The models we see in the fashion magazine or in a movie often influence us in ways we never think of. The yearning of a blemish free, smooth and radiant skin is just one among them. In the step towards winning that, a major challenge that comes in from your way is open pores, blackheads and acne. While blackheads and acne can be removed easily, open pores require more attention and time. But with dedication, patience and time, it is possible to shrink them. Let us see how to shrink pores in this article. First of all, let’s know what causes open and large pores.
The Villains Of Getting Pores
Pores are always present on your skin. They help your skin breathe, keeps it hydrated and smooth. At times when excess oil is produced (sebum), they clog your pores which result in open pores. They become larger in size-
- When you are exposed to the sun for a longer period of time
- Age and Genetics
- Poor Cleansing
Are You Vulnerable To Open Pores?
Open pores are commonly visible in those who have an oily skin or a combination skin. The oil production for these skins is excessive resulting in the pores getting blocked often. When combined with dead skin cells, dirt and sweat it results in the formation of blackheads and acne. Excessive production of oil is often around the nose due to which pores on nose are the largest and hardest to remove.
How To Shrink Pores?
More than often, we try to cover the blackheads and pores using cosmetics but it is a temporary trick that makes your skin worse than what it was. Cosmetics can clog your pores further and make it larger. Here are some tips on how to get rid of pores. You should also keep in mind that pores cannot be removed but can only be shrunk so that they are not visible. Here are some ways that can help you in shrinking them.
1. Cleansing, Cleansing and Cleansing
Wash your face twice or even thrice a day using a cleanser. Those who have oily skin must make a point to wash their face with a cleanser before heading to bed. Natural facewashes that contain tea tree oil or citric essential oil can be used.
2. Exfoliation Is The Key
Exfoliating your skin helps in loosening up the dirt and dead skin cells that are clog into the pores. It can also help in removing blackheads. You can always use a natural scrub like one made with sugar and lemon or an almond scrub.
3. Warm Up With Some Steam
Facial steaming opens up the clogged pores. Taking a facial steam before exfoliation can bring out amazing results. It is especially good for the removal of large pores on nose. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree which has anti-bacterial properties would be relaxing, refreshing and also is used to remove oil.
4. Rejuvenation With Masks
Natural face masks that are made of yogurt or clay are not just a great way to relax and pamper yourself, it also helps in absorbing excess oils and to get rid of big pores.
5. Protection From Sun
Always remember to wear sunscreen while going out as excessive exposure to the sun can result in the pores being large.
Fighting Open Pores at Home
Still wondering how to shrink pores? You can always consult a dermatologist. While they would suggest chemicals like salicylic acid or retinal, these chemicals can destroy the natural skin layer. At times they do not have the effectiveness and response too. It is in time like this that we turn onto home remedies. They are various homemade masks that can be applied to get rid of pores. Homemade masks are quite effective as compared to the chemicals and do not have any negative effects. They can even remove the pores on nose. Here are some of the home remedies for open pores.
1. Egg Whites
Using egg whites to shrink pores is a widely used home remedy. They can tighten your skin and remove the excess oils from it. They can even remove the large pores on the nose which are the hardest to remove.
Method-
Whisk egg white and apply it evenly on your face. Allow it to dry out for around 30 minutes. and then rinse off. You can use circular motions or scrub well to remove the dried egg white. Repeat this twice or thrice a week.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Wondering about how to close pores? Apple cider Vinegar is your answer. Having astringent properties, it is a natural toner. It helps to close open pores and remove blackheads and whiteheads.
Method-
Mix the apple cider vinegar with water equally. Soak a cotton ball and apply it on your pores on the face. It is recommended to apply it before you go to bed. Rinse off with cold water.
3. Lemon Juice And Rose Water
The citric acid in lemon juice and the anti-inflammatory properties of rose water help in removing accumulated and clogged pores.
Method-
Mix lemon juice and rose water well and apply it evenly on your face. Keep it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. You can use this twice a week.
4. Oatmeal, Yoghurt and Turmeric
Oatmeal is great for exfoliating. Together with yogurt which contains lactic acid and turmeric which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this pack helps to reduce open pores and close them.
Method-
Take a spoon of oatmeal, 2 spoons of yogurt and half spoon of turmeric. Mix it well until it becomes a smooth paste. You can add few drops of rosewater too. Apply it evenly to your face. Leave it till it becomes dry. Wash off by scrubbing nicely in smooth motions. You can apply this pack every alternate day.
5. Multanimitti or Fuller’s Earth
Clay mask is known for absorbing excess oils on the skin. It is great for reducing pores, blemishes & even suntan.
Method-
Take two spoons of Fuller’s Earth and mix it well with water in order to form a smooth paste. Apply it and leave for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. You can apply this twice a week.
6. Turmeric With Besan
Also known as chickpea powder, it is one of the main ingredients in natural face masks. It helps to tighten large pores, remove sun tan and blemishes giving a radiant and bright skin. Turmeric has anti-bacterial properties but other than that it provides a glow to the face.
Method-
Take a spoon of besan powder and quarter spoon of turmeric. Mix well with water or rosewater. You can also add few drops of olive oil. Apply it and leave it for fifteen minutes. Rinse off by scrubbing well. You can apply this every alternate day to achieve a spotless skin.
7. Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda is a good exfoliator but it also helps to restore the pH balance of your skin. It can remove big pores also.
Method-
Take half spoon of baking soda and add few drops of lemon juice. Apply it evenly. Leave it for some 10-15 minutes before washing off. You can apply it twice a week.
8. Sugar And Coffee Scrub
Sugar and coffee are great exfoliators. They can remove even the toughest tans and blemishes. They are good to close large pores.
Method-
Take a spoon of sugar and coffee (Filter coffee) powder. Add few drops of lime. And mix the well. Apply it to your face by giving a good scrub and massage session. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. Repeat it once or twice a week.
9. Tomato Juice, Aloe Vera Gel and Honey
Tomatoes have anti-oxidant properties. They also contain lycopene. These can slow down the aging of the skin and cure skin problems fast. Aloe vera gel is a good moisturizer and cleanser. Honey has healing properties. These help in reducing the pores.
Method-
Take the juice of a tomato. Add a spoon of aloe gel and honey and mix it well. Apply it to your face. Leave it for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. You can repeat this daily.
10. Cucumber Juice With Lemon Juice
Cucumber juice helps in improving the skin texture. This combined with lemon juice which has astringent characteristics help to tighten the pores and remove them.
Method-
For every two spoons of cucumber juice add one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this to your face and keep it for fifteen minutes. Wash off with cold water after that.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Of course, if you are careful enough and take care of your skin well, you can avoid open and large pores. Always remember that the skin on the face is very gentle and has to be treated with care. Here are some tips on how to prevent them.
- Make sure to keep your skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water daily. Drinking water can help your skin fight against the blemishes up to an extent.
- Wash your face with a good cleanser after you use any sort of make and after you return home from going out. Don’t use soap to clean your face as it will disturb the natural pH level of the skin.
- Even if you have an oily skin, moisturizing is a must. You can use oil-free moisturizers.
- Follow a healthy diet. Make sure your food contains Vitamin A, C & E as these help in keeping your skin smooth and young.
- Don’t eat too many fried items as they can make your skin unhealthy.
- Massage your face occasionally with some Vitamin E oil mixed with Almond oil and olive oil.
Related Posts
