A lot of young and old women face the problem of open pores.
Open pores are the large pores that usually appear on oily and combination skin. These pores when untreated become larger and hence get clogged with dirt.
This leads to issues like blackheads, pimples, excessive sebum production, etc., that can turn your life into a nightmare. On the brighter side, the open pores allow the skin to breathe and ensure proper intake of nutrients for the skin.
Nose pores are the openings to the hair follicles on your skin. Attached to these follicles are sebaceous glands. These glands produce a natural oil called sebum which keeps your skin moisturized.
While pores are a necessity to your skin health, they can come in different sizes. Nose pores are naturally larger than those that are located on other parts of your skin.
This is because the sebaceous glands underneath them are larger, too. You’re also more likely to have enlarged nose pores if you have oily skin. Enlarged nose pores are also genetic.
Causes of Large Pores
More individual causes of clogged pores and enlargement include:
- acne
- excess oil production (common in oily skin types)
- lack of exfoliation, which causes a buildup of dead skin cells
- increased humidity
- heat
- sun exposure, especially if you don’t wear sunscreen
- genes (if your parents have oily skin and large nose pores, you will likely have the same)
- hormone fluctuations, such as during menstruation or puberty
- alcohol or caffeine consumption (these can dry out your skin and lead to increased sebum production)
- poor diet (while no single foods have proven to cause acne, plant-based diets are thought to help with skin health)
- extreme stress
- poor skincare habits (such as not washing your face twice a day, or wearing oil-based makeup)
- dry skin (ironically, having dry skin can make pores more noticeable due to an increase in sebum production and accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin)
5 Home Remedies to Shrink Pores on Your Skin
1. Banana Peel
Don’t we all love to eat bananas? But hey, have you ever thought of the benefits of its peel? Well, get ready to be surprised! Trying this remedy twice a week will shrink your large pores to a great extent.
What You Need?
- One ripe banana peel
What to Do?
- Run the inside of a banana peel gently against your skin.
- Wash it after 10-15 minutes.
- Try this fix every alternate day.
Why This Remedy Works?
Lutein is an antioxidant in the banana peel, which along with potassium, can rejuvenate skin and tighten pores.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the best-known skin toners available and can tighten pores when used appropriately.
What You Need?
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- A ball of cotton
What to Do?
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with water, in a 1:1 ratio.
- Dip a ball of cotton in this solution and dab it on your face.
- Let it dry.
- Use this skin toner after every wash.
Why This Remedy Works?
Apple cider can tighten skin, reduce inflammation, and cleanse the skin to minimize pores.
3. Egg White Mask
A mask made of egg white can help tighten skin and improve its elasticity.
What You Need?
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons of oatmeal powder
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
What to Do?
- Mix all the ingredients to make a fine paste.
- Apply this paste on your face, spreading it evenly.
- Let it sit on your face for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse with normal water.
- Apply this paste twice a week for best results.
Why This Remedy Works?
The white of eggs can tighten and tone skin, and improve its quality.
4. Papaya
Papaya is known for its cleansing properties and can help unclog pores.
What You Need?
- Ripe papaya pieces
What to Do?
- Mash the pieces of papaya.
- Apply it on your face.
- Let it stay for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
Why This Remedy Works?
Papaya is rich in antioxidants and has the enzyme, papain, which can reduce blemishes and unclog pores.
5. Argan Oil
Argan oil is a therapeutic remedy that is great for skin and hair. It also helps tighten pores.
What You Need?
- 2-3 drops of Argan oil
What to Do?
- Warm the oil droplets between your fingers.
- Apply the oil to your face and massage gently with the tips of your fingers.
- Rinse your face using warm water, after about 30 minutes.
- Repeat this every night before going to bed, for glowing skin.
Why This Remedy Works?
Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids that hydrate the skin and give it a glow, diminishing the appearance of large pores.
