all these and hence they appear larger and are more noticeable.

Medical Treatments Available For Open Pores

The following medical treatments are clinically used for treating open pores. The method of treatment depends on the location, size and density of the pore.

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Lasers use concentrated light therapies to penetrate under the skin's layers and treat the skin from underneath. 

Lasers boost collagen and elastin production which rejuvenates the skin. It effectively treats open pores and improves the skin's appearance.

2. Microneedling

Microneedling involves pricking the skin with many small microneedles. 

This stimulates collagen production in the area. It makes the skin tighter and reduces the appearance of open pores.

3. Chemical Peeling

A chemical peel involves using specially formulated chemical solutions on the affected areas. 

The concentrated solution makes the skin blister and eventually peel off. The new layer of skin underneath it is smooth and youthful.

4. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive instrument that rotates quickly and gently sands out the upper layer of the skin. 

It evens out the skin texture and leaves the skin looking new and feeling refreshed.

Home Remedies For Open Pores

1. Exfoliation

Routinely exfoliating the skin is a very important step in skincare. Exfoliating removes the layers of dirt and dead skin cells that clog up the pores. 

It cleanses the skin and ensures that the skin can breathe freely.

[Also Read: How To Make Natural Body Scrubs At Home?]

2. Moisturising

Oily skin shouldn't be over moisturised but moisturising at a minimum level is necessary. 

Exfoliation should always be followed by moisturising. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are perfect for oily skin.

3. Steaming

Steaming helps in loosening and cleaning out the contents of the open pores. This reduces their size and makes them shrink. 

Steaming not only reduces the appearance of open pores but also makes the skin glow.

4. Sunscreen

Always remember to apply sunscreen before stepping out under the scorching sun. Sunscreen protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. 

Accessories like umbrellas, hats and sunglasses and also very helpful.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is simply the best when it comes to home remedies. Aloe Vera gel is packed with antioxidants, healing medicinal properties and is also anti-inflammatory. 

Applying aloe gel on the pores regularly will treat them effectively.

6. Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti)

Clays are excellent for soaking up excess oil and impurities. Mix Multani mitti with filtered water and apply the paste as a clay mask. 

Rinse off with cold water after it dries.

7. Egg Whites

Mix egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice and apply it on the open pores. Wash it off after 10 minutes. 

Egg whites tighten the skin and shrink the pores while lemon brightens the skin.

8. Tomato And Sugar

Mix tomato puree and sugar and apply the paste on your face. Wash it off after 10 minutes. 

Sugar exfoliates the skin while tomato has natural acids that balance the oil and tighten the pores in the skin.

9. Papaya

Mash ripe papaya pieces and apply the paste on your face. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water. 

Papaya unclogs and cleanses the pores. 

Papaya's enzyme papain also treats blemishes and makes the skin glow.

10. Banana

Mash a ripe banana and rub the paste on your face. Banana is rich in antioxidants or simply rub a banana peel on the pores in a circular motion for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. 

The lutein in banana peels reduces the size of the pores.

11. Milk or Buttermilk

Milk has lactic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D and potassium. Milk works great for oily skin. 

Just soak a cotton ball in milk or buttermilk and rub it on the open pores to improve their appearance.

12. Besan and Turmeric

Mix turmeric paste with besan (gram flour) and apply the mixture evenly on the affected areas. Rinse it off with cold water after 20 minutes. 

Both besan and turmeric are anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also antibacterial and has healing properties.

13. Ice Cubes

Wrap the ice cube in a thin cloth and gently rub it all over the skin. This helps in giving the pores a shrunken look.

It also increases blood circulation and gives the skin a healthy glow. You can also freeze fruit or vegetable juice to make special ice cubes!

The Do's

1. Opt for water-based skincare products. 
2. Look for OTC products that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, nicotinamide, retinol and Vitamin C. 
3. Use products that are non-comedogenic. 
4. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

The Don'ts

1. Avoid using oil-based skin care products to prevent the skin from becoming more greasy. 
2. Excess washing and scrubbing can strip your skin of its necessary natural oils and your skin will retaliate by producing extra oil thus continuing the cycle. 
3. Avoid consuming too much of oily food and dairy products.

Pores are a part of our skin and it is impossible to get rid of them. However, with regular use of home remedies and proper care, large or open pores can be reduced to give the skin a smoother and better appearance. 

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