How To Close Open Pores on Face: 13 Effective Methods Explained

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Have large open pores on your face embarrassed you? Well, there’s nothing to be ashamed of! Pores cover our face—whether we like it or not. But fortunately, we can reduce the appearance of open pores, and that’s what this article is all about.

But do you exactly know what open pores are and what causes them to appear? No worries! Here is a detailed guide on open pores. Of course, the main focus is on how to close open pores. So, let’s get on board!

 

What are Open Pores?

What are Open Pores

 

Our skin—the largest body organ—has quite a complex structure. It contains many pores that allow our skin to breathe and produce oil and sweat. Also, it helps detoxify and cooling down our bodies.

However, sometimes pores get enlarged and become visible, especially in our face’s T-zone (forehead and nose), which is known as open pores. They adversely affect both males and females with oily skin types.

But not all open pores look the same. There are three types of open pores—O-shaped, U-shaped, and Y-shaped pores.

Bases O-shaped pores U-shaped pores Y-shaped pores
Prone to which Skin Type? Oily skin or acne-prone Dry skin Skin lack of collagen
Shape Round-shaped Oval-shaped Waterdrop-shaped
Skin Area T-zone Anywhere on face Cheeks

Did you find which one is yours? Anyways, let’s move on to factors causing open pores.

 

What Causes Open Pores?

Many factors can influence the enlargement of pores; hormonal changes are one of them. That is why teenagers at their puberty stage face temporary open pores on their faces.

Here are other factors that cause open pores to get visible.

1. Sun Exposure: Exposure to sunlight and harmful UV rays can reduce the production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for making the face firm and elastic. Lack of collagen reduces elasticity and thus causes enlarged open pores.

2. Excessive Sebum Production: Excess sebum production, especially in the case of combined skin type, can lead to the visibility of open pores.

3. Genetics: Genetics can also play a part in open pores. So, people with a family history of open pores are more prone to open pores.

4. Hygiene: If you do not cleanse your face regularly, it can lead to clogging up of pores, making them visible on the face.

5. Facial Products: Heavy products such as oil-based makeup and some scrubs can clog up pores. It reduces the elasticity and makes it more visible on the face.

6. Smoking, improper diet, ageing can also cause enlarged open pores. Now, the time has come to solve your problem!

 

13 Methods to Minimize Open Pores

There is neither any way nor any reason to close the pores thoroughly. It is truth, and indeed you cannot escape from it! But there are many methods to reduce the visibility of open pores.

Here we have divided the methods into four categories—commonly used techniques, oral treatments, dermatological methods, and natural ways. So, let’s get started.

1. Wash with Cleansers

Wash with cleansers

Oily skin can clog pores that can lead to the visibility of it on your face. Many studies have shown that cleansing the face with cleansers every day can reduce acne and clear out pores.

So, purchase a cleanser that has glycolic acid and suits normal to oily skin types. Then carefully read the product’s instructions and wash your face with it every night before going to bed.

However, do not over-wash your face as it can take out all moisture from your face and leave it dry and dull.

 

2. Retinoid—A fancy word for Vitamin A

If you have large open pores, then an effective solution is retinoids. It will take your time to show results but believe me! It will be worth it.

Retinoids are an anti-aging agent that works by removing the top layers of skin. Many experts suggest retinoids to reduce the appearance of open pores, fine lines, pigmentation, etc.

Buy a retinol product—cream, serum, whatever! Initially, apply it 2-3 times a week, then gradually start using it every day. However, use it only once a day to prevent yourself from side effects like sun sensitivity, redness, and dull skin.

 

3. Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliating helps to remove the toxic, excess oil and dirt compounds from your pores. A facial scrub made of natural ingredients will do the job!

You have only to apply the scrub and let it remove the dirt from your skin surface. It makes your skin smoother, softer, and less porous. We suggest you exfoliate once in 3-4 days; enough for all skin types.

 

4. Apply Essential Oils

Essential oils such as clove oil and cinnamon bark oil have anti-inflammatory properties that help to remove certain bacteria from the skin.

It can also help to reduce the enlarged open pores and gives you balanced-looking skin. We suggest you not apply essential oil directly on your face. Mix it with a carrier oil like almond oil and then apply and leave it not more than for 10-15 minutes.

 

5. Clay Masks (Multani Mitti/ Fuller’s Earth)

Using a clay mask is a faster way to reduce the appearance of open pores. According to a clinical trial (2012), applying a mixture of clay mask and jojoba oil resulted in reducing the appearance of acne by 54%.

Clay masks tighten the pores by reducing the sebum underneath your skin and pull out the impurities from pores resulting in firm skin with tight pores. Use the clay mask 2-3 times a week during the skincare routine.

 

6. Vitamin C Serum

vitamin C serum

Vitamin C has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. But will it work on clogged pores? Absolutely, yes!

It promotes collagen and melanin production, which further helps to reduce acne, large open pores, and hyperpigmentation. We suggest you apply Vitamin C serum every day during your skincare routine to get healthy, less-porous, and dirt-free skin.

 

7. AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids)

Many studies suggest that physically applied AHA can tighten the pores and make skin smooth and fresh.

AHAs gets also used in chemical peels about which you will get to know later in this article. AHAs boost collagen production and thus improves skin firmness and elasticity.

 

Dermatological Methods

1. Laser Treatment

Certain types of laser treatment reduce the pore size and rejuvenate the skin by forming new collagen fibers. Many studies have shown that 3-5 laser treatments can treat open pores completely.

However, we suggest you talk to your dermatologist before going for laser treatment. They will direct you according to your skin type.

 

2. Chemical Peels

If the reason for enlarged open pores is excess production of sebum, then try chemical peels. Chemical peels can contain any one of the below-given chemicals:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Help to regulate sebum production
  • Salicylic Acid: Promote the replacement of damaged cells with new cells
  • Glycolic Acid: Hydrates and moisturizes skin

You can use any chemical peels to get smooth, less-porous, and healthy skin. However, use it in moderation as it can make your skin sun-sensitive.

 

3. Skin Needling (Radiofrequency Micro-needling)

Have you ever seen videos of a woman clearing out pores with needles? Yes! That is skin needling. Doctors puncture the skin with microneedles that clear out pores, stimulate wound healing and collagen production.

Overall, it helps to tighten the pores and make skin smooth and soft. However, do not try it at home!

 

Natural Ways

Many natural ingredients alone can reduce the open pores; no need to go or purchase anything. Here are the most effective natural ways to close open pores.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Gel is the king of the beauty industry! It has numerous medicinal properties that are beneficial to reduce the appearance of large open pores.

How to Apply Aloe Vera Gel to Minimize Open Pores?

  • Take out the gel from aloe vera leaf with a knife into a bowl or directly use aloe vera gel available in the market.
  • Apply the gel on your face and massage it gently
  • Leave it for 10-12 minutes and then wash your face with cold water
  • Repeat the same procedure every day for overall good skin health.

Aloe vera will be effective as it hydrates, nourishes, cleanse, and unclog the pores.

 

2. Fresh Fruit Pulp

Fruits are rich in antioxidants that help hydrate, moisturize, cleanse, and tighten the pores and skin.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. of pulp from the following fruits:

  • Banana
  • Papaya
  • Strawberry
  • Watermelon
  • Orange

How to Apply Fresh Fruit Pulp to Minimize Open Pores?

  • Mix the pulp of all fruits and blend the mixture with a blender
  • Apply the mixture and massage it gently
  • Let the mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes
  • Wash your face with normal water

That’s it! Apply the fresh fruit pulp twice a week to get quick results.

 

3. Egg White Mask

Egg White Mask

Egg white mask helps to tighten the skin pores and provide overall good health.

Ingredients:

  • One egg white
  • 2 tbsp. of lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp. of oatmeal powder

How to Apply Egg White Mask to Minimize Open Pores?

  • Mix all the ingredients using a mixer until you get a paste.
  • Apply the paste and spread it using a brush
  • Relax for around 30 minutes
  • Wash your face with normal water and face wash (only if you think it will stink after washing with only water)
  • Apply the paste twice a week to tighten the pores.

I know, I know! You must be thinking it will stink and all. But believe me! There’s no harm in trying it, but please go for other methods if you don’t feel good.

So, we are done with the cure to large open pores. But don’t you think prevention is much better than cure?

 

How to Prevent Large Open Pores?

Keeping your face clean and hygiene is one way to prevent the face from open pores; some other ways are the following:

Use Sunscreen: Sunscreen hydrates skin and prevents excess sebum production, thus preventing large open pores. We suggest you wear sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Keep yourself Hydrated: Drinking lots of water directly hydrates your skin. You should drink at least 2 liters of water every day.

Cleanse: You should always cleanse your face and follow a skincare routine to maintain overall skin health. Also, always make sure to remove your makeup before going to bed.

Moisturizers: Use water-based moisturizers that are suitable for your skin type. We suggest you go for a product that boosts collagen and contains retinoids.

 

When to See a doctor?

Open pores are not really a medical concern; they are temporary, and everyone faces them atleast once in their lifetime. However, if you are not comfortable with the appearance of large open pores, then you should go to a dermatologist.

Also, it is crucial to consult a doctor if you notice an increase in pore size and density or if it gets accompanied by acne or skin infection.

 

The Bottom Line

Our skin has numerous pores that are responsible for sebum production. But some of these pores can get visible due to hormonal imbalance, sun exposure, oily skin type, etc., which are known as open pores. The easiest way to cure and prevent open pores is to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and healthy.

Here we are ending our article! We hope that you liked our article. And never forget to eat healthily and drink more!

 

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