Effective Open Pores Home Remedies to Tighten and Refresh Your Skin Naturally

What Causes Open Pores?

Long-standing acne, severe sun damage, oily skin, increased volume of hair follicles or ageing are some of the most common causes of open pores, but some people may be genetically predisposed. Hormonal imbalances and certain skin conditions, like radiodermatitis, can also make pores appear larger.

Home Remedies For Open Pores

Here is a list of various remedies to treat open pores on face at home:

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm skin and replenish its natural barrier. With regular topical use, fresh aloe vera gel can improve the skin’s elasticity and boost collagen production [1]. This can lead to minimising the pore size and promoting more even-textured skin.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: When used in diluted form, apple cider vinegar can act as a natural toner due to its astringent properties. The acetic acid and other organic acids present in ACV can help prevent acne causing bacteria, keeping the pores clean and well maintained.
3. Baking Soda: The alkaline properties of baking soda can help balance the skin’s pH and reduce pore size by absorbing excess oil on the face. Be careful not to overuse it as it can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, causing severe dryness and irritation.
4. Cucumber: Cucumber’s cooling properties and rich antioxidant composition benefit the skin by calming inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. But the results are short-lived.
5. Honey: Honey contains wound-healing properties and anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties [2]. It is also highly moisturising, which helps maintain skin elasticity by reducing the visible open pores and preventing them from widening further.
6. Ice Cubes: Ice cubes can temporarily constrict blood vessels and give a more tightened appearance to the skin. While it gives you a refreshed and rejuvenated look, with a shrunken pore size, the effect is short-term. Make sure you don’t do the process for more than 10 minutes, as direct and prolonged application can damage the skin.
7. Papaya: The enzyme papain in papaya is known for its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties [3]. Applying a mashed papaya mask twice a week for 15-20 minutes can promote cell turnover and refine the skin’s overall texture.
8. Sugar Scrub: This can act as a good physical exfoliant, removing impurities from the skin. Be gentle, as the large sugar granules damage the skin’s barrier. Avoid it if you have active skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or chronic acne.
9. Banana: Applying a mashed banana mask can supply vitamins A, B, and E to the skin, enhancing its moisture and elasticity, and causing a pore tightening effect.
10. Tomato: Rich in vitamin C, tomatoes can be great antioxidants and collagen boosters for the skin.
11. Argan Oil: Argan oil contains vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent antioxidants and moisturisers. If you are acne-prone, be cautious.
12. Oats: Oats are gentle exfoliators with anti-inflammatory properties, and you can them to make a pore-tightening mask.
13. Gram Flour: Gram flour or besan is an Indian household staple and is packed with proteins. Mixing it with rose water and applying it twice a week can cleanse pores and mildly exfoliate the skin.
14. Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, chilled green tea bags can reduce inflammation, redness, and control excess oil production, reducing the appearance of large pores.
15. Multani Mitti: Fuller’s Earth or Multani mitti is a natural clay mask that can absorb excess sebum and cleanse the pores. But note that it can dry out the skin.
16. Tea Tree Oil: The anti-microbial properties of green tea can help reduce acne-inducing bacteria.
17. Multani Mitti: Fuller’s Earth or Multani mitti is a natural clay mask that can absorb excess sebum and cleanse the pores. But note that it can dry out the skin.
18. Tea Tree Oil: The anti-microbial properties of green tea can help reduce acne-inducing bacteria.

DIY open pores treatment at home

Let’s have a look at some easy yet effective DIY home remedies for open pores:

Applying Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen daily can protect skin from photodamage and premature ageing signs, reducing the appearance of pores.

1. Regular Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps get rid of excess dirt and dead skin cell deposits, which clog the pores and enlarge them. Using mild chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs, can help improve its texture.
2. Thorough Moisturising: Regular, proper moisturising prevents the clogging of pores, controls excess sebum production, hydrates the skin, and strengthens the skin barrier.
3. Cleansing: Washing your face twice a day ensures proper removal of oil and dirt, keeping your pores clean. Using cleansers with actives like salicylic or glycolic acid improves the overall appearance of skin.
4. Clay Masks: Clay masks can be very beneficial in pulling out excess oil and dirt that’s trapped in the skin, leading to clogged and swollen pores. People with sensitive skin or active skin conditions must patch-test before application.
5. Egg White Mask: Egg white mask can have a tightening and firming effect on your skin. Its anti-bacterial qualities can also prevent acne-causing bacteria.

Dos & Don’ts While Using Home Remedies For Open Pores

Here are some dos and don’ts for safe open pores treatment at home:

Dos:

• Always remove your makeup before going to bed.
• Use mild exfoliants once or twice a week.
• Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products to prevent your pores from getting blocked.
• Never forget to protect your skin using an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Don’ts:

• Do not skip your regular cleansing, toning and moisturising routine.
• Do not sleep with heavy makeup that can clog your pores overnight.
• Avoid heavy or greasy makeup and makeup products.
• Do not use harsh exfoliants or over-scrub your skin as it can strip it off moisture and compromise the skin harrier, leading to more visible pores.

What If Home Remedies For Open Pores Do Not Work For Me?

There are advanced, clinical treatments for open pores, which can minimise pores in the long term.

Advanced Treatments For Open Pores

Here are some of the advanced treatments for open pores recommended by top dermatologists:

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing:

   Laser skin resurfacing for open pores involves the use of highly advanced laser technology to cause microinjuries to the skin’s surface. This, in turn, activates the skin’s natural healing response, leading to collagen synthesis and skin tightening. Usually, it takes around 5-7 days for the skin to heal and show visible signs of improvement in terms of texture and feel.

2. Chemical Peels:

The application of carefully prepared cosmetic-grade peels gently exfoliates the skin, breaking down dirt build-up and excess sebum. Dermatologists customise chemical peels based on the skin type and the severity of the open pores. It reduces the pore size and improves skin elasticity.

3. Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF):

Using microneedles, dermatologists make tiny incisions followed by the release of radiofrequency energy. It triggers the body’s healing mechanism, stimulating elastin and collagen production and tightening the pores.

4. Laser Toning:

It uses laser heat energy on the top layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production and reduces pore size. This is a lunchtime procedure with no downtime.

Takeaway

Pores are a normal part of healthy skin. However, they might become more visible due to reasons like, excess oil production, sun damage, genetics, and ageing. Home remedies can help temporarily reduce their appearance, but it is important to note that they may not offer the best results. We encourage you to consult a dermatologist for scientifically-proven treatments that reduce the appearance of open pores in the long term.