What is Open Pores?
Enlarged pores or open pores are the visible expansion of hair follicles on the skin’s surface. Pores are small holes in the skin, the house of hair follicles and sebaceous glands that serve as pathways for oil (sebum), sweat and hair.
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
Pore enlargement can be caused by a variety of reasons, most of which are a combination of hereditary, environmental and lifestyle variables.
Genetics- Pores size is mostly influenced by hereditary factors. If your parents or other close relatives have wide pores, you may be prone to getting them as well.
Excess sebum production- Overactive sebaceous glands can result in excessive sebum production on the skin. Excess sebum can build in the pores, clogging and enlarging them.
Ageing- The skin changes as people age, including a decrease in collagen and elastin production. The loss of structural proteins reduces skin flexibility, which contributes to the appearance of bigger pores.
Sun damage- Prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can destroy collagen in the skin. Weakening collagen may consequence in decreased skin firmness and making pores appear wider.
Hormonal Changes- Hormonal abnormalities during puberty, pregnancy, and any other disease can all have an impact on sebum production. Hormonal imbalance can cause increased oil secretion, which can contribute to larger pores.
Comedogenic products- Certain types of skincare and makeup that contain oils, artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals can cause clogged pores. Long-term use of such products can contribute to enlarged pores.
How to Reduce Enlarged Pores?
While removing open pores may be difficult, several home remedies can help to lessen their appearance and improve skin texture. A mix of natural ingredients and a consistent skincare routine is one of the most effective home treatments for enlarged pores. Here are some simple but effective face packs or home remedies.
Egg White and Sandalwood Powder
Take one egg white and 1 tbsp sandalwood powder. Mix it well and make a smooth paste. Apply on a clean face, keep it for 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Egg White and Bentonite Clay
Take one egg white and 1 tbsp of Bentonite clay (multani mitti or fuller earth) powder. Mix it well together. Apply on a clean face. Keep it for 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Banana and Sandalwood powder
Take 1 inch of a piece of banana and 1 tbsp of sandalwood powder. Mix well and apply on a clean face for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
Take an equal quantity of vinegar and water and mix it. apply on a clean face. Keep it for 20 minutes and rinse off with plain water.
Aloe vera Gel, Sandalwood Powder and Tea Tree Oil
Take 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel, half tsp of sandalwood powder and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Make a soft paste of it and apply it on a clean face. Keep it for 20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Licorice Powder, Honey and Rose Water
Take 1 tbsp of licorice powder, half tsp honey and rose water (as required) to make a smooth paste. Apply on a clean face and keep it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Neem Powder, Turmeric Powder and Tea Tree Oil
Mix 1 tbsp of neem powder, half tsp of turmeric powder and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply on a clean face and keep it for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes wash off with lukewarm water.
Turmeric Powder and Lemon Juice
Take half a tbsp of turmeric powder and 3 drops of lemon juice, mix with plain water to make a thick paste, and apply it on the cleaned face for about 20 minutes.
Bentonite Powder, Neem Powder and Turmeric Powder
Take bentonite powder, neem powder and turmeric powder each half of tsp, and mix with rose water to make a smooth, lump-free paste. Apply it on a clean face for 20 minutes. After that clean with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera Gel and Bentonite Clay
Take 1 tbsp bentonite clay (fuller earth) and aloe vera gel (as required) to make a thick paste. Now apply it on a clean face for 20 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water.
How to Apply?
Double Cleansing- Follow the double cleansing method before using any home remedy. First, clean your face well with your oil cleanser. And then a salicylic acid or glycolic acid base cleanser. Pat dry well before proceeding to the next step. Make sure your cleanser or any other skincare products should be non-comedogenic and oil-free.
Face Pack- Apply any of the above homemade face packs all over the face except the eye area (under the eye & and eyelids). Lay down straight. Keep the face pack for 20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water, dry well. Do it in the evening, every twice a week.
Moisturiser- After cleaning the face pack you can follow up with your toner, serum and then moisturiser. If you don’t use toner or serum then go with moisturiser. Apply your moisturiser. Your moisturiser should be non-comedogenic and oil-free certified.
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