Are large open pores ruining your looks? If it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone. Open pores – often located right in the middle of your face, around your nose, cheeks and chin – are a cause of concern for many. While they may start out as barely visible, several factors like age, sun damage, genetics, and excess sebum production cause them to appear larger. Before we dive into how you can put an end to your open pores problem once and for all, let’s begin by understanding some basics:
What Are Open Pores?
Your skin contains millions of pores that allow it to breathe. Each pore contains sebaceous glands – also known as oil glands – that produce sebum. While all pores are not visible to the eye, sebaceous glands are present abundantly around the face, back, and chest; making these areas prone to enlarged pores.
What Causes Open Pores On The Face?
All skin types – dry, oily, neutral, or combination – are prone to open pores. A study says that enlarged pores are associated with sebum output levels. Factors like decreasing elasticity, sun damage, thickness of hair follicles, hormonal changes, and genetics trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, causing the pores to open up and appear larger. These oils also tend to clog the pores – along with makeup and some skincare products – and can eventually lead to whiteheads and blackheads.
Well, we’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news first. You can’t get rid of your pores. The good news is you can make them look like they’ve disappeared. All you need is a fab skincare regime and some handy makeup techniques. Read on to know the top tips you can follow.
1. Keep Your Face Clean
The science is simple – clogged pores look larger. Wash your face twice a day with a Salicylic Acid-based cleanser to get rid of the oil, dust and debris. Alternatively, a face wash with Glycolic Acid will work wonders in cleansing your skin and to minimise your pores. We recommend the Pilgrim Salicylic (BHA) & Glycolic Acid (AHA) Foaming Face Wash that combines the goodness of both.
2. Exfoliate Just Right
The most important thing you can do when you have large pores is make sure the dead cells and debris that accumulate in your pores get sloughed off regularly. The answer? Exfoliation. But remember not to overdo it or you’re going to have both open pores AND massive inflammation. Who wants that, right? Use the Inatur Charcoal Face Scrub (not more than twice a week) for smaller pores and happier skin.
3. Mask On, Mask Off
Fact: You can’t ever have too many masks. Fact: There’s nothing more relaxing than masking. Fact: Not only do these masks help your skin, but they also make for some great #SundayFunday activities. Two pore masks we’re absolutely in love with are O3+ Facialist Dtan Face Sheet Mask With Niacinamide and Nykaa Naturals Skin Secrets Bestseller Sheet Mask.
4. Moisturising Is Key
Amp up your skincare routine with moisturisers that contain ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid to deal with your large pores like the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Clearing Jelly. Additionally, Retinol – A vitamin A derivative – aids collagen production as per a study, which visibly reduces large pores. The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Night Cream is our tried and tested favourite!
5. Don’t Forget Your SPF
The golden rule: Sunscreen is your skin saviour no matter the time of the year. Sun damage makes your pores look larger. Uh-oh! Remember to keep a sunscreen (with SPF 30+) handy. You can try the Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ to keep the sun and your pore problem at bay.
6. Use A Primer
It’s really all about that base! Start your makeup routine with a primer that helps to fill in your pores leaving your skin looking (and feeling) super smooth. We swear by the Wet n Wild Photofocus Face Primer Matte - Partners in Prime. With White Sapphire as its miracle ingredient, this primer works wonders in minimising the appearance of pores, so your complexion looks crystal clear. Magic in a bottle!
7. Befriend The Matte Foundation
Don’t let all your luminous makeup take a backseat ‘coz all it’s going to do is draw attention to your pores’. Oh, hell no! It’s time to say hello to your new BFF – a matte foundation that won’t reflect light so your problem areas (read large pores) can be happily ignored. This is why we never go anywhere without our trusty Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation.
8. Blend And Buff
Bye-bye makeup brushes, hey there blender. Brushes can leave behind brush strokes that enhance your already large pores. That’s why blenders come to the rescue. Use the Nykaa BlendMaster All-rounder Makeup Blender Sponge to dab and then roll your foundation onto your skin to blend it in. Ta-da! You’re left with no visible pores and seamless coverage.
9. Follow Up With A Powder
All you need now is a loose and translucent setting powder like the L.A Girl HD Pro Setting Powder. It sets your foundation perfectly, mattifies your skin and gives you the flawless finish you crave.
10. Matte Blush, Setting Spray, Done!
Shimmery blushes enhance pores just like illuminating foundations do. Get that natural flush with a matte blush like the Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color which works as a 2-in-1. Score! Am I right? Spritz on NYX Professional Makeup Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish to set your makeup. And voila! You’re ready to go with your pores successfully concealed for the day.
FAQs
- How to get rid of open pores?
- What causes pores to open?
- Can Multani Mitti reduce open pores?
- Do toners close pores?
Well, open pores cannot be ‘closed’ per se. You can treat them by cleansing regularly to avoid build-up and use products with active ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acids.
As per a study, the top causes of enlarged pores on the face include decreasing elasticity of the skin, hair follicles, and high sebum excretion. Clogged pores due to these natural oils as well as makeup and other cosmetics can also lead to enlarged pores.
Yes! Clay masks like multani mitti absorb excess oil to minimise pores. We love the Forest Essentials Facial Ubtan Multani Mitti Ayurvedic Face Pack, as it also helps fight acne and hyperpigmentation. However, clay masks can be drying and are not ideal for those with dry skin.
Toners can help remove pollutants from the pores that may be left behind even after cleansing. We recommend using the PIXI Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid that deeply cleanses the pores and removes excess oil and impurities.
