10 ways to deal with stubborn Open Pores!

What are open pores?

Ever wondered what those weird holes are on your face? Sometimes it’s tight and enclosed and sometimes it’s enlarged in size. Open pores are a common skin concern that many individuals face and are helpless to treat them. These can be frustrating and demotivating at times, as they are often more noticeable and may contribute to various skin issues like acne and uneven skin tone etc. As a Professional Makeup Artist, I have seen many people struggling with skin issues and dealing with various skin treatments to cure these open pores. You can’t get rid of pores completely but there are various ways to diminish them. Being a dry-skinned person, I am thankful to the Skin God 😀 that I don’t have to deal with it but I can feel your pain.

Why do pores look so big?

“Pores are the visible openings of the hair follicles to their connected oil glands,” says Dr. Marchbein. The average adult has around 20,000 of them on their face. The most common causes of enlarged pores include excessive sebum production, aging, sun damage, lack of exfoliation, dirt buildup, and improper skincare routines. In some cases, genetics can also contribute to pore size. Also, various other reasons contribute to the size of open pores.

Is there a way to reduce open pores?

Yes, absolutely! Well, there is no such thing that can help in disappearing pores completely but you can reduce them by following a dedicated skincare routine and a healthy diet. Also, you can minimize their appearance by keeping them clear of oil and debris and boosting your skin’s collagen and elastin.

Instead of squeezing your pores or using a tool to unclog them, here are some of the ways to diminish them without harming your skin.

1. Use Non-Comedogenic Products:

Be mindful of the products you apply to your skin! Opt for non-comedogenic products that are specifically formulated so as not to clog pores. These products allow the skin to breathe and reduce the risk of increasing pore size. When selecting cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup, look for labels that explicitly state “non-comedogenic” to ensure you are taking a proactive approach to minimize the appearance of open pores.

2. Cleanse Your Face Twice:

Cleansing is a crucial step of any skincare routine, be it oily, dry, normal, or sensitive skin and it plays an important role in managing open pores. Make it a habit to cleanse your face twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night. A gentle, hydrating cleanser can help remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from your skin without irritating it. Regular cleansing helps maintain a clean canvas, preventing pores from becoming clogged and visibly enlarged. Try products that have no fragrance to them. Brands like Simple, Minimalist, Cetaphil, Sebamed, and Bio derma have some of the best mild cleansers. 

3. Retinol is your best friend:

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient when fighting against open pores. This potent compound promotes cell turnover, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells while simultaneously preventing the build-up of dead skin cells within the pores. Including a retinol-based product in your skincare routine can gradually reduce the appearance of open pores, resulting in a smoother and more refined complexion over time. It’s best to start with a product with a low retinol concentration, such as 0.5% or less. Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum is good if you are a beginner. You can read further about Foxtale Retinol Serum.

4. Be Gentle and Exfoliate:

Incorporating a scrub into your skincare routine is also beneficial, make sure not to over-exfoliate. Once a week is more than enough. Exfoliation helps in achieving a more even skin texture and reducing open pores. However, it’s crucial to be gentle and choose the right exfoliation method. Harsh scrubs can damage the skin barrier and worsen the appearance of pores. Opt for chemical exfoliants containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which work to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores without abrasive scrubbing.

5. Sunscreen Protection:

Sun damage not only contributes to premature aging but can also worsen the appearance of open pores. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, decreasing skin elasticity and enlarging pores. Incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily routine is mandatory to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously, even on cloudy days, to shield your skin and minimize the impact of sun damage on pore size.

6. Treat Acne and Sagging Skin:

Factors such as Acne and sagging skin can also contribute more to the enlargement of pores. Addressing these concerns can have a positive impact on the overall appearance of your skin. Use targeted treatments, such as salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, and consider incorporating firming and lifting products to combat sagging. By effectively managing these issues, you can prevent further damage to the skin’s structure and reduce the appearance of open pores.

7. Avoid Touching the Face:

Please stop touching your face more often! It can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your skin, potentially exacerbating open pores. Break the habit of touching your face throughout the day, and be mindful of not resting your face on your hands. Keeping your hands away from your face helps maintain the cleanliness of your skin and minimizes the risk of pore congestion. This is such an underrated way of reducing pores.

8. Incorporate Water or Gel-Based Products:

Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin and using water or gel-based products can be particularly beneficial for those with open pores. These lightweight formulations provide adequate moisture without overwhelming the skin, helping to balance oil production and prevent pore blockages. Opt for hydrating serums and lightweight moisturizers, to keep your skin well-hydrated without contributing to enlarged pores.

9. Primer is Important:

A good makeup primer can work wonders in creating a smooth canvas and minimizing the appearance of open pores. Choose a silicone-based primer that fills in uneven texture and blurs the look of pores. Applying primer before makeup not only helps your makeup last longer but also creates a barrier between your skin and makeup products, preventing them from settling into pores and making them more noticeable.

10. Avoid shimmery makeup:

This might not add to reducing pores, but staying away from makeup products that have shimmer particles will help in overall appearance. It does not mean that you can’t use illuminating products, just limit the usage to the areas where you don’t have pores. It’s a trick to gather attention to the smoother areas of the face. 😊 

The bottom line:

Pores help your skin to function properly. Always consult your dermatologist before including any specific product in your skincare regime. With dedication and a well-rounded skincare routine, you can unveil the skin you’ve always dreamed of. Try not to look into the mirror as often as possible. Nobody is looking at your face so closely as you do! Stay confident and embrace your skin wholeheartedly. Beautyspade is always there to make you feel relaxed and confident in your skin!