Large Open Skin Pores : Causes and 12 Treatments

Large Open skin pores are a common cosmetic concern where the pores on the skin's surface appear larger and more noticeable. Sometimes these open pores trap dirt and contaminants, which may lead to acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and zits. People with oily skin tend to produce excess oil (sebum), leading to large open pores. Let's have a look on some common causes behind large open skin pores:

Causes of Large Open Skin Pores

1. Excess Oil Production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce more oil than needed, which can clog pores and make them appear larger.

2. Accumulation of Dead Skin Cells: When dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface, they can mix with excess oil and block pores, causing them to stretch and become more visible.

3. Genetics: Hereditary factors play a significant role; individuals with a family history of large pores are more likely to experience this issue.

4. Aging: As skin ages, it loses collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. This loss can cause pores to appear larger and more prominent.

5. Sun Damage: Prolonged sun exposure can thicken the outer layer of skin and damage collagen, leading to enlarged pores.

6. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can increase oil production and contribute to larger pores.

7. Improper Skincare: Using harsh or comedogenic (pore-clogging) products can irritate the skin and exacerbate the appearance of pores.

8. Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollution and environmental stressors can also contribute to pore congestion and enlargement.

However, proper skincare practices, including regular cleansing, exfoliation, and the use of non-comedogenic products, can help minimize the visibility of pores and maintain smooth and healthy skin.
Though, there are several cosmetic products in the market to deal with this problem, but before purchasing them you can try some inexpensive, easy and natural home remedies to minimize the appearance of large open pores and get a soft and smooth complexion.

12 Beauty Tips to Shrink Large Open Skin Pores

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often used as a natural remedy for various skin issues, including open pores. The acetic acid in ACV has mild exfoliating properties that can help remove dead skin cells and promote smoother skin, which may help reduce the appearance of pores. ACV has natural astringent qualities that can help tighten the skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of pores. To shrink large open pores use ACV according to given instructions:

• (i) ACV is quite acidic and can irritate your skin if used undiluted. Mix ACV with equal amount of water to create a diluted solution.
• (ii) Apply the diluted solution to your face using a cotton ball or pad, focusing on areas with enlarged pores.
• (iii) Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow up with an oil free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• (iv) Use this treatment 2-3 times a week, depending on how your skin reacts.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is frequently used in skincare for its potential to reduce the appearance of large pores due to its natural astringent and exfoliating properties. Lemon juice acts as a natural astringent, which can help tighten the skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of pores. The citric acid in lemon juice provides gentle exfoliation by dissolving dead skin cells and promoting the turnover of new skin cells, which can help keep pores unclogged and minimize their appearance.Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports collagen production, helping to improve skin texture and firmness. This can make pores appear smaller and less noticeable over time. Lemon juice has natural oil-absorbing properties, which can help control excess oil production, a common factor contributing to enlarged pores and acne. Here’s how you might use lemon juice for this purpose:

• (i) Lemon juice is very acidic and can cause irritation if applied directly to the skin. Dilute it with equal amount of water.
• (ii) Apply the diluted lemon juice to your face using a cotton ball or pad, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (iii) Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid leaving it on for too long, as lemon juice can be quite harsh.
• (iv) Rinse off with lukewarm water and follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
• (v) Lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so applying sunscreen during the day is important.
• (vi) Use this treatment 1-2 times a week. Overuse can lead to dryness or irritation.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is also used as a home remedy for various skin issues, including large pores. Baking soda has a mild abrasive texture that can help slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores, making them appear smaller. Its gentle abrasive action can help cleanse pores more thoroughly, reducing the buildup of debris that can contribute to pore enlargement. Baking soda can absorb excess oil, which may help in reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, especially in oily areas. To shrink large open pores, you can use baking soda according to given instructions:

• (i) Combine 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. You can adjust the amount of water to get the right consistency.
• (ii) Gently apply the paste to your face, focusing on areas with large pores. Avoid using it near your eyes or on any broken or irritated skin.
• (iii) Gently massage the paste in circular motions for about 1-2 minutes. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin.
• (iv) Rinse off the paste thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure all the baking soda is removed to avoid residue.
• (v) Follow up with a good moisturizer to help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
• (vi) Use this treatment no more than once a week to minimize the risk of irritation.

Baking soda is alkaline, which can help neutralize excess acidity on the skin’s surface. However, this should be used with caution as it can also disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. Because baking soda can alter your skin’s pH balance, it’s a good idea to monitor how your skin reacts. If you experience any redness, dryness, or irritation, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.

4. Tomato Pulp

Tomato pulp is often suggested as a natural remedy for reducing the appearance of large pores due to its high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and natural acids. Tomatoes contain natural astringents that can help tighten the skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of pores. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which helps in collagen production, aiding in skin firmness and reducing the appearance of pores. The natural acids in tomatoes can help exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. To shrink large skin pores with help of tomato pulp follow the given instructions :

• (i) Cut a ripe tomato in half and mash it to create a fresh tomato pulp. You can also blend it to get a smoother consistency.
• (ii) Apply the tomato pulp directly to your face, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (iii) Let the tomato pulp sit on your skin for about 10-15 minutes.
• (iv) Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
• (v) Follow up with a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• (vi) You can use tomato pulp 2-3 times a week for best results.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is often praised for its numerous skin benefits, including its potential to help with large open pores. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to skin aging and pore enlargement. Green tea can act as a natural astringent, helping to tighten the skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of pores. Green tea can help control excess oil production, which is a common cause of enlarged pores and acne. To reduce large open pores by using green tea you need to follow the given instructions:

• (i) Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool completely.
• (ii) Apply the cooled tea to your face using a cotton ball or pad, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (iii) Allow it to dry on your skin, then follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
• (iv) Use this toner daily or a few times a week.

6. Honey

Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. Proper hydration can make the skin look plumper and smoother, which can help reduce the appearance of pores. Honey contains enzymes that can gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother complexion. Regular exfoliation can help keep pores clear and reduce their appearance. To reduce large open pores follow the given instructions:

• (i) 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice (optional).
• (ii) Mix honey with lemon juice, which has additional astringent properties.
• (iii) Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
• (iv) Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• (v) Use this mask 1-2 times a week.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an excellent moisturizer that hydrates the skin without making it oily. Proper hydration helps balance oil production, which can prevent pores from becoming clogged and appearing larger. Aloe vera may promote the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep the skin firm and elastic. Increased collagen can help minimize the appearance of pores over time. Aloe vera has mild exfoliating properties that can help remove dead skin cells that clog pores. This can lead to a smoother skin texture and less noticeable pores. Regular use of aloe vera gel can improve skin tone and texture, leading to a more even and smooth appearance.

• (i) Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your clean face, focusing on areas with large pores
• (ii) Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
• (iii) Finally, rinse off with lukewarm water.

8. Cucumber

Cucumber has a high water content (about 95%), which helps to hydrate the skin. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and can help balance oil production, which in turn helps minimize the appearance of large pores. Cucumber acts as a natural astringent, which can temporarily tighten and firm the skin. This tightening effect can make pores appear smaller and less noticeable. Cucumber has mild cleansing properties that can help remove impurities and excess oil from the skin, preventing pore clogging and helping to keep pores clear.The vitamin C in cucumber can help brighten the skin and improve its overall tone, which can make pores less noticeable.

• (i) Blend cucumber into a smooth paste and apply it to your face as a mask.
• (ii) Leave it on for 15-20 minutes .
• (iii) Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water.

9. Egg Whites

Egg whites are a popular natural remedy for shrinking large pores due to their tightening and oil-absorbing properties. Egg whites have natural astringent properties that can help tighten the skin. This temporary tightening effect can make pores appear smaller and less noticeable.  Egg whites help absorb excess oil from the skin. Since excess oil can contribute to clogged pores and make them appear larger, controlling oil production can help minimize their appearance. The proteins in egg whites can help to firm and lift the skin. This can contribute to a smoother texture and reduced visibility of pores.While egg whites can offer a temporary tightening effect, consistent use can help improve the overall appearance of your skin and pores over time.

• (i) Separate the egg white from the yolk.
• (ii) Whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy.
• (iii) Apply the frothy egg white to your face using a clean brush or your fingers, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (iv) Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes or until it dries completely.
• (v) Rinse off with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin. This exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, making them appear larger. Yogurt is a natural moisturizer that hydrates the skin without making it oily. Proper hydration can help balance oil production and prevent pores from becoming clogged. While yogurt doesn’t have strong astringent properties, it can still contribute to a firmer skin appearance due to its hydrating and exfoliating effects, which can make pores look smaller.

• (i) Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to your face, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (ii) Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
• (iii) Rinse off with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry.

11. Oatmeal

 Oatmeal has mild exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can help prevent clogged pores, which can make them appear larger. Oatmeal can absorb excess oil from the skin, which helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged with sebum. Keeping pores clear of excess oil can help them appear smaller. Regular use of oatmeal can help improve skin tone and texture, leading to a more even and brighter complexion.

• (i) Mix the 1/2 cup of ground oatmeal with enough water to form a thick paste.
• (ii) Apply the paste to your face, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (iii) Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
• (iv) Rinse off with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry.
• (v) While oatmeal is gentle, overuse can potentially lead to dryness or irritation.
• (vi) Use the mask in moderation. Regular use (2-3 times a week) can help achieve more consistent and noticeable results.

12. Rosewater

Rosewater has mild astringent properties that can help tighten the skin. This temporary tightening effect can reduce the appearance of large pores and make them look smaller. Rosewater helps to balance the skin’s oil production. By reducing excess oil, it can prevent pores from becoming clogged, which helps to minimize their appearance. Rosewater provides gentle hydration to the skin without making it oily. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and can help balance oil levels, contributing to smaller-looking pores. Consistent use of rosewater can help improve overall skin tone and texture, leading to a more even and smooth appearance. To shrink large open pores, use the rose water according to given instructions:

• (i) After cleansing your face, apply rosewater to a cotton pad.
• (ii) Gently sweep the cotton pad across your face, focusing on areas with large pores.
• (iii) Allow it to dry naturally.
• (iv) Finally apply an oil free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• (v) Use rosewater regularly (1-2 times daily) as part of your skincare routine for best results.

To enhance the effectiveness of rose water you can mix it with lemon juice according to given instructions:

• (i) Mix 2 tablespoons of rosewater with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional).
• (ii) Apply the mixture to your face using a cotton pad.
• (iii) Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
• (iv) Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
• (v) Apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• (vi) Regardless of your skin type, avoid using the mixture more than 2-3 times a week.

(Overuse of lemon juice can lead to skin irritation, increased sensitivity, and even sun sensitivity.)

Some Important Tips to Prevent Large Open Skin Pores

• (i) Before applying any natural remedy, first patch test on a small area of your skin. If it creates any allergic reaction, immediately remove it and don't use it again.
• (ii) Avoid picking or squeezing your pimple or acne as it may lead to further infection, deep scars and enlarged pores.
• (iii) Before going out in sun, protect you skin from harmful rays of sun by using sunscreen with SPF 30 on a daily basis. It will prevent any further enlargement of pores.
• (iv) The presence of oil and dirt in the pores makes them more obvious. Hence, regularly exfoliate your skin, at least once per week to keep this problem away.