Home Remedies for Open Pores

Imagine, it’s a nice beautiful day. Nobody is at home. You’re done with your share of work. Your plans include just lazying around the whole day; binging your new favorite show. As soon as you’ve cuddled up on the couch, the bell rings. Thinking, it might be the food you ordered, you quickly get up and open the door with a huge smile on your face only to realize it’s a guest. An uninvited one. An uninvited guest who won’t leave so easily. An uninvited guest who just ruined your plans for your day!

The pesky open pores on your face are exactly like those uninvited guests who ruin your mood when you see yourself in the mirror. Just like the guests, these pores also refuse to leave you in peace no matter how hard you try.

But what if you finally figure out a way and can make them leave for good? That’d be so amazing, right?

Continue reading to know how you can do that!

The Pore Dilemma: What Are They and What Causes Them?

Open pores are actually just tiny hair follicles, responsible for producing oil (sebum), which become enlarged and are visible to the naked eye. They usually look like small pits on the skin/face. These aren’t particularly a medical concern but may become a cosmetic concern for some. Open pores are commonly found on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

The reasons for these open pores could be many. The following are some prominent factors that contribute to open pores:

1. Genetics: Genetics plays an important role in determining the type of skin you have and the size of your pores. Both of these factors must be considered when dealing with open pores.

2. Oily Skin: If you possess oily skin, that means your glands are producing more sebum. This excess production only stretches the pores more.

3. Age: Your age plays a major role in the way you look. As you age, your skin tends to lose the elasticity it once possessed. Hence, this loss may lead to the pores appearing larger than usual. 

4. Damage From The Sun: If your sunscreen application isn’t or your skin is exposed to the sun for a prolonged time, the damage from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays may thicken your skin. This also contributes to the enlargement of the pores.

5. Improper Skincare: If you are inconsistent with your skincare or the amount of cleansing in it is inadequate, your pores might become clogged and appear enlarged.

Ditch the Chemicals: Why Natural Remedies Are the Best for Open Pores on Your Face?

As with other things, even for open pores on your face, you can easily go for clinical solutions, but here’s why home remedies for open pores are your best bet:

1. Chemical-Free: Opting for natural remedies reduces the burden of side effects that usually tag along when using over-the-counter products.

2. Prolonged Results: Regular use of natural remedies gives a more sustainable result as opposed to artificial products.

3. Gentle on Skin: Natural remedies, being chemical-free, are very gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or redness.

4. Cost Effective: Compared to the products available in the market, natural remedies are very cheap.

5. Readily Available: No fancy or hard-to-get ingredients are required and items readily available at home can be used.

6. Customizable: Unlike the bottles or tubes you’d buy from outside, which would just lay in dust after 2-3 uses, the natural remedies can be made as much as you require, whenever you require and however you’d like it.

DIY Pore Perfection: Home Remedies for Open Pores That Work Wonders

1. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel moisturizes your skin and helps in tightening the open pores on your face. Simply apply aloe vera gel and keep it on for 0-15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

2. Ice Cubes: Ice helps improve blood circulation and temporarily tightens the pores on your skin. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and gently rub it on your face for 1-2 minutes.

3. Egg Whites: Egg whites help in tightening the skin and reducing the size of the pores. Form an egg white mask by mixing the whites of one egg with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mask to your face and let it dry then rinse with water.

4. Cucumber and Lemon: Both cucumber and lemon help in tightening the pores and reducing their appearance. Mix the juice of cucumber and lemon. Apply it to your face with a cotton ball then rinse with cold water.

5. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a great exfoliator and can help remove dead skin cells. Form a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply this paste to your face and massage in circular motions, then rinse off with water.

6. Banana Peel: The peels of bananas are high in potassium and lutein, which help nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

7. Honey and Sugar Scrub: Mix together one tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of sugar. Gently scrub your face in circular motions and rinse off. This scrub helps to remove dead cells and unclog pores.

8. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth):  Multani mitti also helps in minimizing the pores and brightening the skin. Mix multani mitti with rose water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to your face and let it dry for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Habits That Heal: Lifestyle Changes to Enhance Your Pore Remedies

1. Balanced Diet: Aim for a balanced diet with extra focus on lean proteins and foods rich in antioxidants like berries and green, leafy vegetables. Avoid excess sugary products and processed foods.

2. Proper Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin supple.

3. Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise will contribute to improved blood circulation and nourishment of the skin.

4. Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to promote skin cell regeneration. 

5. Sun Protection: Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and apply it well to protect your skin from sun damage.

6. CEM: Be consistent and regular with your CEM - Cleansing, Exfoliating, and Moisturising, practices.

7. Proper Hygiene: 

• Avoid touching your face frequently.

• Make sure your hands are clean before touching your face.

• Ensure your makeup brushes are clean before using them.

• Remove makeup before going to bed.

8. Stress Management: Practice stress-management techniques like yoga and meditation to keep your skin clear.

Skincare Rules 101: Dos and Don’ts for Tackling Open Pores

Dos:

• Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.

• Exfoliate 1-2 times a week using a mild natural scrub or chemical exfoliant.

• Apply a chemical-free moisturizer to prevent excess oil production.

• Use serums with niacinamide or retinol for skin tightening.

• Use a toner to remove excess oil and dirt.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from sun damage. 

Don’ts:

• Avoid using heavy makeup that clogs pores.

• Do not skip sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

• Avoid popping pimples, as it can enlarge pores.

• Refrain from over-exfoliating, which can damage the skin barrier.

• Don't use harsh scrubs or cleansing brushes.

• Don't go to bed without washing off your makeup.

• Don't use products with drying, harsh ingredients.

From Serums to Scrubs: The Best Products for Open Pores

1. Gentle Cleansers: Sulphate-free and chemical-free cleansers that cleanse without stripping away moisture should be your new best friends.

2. Exfoliants: Your group of new friends must also include exfoliators, preferably, ones rich in glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid as they are effective in pore cleaning.

3. Moisturizers: Your moisturizers should be lightweight and hydrating. They should prevent clogging while also nourishing the skin.

4. Serums: Opt for serums that have niacinamide, retinol, or hyaluronic acid for skin tightening and hydration.

5. Sunscreens: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably lightweight and non-greasy.

Thus, the next time those annoying open pores try to steal your confidence, remember that you have an effective set of natural treatments and lifestyle adjustments at your fingertips. Treating open pores is about more than simply having a flawless appearance; it's about having healthier, more radiant skin that lifts your mood and confidence every time you look in the mirror. Patience, consistency, and the right approach will serve you well on this path. So, say goodbye to frustration and hello to a skincare routine that will leave you gleaming both inside and out. After all, with the proper care and commitment, any uninvited guest, including open pores, may be turned away!

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Men's Eladi Day Face Cream with SPF 30 for Sun Protection (19 herbs, 50g)

Coconut Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion for Sun Protection (18 herbs, 50ml)

Manjistha & Berry Anti Aging Face Serum for Wrinkles with Vitamin C & E (13 herbs, 30ml)

Plum Oil-Free Face Serum for Acne Marks (8 herbs, 30ml)

Related Articles:

Do Acne and Pores annoy you? Switch to Skin Friendly Clay – Multani Mitti

References:

https://www.truemeds.in/blog/open-pores-treatment-causes-types

https://www.tataaig.com/knowledge-center/health-insurance/home-remedies-for-open-pores

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a36360/ways-to-make-your-pores-smaller/