How to shrink open pores
Pores seem to be the Public Enemy Number One, people now a days are very frustrated with open pores. I actually think the mirrors are to blame as they Zoom in further than they should. So today at Spheremedium I’m going to talk about everything you need to know about how to shrink open pores.
What is a pore?
There are glands on our skin called sebaceous glands that secrete oil. These glands are located at the side of the hair follicle, so the pilosebaceous unit and the opening of this gland give the appearance of an open pores. So areas that have more pores are basically areas with more of these glands, like on the T-zone, nose, and chin area and on the inner side of the cheeks.
Why do open pores occur?
Pores become prominent when there is excessive secretion of oils from these glands. It usually happens during adolescence and in adulthood. With age there is a breakdown of collagen, and skin becomes thinner, so the support of the opening of pores reduces, and hence they appear larger.
So this is why the appearance of pores increases as age increases, and therefore open pores are also considered as early signs of aging.
Reasons for open pores:
- Excessive oil secretion in skin
- Aging skin
- A lot of inflammation, redness, and dehydration
- Genetically some people have a very prominent large pores on their face.
So having pores is not a disease; in fact, it’s a necessity, as it keeps our skin moisturized, keeps our skin barrier intact, and makes us look healthy, young, and glowing.
Since people are so bothered because of the appearance of these pores, there’s a huge market making creams, lotions, and makeup that claim to make these pores smaller or disappear. But we need to understand it’s not possible to make these pores disappear; however, they can be reduced in size.
How to shrink open pores?
A foolproof skin care routine, along with patience and consistency, is needed to shrink open pores.
Cleansers for reducing large pores
I insist that you start double cleansing in your night time skincare routine. It will help a lot in shrinking the large pore appearance by keeping your pores clean, by reducing the excessive oil over time ,without drying out your skin.
How to double cleanse? First use an oil based cleanser like cleansing balm or oil cleanser instead misceller water for the best result and then follow up with a gentle cleanser that is water-based and has salicylic acid as one of the ingredients.
Salicylic acid helps in reducing oil formation on skin and over time helps in shrinking of pores. Salicylic acid is a mild exfoliant that helps in exfoliating the top layer of skin, and hence there’s no clogging of pores, and pores become less prominent.
Avoid comedogenic products: Avoid oil-based makeup and moisturizers. Use water-based cosmetics and moisturizer. Look for a non-comedogenic term when buying anything for your skin, which means it’s not going to clog your pores and will help in reducing the appearance of pores.
Use topical retinoids
Since open pores are due to excessive oil secretion and reduced collagen, using tretinoin-based creams, which are derivatives of vitamin A, can help in reducing the appearance of open pores. So applying tretinoin-based creams at night over such areas will be helpful. Tretinoin works by reducing oil formation and building up collagen over time, but these creams are to be used regularly.
Niacinamide serums
Adding niacinamide serum to day and night routines will help a lot, as pores become obvious when they secrete oil, and niacinamide controls oil production.
Use sunblock
Sun damage can also lead to open pores, since sun rays can damage collagen. So if you’re someone who gets exposed to sunlight regularly, it’s a good approach to use sunblock regularly, which will prevent breakdown of collagen and worsening of open pores.
Quick fixes for open pores:
These quick fixes show temporary results.
Rubbing ice on the nose and cheeks: Rubbing ice helps in shrinking pores for a short time.
Clay mask: Clay masks with bentonite work wonders too. Just apply this mask before attending a party for 15 min. It works by drawing out oils from pores and unclogging them and helps the pores look smaller. Its effects last for 2-3 hrs. only, so it’s a temporary solution.
Remember, clay masks are best suited for oily skin; if you have dry or sensitive skin, then they can cause irritation. Make sure to moisturize skin afterwards with non-comedogenic cream to prevent dryness.
It has been observed that certain foods, like dairy items, sugars, or those with a high glycemic index, can lead to increased oil production, making pores appear more prominent. Any food that raises insulin will show the same effect. So it’s best to avoid such foods.
In-office treatments:
There are certain in-office treatments with peels containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which help with open pores.
Micro needling is also a good option for open pores, as multiple needles in micro needling help stimulate the production of new collagen, which not only helps with open pores but also helps with aging skin.
Even certain CO2 lasers can be done to improve the texture of the skin and build collagen over time.
All these treatments will require multiple sessions, and the number of sessions depends on how your skin responds to these treatments.
Open pores are part of our body, and it’s not possible to completely get rid of them, but they can be minimized or shrunk, and it takes time, patience, and being consistent. Hope this article on how to shrink open pores was helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions about
What are open pores?
There are glands on our skin called sebaceous glands that secrete oil. These glands are located at the side of the hair follicle, so the pilosebaceous unit and the opening of this gland give the appearance of open pores.
Can rubbing ice shrinks open pores?
Yes, rubbing ice or splashing ice-cold water on the face shrinks open pores, but it’s a temporary solution.
What ingredients to look for when choosing face wash for open pores?
Look for a gel-based face wash with salicylic acid.
How to shrink open pores quickly?
Look for a gel-based face wash with salicylic acid.
I am a dentist, baker, and fitness and health enthusiast with a passion for living life to the fullest. I am foodie and explorer, always seeking new adventures and flavors. Currently working on my own skincare brand.
