How to Close Open Pores: Easy Steps for Clear Skin

Does it seem like every time you look in a mirror these days, large pores are staring back at you? If you’re wondering how to minimize those suddenly very noticeable pores, you’re not alone.

Conspicuous pores are a common complaint as people age, it seems everyone wants the fine, flawless skin of childhood when pores were seemingly invisible.

But as you go through puberty and adulthood, pores tend to stand out more. Their appearance varies from person to person and depends on several factors.

Keep reading to find out safe and effective ways to take care of your pores so that your skin looks its best. Your face will thank you.

What Is A Pore?

Dr. Harish Kautam says, “Pores are tiny openings on your skin. These openings allow your skin to breathe. Each pore contains a hair follicle and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum that keeps your skin hydrated and moist. It is also responsible for smooth texture.”

What Are The Types Of Open Pores?

1. O-Shaped Pores

These are likely to be seen on your T-zone. They are round in shape. If you’re prone to acne or have oily skin, these types of large pores tend to appear.

2. U-Shaped Pores

Dry skin is the cause of these types of pores.

3. Y-Shaped Pores

As you age, collagen production in your skin reduces. This can give your pores the shape of a water drop, also known as Y-shaped pores. They tend to appear on the cheeks.

Why do pores become enlarged?

Tiny hairs cover a person’s skin, except on the palms of the hands and on the feet. Each hair follicle has a pore at the top of it. The hair follicle has a gland inside it that produces oil. This gland is called the sebaceous gland. When the sebaceous gland releases oil, the oil rises to the top of the skin and collects in the pore.

Main Causes of Enlarged Pores:

According to a 2022 review, the main causes of enlarged pores are:

1. Excessive sebum:

This is when a person’s sebaceous gland produces a lot of oil, leading to oily skin.

2. Decreased elasticity around the pore:

This is when the skin becomes less supple.

3. Increased hair follicle volume:

This is when the pore at the end of the hair follicle becomes clogged.

When oil collects in the pore and combines with dirt or makeup, the pore can become blocked. This blockage stretches the pore, making it look bigger. If the pore remains clogged, a pimple may develop. Age, gender, and ethnicity can help determine how active a person’s sebaceous glands are. Having large pores is not a health concern. As one 2023 study noted, pore size is mostly an aesthetic consideration.

Steps for Clean Skin: How to Close Pores on Face

1. Cleansing

Cleaning your skin is the first step towards preventing open pores. Make sure to wash your face twice a day with an oil-free natural cleansing facewash that is not too harsh on your skin. Try to use herbal products that are free from alcohol or acid as they can further damage your skin.

2. Regular Exfoliate

Make a habit of regularly exfoliating your skin with any gentle scrub to avoid build-up of dead skin cells. This will also help to eliminate dirt, impurities, blackheads and whiteheads that may block your skin and clog your pores. You can make your own natural scrub using simple ingredients to steer clear of chemical products.

3. Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking adequate water will improve the overall health of your skin and won’t let your skin feel dry or dehydrated. Consuming plenty of water will internally clean and purify your skin, removing toxins and waste products from the body. It provides nutrients to the skin tissues, increases its elasticity and delays signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines.

4. Regular Use Of Face Mask

Our contemporary lifestyle doesn’t always permit us to visit a saloon and pamper our skin. Hence, face masks are the simple, easy and convenient replacement that will rejuvenate your skin and make it appear radiant and youthful. You can opt for either a commercial face mask or homemade face packs. Even if you can’t apply a face mask on a daily basis, make sure to use one on every alternate day or at least twice a week to detoxify your skin.

5. Eat Healthy Diet

The appearance and overall condition of your skin greatly depend on your regular diet. Maintaining a balanced diet will not only keep you fit but make your skin healthy as well. Try to include food that contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E as these are excellent for your skin. Intake of junk foods that have high oil content can contribute to acne, rashes and over secretion of sebum.

6. Moisturize

No matter what your skin type is, moisturizing your skin is a must. It is recommended to use a heavy moisturizer if you have a dry skin and in case of oily skin, opt for a water-based light moisturizer. You can also select a natural moisturizer like aloe vera gel extract, coconut oil, honey, etc. to pamper your skin with proper nourishment. Always remember to apply the moisturizer on a clean skin, preferably after washing your face with a cleanser.

7. Use Steam

Stream won’t necessarily clean out your pores, rather the warm vapor will soften the top layer of your skin and help to open clogged pores when you wash your face. Using steam will allow products to penetrate deep within your skin so that they can work more effectively. Do not steam your face more than 10-15 minutes and check the heat before applying the steam on your face.

8. Use Sunscreen

Prolong sun exposure without any preventive measure is a strict no-no. Harmful UV rays are known to damage skin cells and can also lead to sunburn. This will further cause various skin concerns like swelling, blisters, pigmentation, clogged pores and skin irritation. Using a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or more is mandatory whenever you step out of your house so that it can protect your skin. Also, reapplying the sunscreen is suggested if you are prone to sweating or you have to stay under direct sunrays for a long period of time.

9. Don’t Squeeze Blackheads

Blackheads are annoying and you are often tempted to squeeze them out! However, applying such pressure to squeeze out the blackhead can stretch your pores and leave it permanently enlarged.

10. Remove Makeup Before Going To Bed

Makeup products contain chemicals, artificial colors and preservatives that cause extensive damage to your skin if not removed before going to bed. Your skin revives and heals itself while you are asleep and leaving your makeup on will hinder the process. This will lead to unclogged skin pores and trigger acne, breakouts and rashes. Hence, make sure to get rid of any makeup residue before you go off to sleep at night so that your skin can breathe and feel revitalized in the morning.

Other Methods to Minimize Pore-Size

1. Chemical Peels

Your dermatologist may recommend a chemical peel based on your skin type and how deep and large your pores appear. If your large pores are the result of oily skin, peels with hyaluronic acid are recommended. These peels work as exfoliators. They speed-up the process of exfoliation and improve elasticity.

2. Micro needling

This process uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production in the skin. It improves texture and makes the skin look firm. Micro needling can be used to tighten large pores. Like every other in-office procedure, micro needling comes with its own set of side-effects. These include temporary swelling, redness and bleeding.

3. Laser Resurfacing

Certain laser treatments help in reducing pore-size. Laser therapy rejuvenates the skin, resulting in a smooth texture and even tone. Before going for laser therapy, talk to your dermatologist. He will recommend it based on your skin type and medical history.

Open Pores Treatment at Home

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most effective home remedies for open pores as it eliminates oil and dirt from your skin, unclogging blocked pores and shrinking their sizes.

1. Take a generous amount of fresh aloe vera gel and gently massage it onto your open pores for a few minutes.
2. Wash your skin with cool water after 10 minutes.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar possesses astringent properties that are known to even out skin tone, tightens your skin and permanently remove pores from the face.

1. Take equal proportions of apple cider vinegar and water and mix them well.
2. Add more water in case you have sensitive skin.
3. Apply this diluted vinegar solution on your pores using a cotton ball.
4. Leave it to naturally dry.

3. Curd

Curd contains lactic acid that is useful in getting rid of dirt, impurities, oil and dead skin cells from your skin. This leads to unclogging of skin pores, making your skin appear radiant and youthful.

1. Take 2 tablespoons of plain curd and apply it to your open pores.
2. Allow it to rest for around 20 minutes.
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil acts as a great toner and can effectively fill pores on your face permanently. It also has antimicrobial properties that can treat acne, inflammation and other skin infections.

Why don’t you check out Anveya Tea Tree Oil? It combats bacteria and various other infections that causes ill health for your skin, hair,nails and overall wellbeing.

• Works on ACNE, SCARS & PIGMENTATION due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Application in treating SKIN, NAIL & TOE INFECTIONS
• Great for HAIR. Fights against DANDRUFF with its antifungal properties
• Diffuse for fresh & CLEAN HOME

Method of using

1. Add 3 to 4 drops tea tree oil to a cup of water and mix well.
2. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and refrigerate it.
3. Once the solution turns cold, shake well and liberally spray it all over your face.
4. Let it naturally dry.

5. Papaya Mask

Papaya is often used for open pores treatment at home as it can help to shrink large pores, making your skin appear youthful, smooth and soft. Papaya can also purify your skin and helps to tighten your loose skin.

1. Take a few pieces of ripe papaya and mash them to form a paste.
2. Apply it onto the affected areas of your skin to shrink pores.
3. Wash off with water after 20 minutes.

6. Egg White Mask

Large open skin pores are often triggered by oily skin. Egg whites not only cleanses your skin, eliminating the buildup of excess oil and impurities but also tones and lighten your skin.

1. Add 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and lemon juice each to an egg white and mix together to make a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste on your open pores and leave it for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse properly with cool water.
4. Alternatively, you can also whisk an egg white and apply it on your face.
5. Wash off with water once it is dry.

7. Multani Mitti

Multani Mitti or fuller’s earth helps to balance the oil level of your skin and reduces pores on face. It gives you a clear radiant skin, free from blemishes and uneven skin pigmentation. It is also an excellent natural ingredient to get rid of pimples.

1. Prepare a fine paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of Multani Mitti with 1 to 2 tablespoons of rose water or milk.
2. Smear a thin layer of the paste on the enlarged pores of your skin and leave it for 15 minutes.
3. Wash with cool water.

8. Lemon

Lemon juice acts as a natural cleanser and contains astringent properties that work well to unclog pores. The presence of citric acid exfoliates your skin, breaking the impurity’s chemical bond with the skin. It is also effective in eliminating blackheads and whiteheads.

1. Combine equal proportions of lemon juice and water and mix well.
2. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and dab it onto your face.
3. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash with normal water.

9. Tomato

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and natural acids that balance your skin’s oil content and gets rid of pores on face. This natural astringent prevents premature ageing of the skin and helps to repair damage skin cells.

1. Extract the pulp of a small tomato and add honey to it.
2. Mix well and apply it to areas of your skin with open pores.
3. Rinse with water after 10 to 12 minutes.

10. Honey

Raw honey improves the health of your skin, making it appear youthful, soft and glowing. It shrinks large open pores and prevents sagginess of skin and at the same times deeply moisturizes your skin.

1. Take an appropriate amount of raw honey and apply it on your face and neck area.
2. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
3. Wash again with cool water.

11. Olive Oil

The antioxidant characteristics of olive oil along with its healing properties help in the process of cell regeneration. It treats various skin problems like swelling, dryness, open pores and irritation.

1. Take few drops of extra virgin olive oil and gently massage it on the open pores of your skin in a circular motion for a couple of minutes.
2. Wash off the oil with lukewarm water.

12. Banana

Banana peels contain vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that helps to remove warts, making your skin smooth, soft and vibrant. This effective home remedies for open pores is also known to treat skin pigmentation and acne marks.

1. Take a banana peel and swipe the inside of the peel onto the concerned areas of your skin.
2. Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Rinse with normal water.

13. Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are perhaps the most inexpensive and simple option for open pores treatment at home. It is effective in minimizing enlarged pores especially before applying makeup. Ice cubes soothe swelling on the skin and make your skin feel calm and relaxed.

1. Take a clean washcloth and wrap some ice cubes in it.
2. Apply this pack on your face, holding it for 15 to 30 seconds.
3. Repeat it for few more times until you notice an improvement.
4. You can also wash your face with ice cold water once a day to remove pores from the face.

14. Besan Mask

Besan or chickpea flour is a perfect ingredient to close open pores on face permanently. It naturally cleanses and exfoliates your skin and can be added to various face packs. Using a besan pack will purify and rejuvenate your skin.

1. Prepare a besan mask by mixing 1 tablespoon besan, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon yogurt and few drops of olive oil together.
2. Apply the smooth paste over your open pores and let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Wash with cool water and use a moisturizer.

15. Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrub is an easy DIY remedy for open pores as it can be used as a part of your daily skin care routine to eliminate dead skin cells.

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to form a coarse mixture.
2. Gently massage the homemade scrub on your skin for a couple of minutes before the sugar starts to melt.
3. Wash off with warm water.

Conclusion

While it’s impossible to completely “close” pores, there are many effective ways to reduce their appearance and keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. By adopting a proper skincare routine that includes regular cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from sun damage, you can significantly minimize the visibility of open pores. Additionally, natural remedies like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and honey, along with professional treatments like chemical peels and micro needling, offer targeted solutions to keep your skin in top condition. Remember, consistency is key to achieving clear, youthful-looking skin. By combining healthy habits with the right treatments, you can take control of your skin’s health and enjoy a glowing complexion free from noticeable pores.