How To Get Rid Of Open Pores On Your Face?

Are those visibly large pores on your face annoying you? No matter what your skin type is, open pores can take a toll on your skin’s health and glow, especially if they are clogged.

“Skin pore sizes are genetically determined. Daily detoxification with Abhyanga and Udvartana can keep the dead skin, oil and germs away, making the pores less apparent,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix. Besides, there are easy home remedies that can make your large pores appear less noticeable.

Scroll down to understand what causes open pores to appear on your skin and how you can make them less noticeable on your face.

What Are Open Pores On Your Face?

Let us first understand what are open and enlarged skin pores which appear on the face, commonly nose and cheeks. Facial pores are openings or outlets of hair follicles that stretch further below through many layers of your skin. Every pore/follicle has a single strand of hair, which either becomes visible or remains as ingrowth.

Each of these skin pores have sebaceous glands that are responsible for producing natural oils. Hence, when these pores get clogged due to excessive sebum production [1], they get enlarged and stretched.

Your pores often stretch and open up due to few specific skin conditions which happen either during adolescence or due to sun exposure. This results in making your skin look rough, dull, and inflamed. Those with oily skin complexion are more prone to experience open and enlarged pores. Enlarged pores may vary in size and remain concealed in the early stages of development. With advancing age and other skin conditions, your pores tend to stretch and enlarge.

Your pores stretch and enlarge from acne breakouts too. When the open pores accumulate dead skin cells, bacteria, oil, and dirt, these skin impurities are then exposed to oxygen and get oxidized. This process results in the formation of acne, whiteheads, and blackheads in your skin.

Types Of Open Pores Appearing On Your Face

Now that we understand the basics of open pores, we will delve deeper into the types of open pores which appear on the face. There are primarily three types: Y-shaped, U-shaped, and O-shaped. If you’re wondering what these types actually represent, then don’t fret. These letters depict the outward form of the enlarged pores on your face.

1. Pores With O-Shape

This type of pores generally develops on the T-zone of your face. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, then you have enlarged pores in O-shape. The outward border of the pores forms a circular shape. The pores form due to excess sebum secretion which then gets accumulated in the hair follicles. The pores gradually enlarge and form a circle.

It is imperative to treat this type of facial pores with utmost care and precaution as the surplus sebum secreted spreads to the surrounding areas. Once the excess sebum oxidizes with debris, it results in the formation of blackheads. This further causes the facial pores to increase in size.

It is a common habit to pop or pick at your pimples and get rid of the remnants. However, when you pick at your pimple, it usually scars your skin and the collagen present in the dermal layer of your skin gets damaged. This further results in the appearance of large pores on your face.

2. Pores With U-Shape

This type of pores generally appears in individuals who have dry, dull and dehydrated skin. The pores don’t really depict the letter U, but form an oval shape. It usually appears in people who are 25 and above and have dry skin type. With regular application of moisturizers and lotions, these pores can become less noticeable.

As collagen gets slowly depleted from your skin, it leads to the appearance of enlarged pores. This in turn affects the normal functioning of the hair follicles, which further enlarges the facial pores.

3. Pores With Y-Shape

This type of pores resemble water drops and appear on both sides of your face. They are generally defined as aging and relaxed hair follicles. Pores with Y-shape appear looser and rougher when compared with pores with O-shape. These pores don’t appear due to clogged skin pores.

What Causes Enlarged Open Pores On Your Face?

There are many underlying reasons for enlarged, open facial pores. These causes include:

• Overexposure to UV A & B rays or sun damage
• With advancing age, depletion of collagen in the dermal layer of skin
• Heredity or genetics
• Thick and coagulated hair follicles
• Less elasticity near and around skin pores
• Excessive production of sebum

Why Do Pores On Your Face Enlarge In Size?

There are several reasons why the facial pores in your skin become enlarged in size. These include:

1. Excessive Face Cleansing Makes Your Pores Appear Larger

It is true that debris and dirt accumulation clog your facial pores and enlarge them in size. At the same time, it is also important that you avoid cleansing your face excessively to ensure not to strip off the natural oils away from your skin, making it dry and dull. Once your skin becomes dry, then any type of pore treatment becomes difficult and irritating.

2. Advancing Age Decide Your Facial Pore Size

With advancing age, your body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin slows down. This results in loose and floppier skin, and finally leads to the appearance of enlarged facial pores [2]. Collagen, along with elastin support and repair your skin. With gradual depletion of the skin-friendly proteins, you begin to observe folds and deep wrinkles in your skin. Medical treatments such as intense pulse light may help to address the issue.

3. Menstrual Cycle Impacts Your Facial Pore Size

Skin pores are dynamic in nature as they continuously keep changing in size. Hence, when there is a heightened level of hormonal activity during your menstrual cycle, your facial pores can enlarge and open up. Once the hormonal activity is back to its normal state, then you will observe that the skin pores have tightened up. Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy may also lead to enlarged, open pores in women.

4. UV A & B Rays Affect Your Facial Pore Size

The more your skin gets exposed to the harmful UV A & B rays, the bigger your facial pores may look. The harsh UV rays adversely affect the collagen production, which is responsible for providing support and firmness to your skin [3]. The protein is the primary constituent of supple, healthy and firm skin. Reduced elasticity near and around your facial pores often lead to the appearance of open and enlarged pores.

Is It Possible To Close Open Pores?

It is true that you can’t alter the natural size of your skin pores or open or close them.

However, you can follow a few easy but important self-measures to ensure that they don’t increase in size and open up, thus making them less noticeable.

Adverse reactions such as blackheads, oxidation, and excessive sebum production may increase your pore size. By following a specific skincare routine based on your skin type including gentle exfoliation to remove dirt and grime as well as skin tightening remedies can effectively tackle the pore size issue.

Prescription-based and over-the-counter skin retinoids stimulate skin cell production which minimize the dead skin build up in the facial pores. Additionally, facial products formulated with glycolic acid or salicylic acid help in exfoliating dead skin cells, which in turn reduces visible dirt within the pores.

Various other medical treatments such as micro-needling and laser skin resurfacing effectively manage the pore size by boosting collagen production of your skin. Once the collagen production is promoted, it helps the skin to become dense and the pores to tighten up, making them invisible.

Another popular treatment among dermatologists is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with micro-needling. The treatment includes platelet-rich plasma which is a natural growth compound present in our bloodstream. This helps in promoting collagen production in the skin and minimizes the appearance of acne scars and open pores.

You must remember that it is not possible to completely clear out enlarged pores. However, there are several measures you may follow in order to minimize their formation like:

• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight
• Apply a facial clay mask
• Use natural, water-based skincare products

How To Close Enlarged Open Pores?

1. Home Remedies

A. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a simple and natural ingredient to cleanse your face and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsps. of baking soda
• ½ a glass of water

How To Apply:

• Add both water and baking soda in a mixing bowl and mix to form a thick paste
• Always remember to use lukewarm water which helps in activating the baking soda
• Apply the thick paste evenly onto your face and neck region
• Gently massage for 1-2 minutes
• Wash it off with plain water
• Repeat the application twice in a week for best results

How It Works:

Baking soda helps in effectively balancing your skin’s normal pH level by minimizing the acid content in your skin. Additionally, it helps in removing dead skin cells. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent which helps in calming and soothing your skin.

B. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)

Multani mitti is a popular ingredient in various natural and cosmetic skincare products.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsps. of multani mitti
• 2 tsps. of milk or rose water

How To Apply:

• Mix both rose water/milk and multani mitti in a mixing bowl to form a thick paste
• Apply the mask on your face and neck region
• Leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes
• Rinse with plain water
• Use the facial mask twice a week for noticeable difference

How It Works:

Clay or Fuller’s earth is considered to be one of the best facial cleansers due to its excellent ability to absorb excessive oil and deep cleansing without causing any side-effects. It is a well-known home remedy for enlarged pores on the cheeks and nose

C. Honey

Honey is a popular and natural ingredient used in various facial cleansers and moisturizers which helps in improving the skin complexion and quality. Also, it is a simple home remedy for open pores on the cheeks and nose.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. of pure, unadulterated honey

How To Apply:

• Apply the pure honey onto your face and neck region and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motion
• Focus primarily on the region in and around your cheeks and nose
• Leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water followed by cold water to close the enlarged pores
• Repeat the steps everyday or at least thrice a week for best results

How It Works:

Honey is an excellent astringent which helps in tightening up your skin and closing the pores. Additionally, it naturally improves your skin complexion by toning.

D. Tomatoes & Oatmeal

The combination of tomatoes and oatmeal works like magic on your skin by gently exfoliating and toning your skin, making it supple, healthy and beautiful naturally.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oatmeal in powdered form
• 1 juicy, red tomato

How To Apply:

• Squeeze and extract the fresh pulp from a tomato and mix it with powdered oatmeal to form a thick paste
• Apply the mask evenly on your face and neck region
• Gently massage the mixture onto your skin for 1 minute
• Repeat the steps once a week for a noticeable difference

How It Works:

Oatmeal is an amazing oil absorbent and exfoliating agent, whereas tomatoes act as excellent astringent found abundantly in nature. When combined, the natural ingredients deeply cleanse your skin, minimize the appearance of open pores, and improve your overall skin complexion.

E. Cucumber

Cucumber is a soothing, hydrating ingredient which is an excellent choice for your skin. Due to its high-water content, cucumber naturally soothes and hydrates your skin as well as provides it firmness. It is a popular home remedy for closing enlarged pores in acne prone and oily skin type.

Ingredients:

• 3-5 thin slices of raw cucumber
• 1-2 tbsps. of freshly squeezed lemon juice

How To Apply:

• In a mixer or grinder, add both lemon juice and slices of cucumber to form a semi-solid pulp
• Apply the thick pulp evenly onto your face and neck region
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash off with plain water
• Use this fresh pulp at least twice a week for noticeable difference

How It Works:

Cucumber helps in slowing down the signs of aging as well as tightening the enlarged pores as it hydrates and nourishes your skin.

Vedix Tip: You can either freeze the slices of cucumber or use cucumber kept in the refrigerator before making the pulp, as this helps to soothe and calm acne prone skin.

F. Aloe Vera Gel

The aloe vera face pack helps in removing excess sebum from your skin and prevents acne breakouts.

Ingredients:

• Freshly extracted aloe vera pulp or gel
• 10-12 drops of tea tree oil

How To Apply:

• Mix both the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Apply the face pack onto your face and neck region.
• Allow it to dry for 15-30 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat the steps twice a week for best results.

How It Works:

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid which helps in cleansing clogged pores. Additionally, it effectively treats the acne scars and clears away blemishes.

G. Egg White

The scorching heat in summer can expand your pores, which makes them susceptible to blockages, oil and dirt. Egg whites work wonders by tightening and keeping your skin firm. It also helps in closing pores and deep cleansing the pores for those who have acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white separated from the yolk
• 2 tbsps. of corn starch
• 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar

How To Apply:

• Mix the egg yolk, corn starch, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl to form a thick paste.
• Apply the mask onto your face and neck region.
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
• Gently peel off the face mask.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
• Repeat the steps twice a week for best results.

How It Works:

Egg white helps in tightening and nourishing your skin giving you a youthful appearance, whereas sugar helps in exfoliating your skin. Additionally, corn starch helps in absorbing grime and dirt.

H. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties which makes it an excellent ingredient for treating acne breakouts.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. of pure apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. of plain water

How To Apply:

• Dilute the apple cider vinegar in plain water.
• Pour a few drops of the diluted apple cider vinegar in a cotton ball and apply it all over your face.
• Let it dry for few minutes before applying a mild, herbal moisturizer
• Repeat these steps every day for best results.

How It Works:

Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it contains alpha hydroxy acid and acetic acid which helps in absorbing excess sebum, exfoliate your pores, and unclog pores.

2. Ayurvedic Ways To Treat Open Pores

People with Pitta prakriti generally have irritable and sensitive skin, which requires attention and gentle care. By using unsuitable skincare products and not following a proper skincare regime, you can further deteriorate and lose its natural sheen and glow. The ancient science and wisdom of Ayurveda helps in refining your skin’s natural texture, balancing the sebum production, and unclogging skin pores, giving you a clear, youthful and radiant skin naturally.

With the proven and holistic Ayurvedic approach, your skin pores begin to appear less prominent and small, besides becoming smooth and unclogged. With the help of ancient Ayurvedic practice and treatment, various Pitta signs and sebum production are balanced and brought to harmony naturally, which makes your skin pores less prominent and tones your complexion.

Important Note:

Please remember that no cosmetic or dermatological treatment can completely ‘shrink’ or ‘enlarge’ your skin pores. These treatments and techniques can only make your complexion smooth and even by balancing the underlying issues of Pitta imbalance.

A. Avoid Over-Cleansing Your Face

Excessive cleansing of oily skin may further aggravate and irritate your Pitta dosha. This action makes your skin oilier and leads to acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. The same can happen when you aggressively cleanse your face with harsh, chemical-laden products, microfibre towels, and drying wipes. This excessive sebum secretion then attracts dead skin cells and bacteria. This results in enlarged facial pores which are easily visible.

Avoid using any cleansing wipes or towels made with microfibers, especially if you have Pitta prakriti skin type. The fabric material tends to aggressively dry your skin surface, stimulating overproduction of sebum, and making your skin prone to acne breakouts.

If you notice an oily sheen forming on your face in the middle of the day, then simply cleanse your face with cold water splash. Use a soft cotton towel to dry your face. Always use a mild, gentle and herbal cleanser to wash your face.

B. Internally Balance Pitta Dosha For Clear Skin

Avoid spicy, sour, and salty food products as these further aggravate the Pitta based prakriti. Additionally, they can irritate your skin. People with Pitta prakriti generally expel these rasas through their sebum and sweat secretion. These further worsen the surface of the skin, causing small bumps and inflammation. These sudden skin eruptions in turn enlarge the skin pores.

For a clear and glowing skin, follow a healthy, fresh and clean diet based on your prakriti. People with Pitta prakriti need to follow a diet which is cooling, sweet and mild.

C. Rejuvenate Your Skin’s Health With A Night Skincare Regime

A night skincare routine involving cleansing, toning and moisturizing is beneficial for your overall skin’s health and wellness. Cleansing your face with a mild Ayurvedic cleanser helps to rejuvenate and repair your skin. Additionally, it helps in minimizing build-up of dirt, dead skin cells and oil in the srotas. This helps in decreasing the open pore size.

Follow the cleansing ritual by moisturizing your skin with a herbal and gentle moisturizer based on your skin complexion.

D. Skin Nourishment Plays A Key Role

Always use a gentle Ayurvedic facial oil or serum for deeply nourishing your skin. It is important to choose the right skincare product to ensure good skin health, rejuvenation, and repair. As mentioned earlier, people with Pitta prakriti have an irritable and delicate complexion which needs utmost care and attention.

A dense, greasy formulation can only worsen your condition by upsetting the oil balance in your skin. Additionally, if it doesn’t hydrate and cool the Pitta prakriti skin type, then it causes the skin to appear flushed, red and inflamed.

Ayurvedic herbs such as Indian Sarsaparilla, vetiver [4], pomegranate, neem oil, and clove help in soothing and hydrating your skin. They also help in balancing the sebum production, brightening and toning your complexion, and reducing the appearance of open pores.

E. Apply Ayurvedic Facial Masks For Deep Nourishment

As per the ancient Ayurvedic excerpts, the regular application of healing lepas (also known as masks) is known to nourish and repair all types of complexions. Not only it helps in deep cleansing your skin, but also tones and nourishes your skin with the help of natural Ayurvedic herbs. When your skin is cleansed properly and all the srotas (ducts) are clear, your facial pores appear less visible.

In Ayurveda, the Shothahara herbs (minimizing inflammation) such as Khadira and Arjuna [5] help in reducing the size of enlarged pores, acne breakouts, and blackheads/whiteheads. Additionally, herbs like Bilwa, Ela, and Manjistha help in brightening complexion, balancing doshas, and correcting blemishes.

3. Natural Ways To Treat Open Pores

A. Always Choose Non-comedogenic Makeup And Skincare Products

Non-comedogenic skincare products don’t clog your skin pores. Usually when skin pores accumulate dirt and sebum, they clog and stretch which results in enlarging your skin pores.

To ensure you don’t clog your skin pores, always search for the below labels while selecting any skincare product or makeup:

• Products that won’t clog skin pores
• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic

Don’t use any product which doesn’t list any of the above labels.

B. Gently Wash Your Face Twice Daily

An oily complexion or acne prone skin may cause blockage in your skin pores, which in turn causes enlarged pores. Washing your face twice a day can help clear blocked pores and balance sebum production. Follow the correct steps to ensure you cleanse your face properly:

• Use only lukewarm or cold water to wash your face. Extremely hot water can further aggravate your skin, making the pores appear more visible.
• Gently cleanse your face. Avoid aggressively scrubbing your skin as it may irritate your skin and lead to redness and inflammation. The skin pores become more visible when the skin is red and inflamed.
• Use a mild, herbal and oil-free face cleanser which doesn’t contain any artificial synthetics or chemicals.

C. Apply Retinol

When you have loose or sagging skin due to advancing age or acne breakout due to excessive sebum, then you begin to experience increasing pore size. By using a retinyl palmitate or retinol-based skincare product may help your concern. Use the product before going to sleep in the night for best results.

Important Note:

Always do a skin sensitivity test before using retinol-based skin products as some of you may experience side effects as skin irritation after its application. Don’t use these products if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

D. Treat Your Acne Breakouts

Acne blocks your skin pores, which enlarges them further in size. By using a salicylic acid-based face cleanser, you can control and treat your acne as they are mild in nature. This face cleanser can be used daily.

If the face cleanser containing salicylic acid causes skin irritation, then change your face cleanser. Alternatively, you may use a gentle, oil-free face cleanser in the morning and a salicylic acid face cleanser in the night.

E. Avoid Overexposure To Sunlight

When your skin is damaged from overexposure to extreme sunlight, then it gradually loses its natural firmness and glow. Once your skin loosens up and sags, then your skin pores also become more prominent and visible.

To avoid overexposure to harmful UV rays, apply a water resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. The regular application of sunscreen protects you from sun damage. Apply the sunscreen lotion on a regular basis, even on days when it’s cold or raining.

F. Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliate your skin regularly for making your skin pores less visible. Extreme care and precaution must be taken before exfoliating to avoid any further damage to your skin.

If you have an acne prone or sensitive skin type, then you can consult a dermatologist or an Ayurvedic doctor for understanding whether your skin type needs exfoliation to reduce the pore size.

G. Be Gentle & Love Your Skin

Show some love to your skin before cleansing or exfoliating your skin. Aggressively scrubbing your face won’t solve your skin concerns. However, it will definitely aggravate your skin, which will make your skin pores more prominent.

Avoid digging, squeezing or picking at your pores as they can only worsen your condition. So, be gentle and love your skin. Never squeeze, pick, rub, or scrub your skin aggressively.

H. Address Loose & Sagging Skin

With advancing age, your skin begins to lose its natural firmness and sags to form skin folds. This causes your skin pores to appear more prominent. Hence, start fighting the signs of aging including sagging skin with the right skincare regime.

4. Foods To Reduce Enlarged Pores

A. Kiwi

Vitamin C plays a key role in fighting the first signs of aging including open and enlarged pores. Kiwi is a rich source of Vitamin C, which provides you the daily dosage of the essential vitamin with one serving. The skin-friendly vitamin minimizes the size of open pores by hydrating and plumping your skin. Additionally, it stimulates the production of elastin and collagen which provide support to your skin.

B. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are beneficial for your skin pores as they are a rich source of Vitamin E. The essential vitamin helps in hydrating your skin and unclogging your pores with the help of soluble oils. Additionally, it helps in minimizing oxidation of sebum and cleansing your pores.

You can enjoy sunflower seeds by using them as a topping for your toasts, cereals, and salads for some added crunch and flavour.

C. Coconut Oil

You may think the additional consumption of oils may only worsen your condition. However, coconut oil is a powerhouse of healthy fats [6], that are essential for Vitamin E absorption. As Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is imperative to include healthy fats in your daily diet. If you would like to apply coconut oil topically, then be careful as excessive amounts may end up clogging your skin pores.

D. Sweet Potato

A rich source of Vitamin A, sweet potatoes can help you effectively manage your pore size. Vitamin A aids in cell turnover which doesn’t let dirt, debris and dead skin cells to clog your pores. A clean pore translates into smaller pore size which is less visible. Also, the essential vitamin can regulate sebum production in the skin, which further helps in preventing blockages.

E. Lemon

A powerhouse of Vitamin C, lemon works like magic for your skin health and appearance. By deep cleansing your skin cells, it balances the sebum production in your skin, making your complexion glow and even. You can topically apply freshly squeezed lime juice onto your skin for immediate results.

5. Medical Treatments To Treat Open Pores

A. Topical Treatment

Topical application including AHAs, Vitamin C, and nicotinamide can effectively help in reducing the pore size.

B. Oral Medications

You can take oral medications such as oral retinoids and antiandrogens as prescribed by your dermatologist. The medications will depend on the specific cause and need.

C. Dermatological Techniques

A few dermatological techniques can be prescribed in severe cases of enlarged, open pores. These procedures include lasers, micro-needling, and chemical peels for minimizing the size of enlarged pores.

1. Micro-needling

An advanced treatment for smoothing open pores, it requires skin puncturing with the help of micro-needles. This technique minimizes the pore size by stimulating wound healing and collagen production in the skin.

2. Chemical Peels

The upper layer of dead skin is removed with the help of chemicals such as salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid. The dead skin cells are first exfoliated, followed by decreasing the sebum production in the skin.

3. Laser

This technique promotes the production of elastin and collagen in the skin surface. It is effective in correcting open pores which happen due to advancing age and loose skin.

Tips To Prevent Open Pores

You can’t change your advancing age or your genes, although, you may follow a beneficial skincare regime focusing on minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. A few such simple tips include:

1. Gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin with mild, natural and ingredients

2. Apply a warm cotton face towel on your face and apply a natural astringent like witch hazel to close your skin pores

3. Protect your skin from sun damage by applying sunscreen daily

4. Always choose non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products which don’t block your pores

5. Moisturize your skin daily with a suitable moisturizer as per your skin type

6. Use skincare products which promote collagen production along with antioxidants as they keep your skin clear, supple, firm and beautiful

The Last Word

Open pores on your forehead, nose, and cheeks begin to appear more visible and prominent with advancing age as well as clogged skin pore. By gently cleansing your skin and protecting your skin from sun damage, you can prevent the increasing pore size. By following a suitable skincare regimen, a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can prevent the appearance of open pores and flaunt a healthy, beautiful and glowing skin.

At Vedix, we carefully evaluate your skin concerns and then curate a customized Ayurvedic skincare regimen that caters to your skin type and needs.

Know Your Dosha Now