Open pores: Causes, treatment and home remedies

Topical retinoids are based on the formulations derived from vitamin A, which is an important nutrient for the skin. Topical retinoid agents available in the form of creams, lotions and gels form the first line treatment of open pores. They function by reversing collagen and elastin-associated dermal and epidermal changes (changes in the layers of skin).

Researchers have demonstrated that topical retinoids are effective in reducing the size of skin pores and aiding in skin rejuvenation by having an influence on the sebum production of the skin. This can prove to be an effective remedy for all individuals regardless of the presence of acne. Best results are seen with the use of this cream after 28 days on the basis of self-reported data.

Topical retinoid drugs are also available in the form of prescription topical creams, which reduce pore size by causing oil glands to shrink. This causes the skin to dry out making pores appear smaller, but, these effects are only seen until you are using the medication. As soon as you stop the treatment, it is likely that the symptoms may reappear. This is why more comprehensive treatment for open pores may be necessary.

Chemical peels are a more targeted, safe and inexpensive treatment option, which offer significant pore size reduction. This procedure must be performed by a trained dermatologist.

Chemical peel treatment caters to stimulate the formation of new skin cells by causing injury at the site of pores. This injury is ascertained at a specific depth and site so that it aids in the rejuvenation of skin without causing any complications.

There are a number of peels, but superficial peels, penetrating just the epidermis, are mostly enough for the management of skin pores. These include alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acid derivatives like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. After the treatment, improvement in skin texture and regeneration is expected to occur within 3 to 5 days.

Oral drug therapy may be indicated in addition to the topical agents for the management of open pores. This treatment functions by normalising the levels of hormones, which are responsible for cellular changes and excessive oil production.

Antiandrogens are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the management of open pores. These may include oral contraceptives, spironolactone, and cyproterone acetate.

However, due to hormone modulatory effect, these drugs can have serious side effects. It is, thus, important to not take these without a doctor’s prescription. Further, you must keep in mind the specific instructions of your doctor in terms of dosage and duration of treatment.

Another treatment option for large pores refractory to oral and topical treatment is the laser therapy. In this procedure, targeted thermal or ultrasound therapy is delivered to the site of the pore. This causes the remodelling of collagen fibres, which reduces skin elasticity and sebum production. Improvement in the appearance of open pores is facilitated by skin pore minimisation over multiple sessions during a 6 week period.

Although sufficient literature is not present on the efficiency of laser treatment for reducing pore size, some clinical studies have shown positive findings. A study conducted on 20 subjects with enlarged pore size demonstrated that certain laser types aid both pore size reduction and sebum lowering with no adverse effects. Dermatologists further say that laser therapy helps in achieving permanent results in such cases.

Cucumber may be your favourite salad ingredient, but, did you know that the high silica content of cucumber helps in tightening of pores. It also makes your skin look more soft and youthful.

To make a cucumber face mask at home, simply grate a cucumber and mix it with some lemon juice and apply it on your face. Wash with cold water after 15 to 20 minutes.

Sugar is a natural exfoliating agent. This makes it the best remedy to combat excess skin oil and to remove dead skin cells. 

Simply, take a tablespoon of brown sugar and mix it with an equal amount of honey. Then, gently rub this scrub onto damp face and wash off with warm water after 15 minutes.

Adding some lime juice will improve the actions of this scrub since lemon is known to pull out excess skin oils owing to its acidic properties.

Lemon is an excellent agent for removing excess oils from your skin and is a favourite home remedy among those with an oily skin type, but is it helpful for open pores? Other than being acidic in nature, lemon also has significant astringent properties, which assist in pore reduction. This also enables the removal of dust, germs and impurities to keep you away from acne.

To utilise these benefits, squeeze a lemon and dilute its juice with an equal amount of water. Dab on your face with the help of a cotton ball and wash off after 15 minutes.

Honey has significant antimicrobial actions, which kills the bacteria and other microorganisms dwelling in skin pores. This helps in keeping your pores clean and avoids infections, while also reducing the pore size. In fact, honey is the simplest home remedy out there for large pores.

Directly apply some honey to the area of pores and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water.

Found in every Indian kitchen, tomato is one of the most effective home remedies for pore size reduction. This can be attributed to the presence of an active compound, lycopene in tomato. Further, the acidic content of tomatoes helps to balance off the skin’s oils and maintain skin tightness. 

You can make a DIY tomato mask at home by mixing tomato pulp with some honey and applying it on the face with the help of a brush. After it dries, wash your face with water and notice the difference in texture and pore size.

Aloe vera is your skin’s best friend. It helps in cleaning the skin off excess oil and sebum, which are responsible for the clogging of pores. Further, it helps in providing your skin with enough moisture, making it look smooth.

To utilise this benefit, simply take an aloe vera leaf and dissect it to extract aloe vera gel. Now massage this gel into your skin for 5 to 7 minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash with cold water.

Phenolic compounds present in olive oil and its antioxidant properties not just help in fighting off sebum and reducing pore size but they also have an anti-inflammatory effect. This helps in avoiding skin irritation and skin problems like acne.

Simply dab some extra virgin olive oil and massage into your skin with circular motions. Wash off with warm water after 15 minutes.