12 Effective Home Remedies for Open Pores: Natural Solutions to Minimize Pores

Dealing with open pores that make your skin look dull, textured, or uneven? Enlarged pores are a common skin issue and it is not necessary to rely on expensive skin treatments to treat them. Though you can't completely cure them, some home remedies can help minimize their size and achieve smooth skin. This blog will help you explore effective home remedies for open pores. Additionally, we'll discuss professional treatments in case you persistently have acne or breakouts due to open pores. 

12 Best Home Remedies for Open Pores that Actually Works

By adding these home remedies to your skincare regimen, you can reduce pore size and get smoother skin.

Note: In case you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, do a patch test or see a dermatologist before using any remedy to ensure safe use.

1. Ice Cubes

The ice cubes cause pores to contract and minimize oil production, which reduces pores' appearance. In addition, it improves blood circulation which promotes healthy skin.

How to use:

• Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth

• Rub it gently all over your face for about 1–2 minutes.

• Use it in the morning or before bed daily.

2. Aloe Vera

Being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera soothes the skin and prevents too much oil production (which is responsible for enlarged pores). Its moisturizing effects nourish the skin which helps get rid of excess dirt and oil.

How to use:

• Apply a fresh layer of aloe vera gel to your face.

• Leave it for 10-15 minutes.

• Wash it off using lukewarm water.

• Use it daily.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Known as a natural astringent, ACV tightens the skin, restores the skin's pH balance, and relieves inflammation which makes it the best remedy for open pores. Additionally, its antibacterial properties help prevent the risk of clogged pores.

How to use:

• Mix apple cider vinegar and some water in a ratio of 1:1.

• Gently apply it to your face using a cotton ball.

• Leave it for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off using cool water.

• Use it 2-3 times a week.

4. Egg White Mask

Rich in high protein, egg white acts as a great remedy to tighten the skin which reduces the pore size and makes skin look smooth. Moreover, it is a great source of albumin which increases the skin's elasticity, making it an effective solution for pore reduction.

How to use:

• Whisk one egg white until it's frothy.

• Apply it to your face and leave for 15-20 minutes.

• Wash it off using lukewarm water.

5. Baking Soda

A natural exfoliant that helps get rid of dead skin cells and impurities, thus, unclogging the pores. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also prevent acne breakouts which can increase the pores' visibility.

How to use:

• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to water to prepare a paste.

• Apply it to your face and massage it gently in circular motions for about 1-2 minutes.

• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

• Use it 1 or 2 times a week to avoid skin irritation.

6. Honey

Being a natural humectant (a substance that keeps skin moist), honey maintains the skin's moisture and avoids oiliness. This is important to minimize the pores' appearance as dry skin causes excessive oil production which leads to enlarged pores.

How to use:

• Apply raw, organic honey to the face.

• Leave it for about 15-20 minutes

• Rinse it off using lukewarm water.

7. Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti) Mask

According to the Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management, fuller's earth can absorb oil and dirt from deep pores. This, as a result, tightens and cleanses the skin, making it the best remedy to reduce open pores. 

How to use:

• Mix multani mitti powder with plain water or rose water to make a paste.

• Apply it evenly to your face

• Leave it for 15-20 minutes

• Then wash it off with lukewarm water.

8. Cucumber Juice

As a natural astringent, cucumber helps soothe and tighten the skin which, in turn, minimizes the appearance of pores. It also hydrates the skin which maintains oil production, thus, preventing enlarged pores.

How to use:

• Grate a fresh cucumber and take out its juice.

• Apply the juice to your face using a cotton pad and gently dab it.

• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and clean it with water.

• Use it every day for better results.

9. Green Tea

Research reports that being rich in tannins and antioxidants,  green tea works wonders in shrinking the enlarged pores. Tannis being an astringent tightens the pores and minimises their size. On the other hand, antioxidants in green tea reduce swelling and redness associated with acne and irritation.

How to use:

• Make a cup of green tea and allow it to cool down.

• Apply it to the face using a cotton ball or just spray it with the help of a spray bottle.

• Leave for about 10 minutes and then wash it off with cool water.

• Use it daily for best results.

10. Gram Flour (Besan)

Besam or gram flour reduces open pores as it is a natural exfoliant. It aids in removing oil, dead skin cells, and dirt that contribute to clogged pores. In addition, it helps tighten the skin which alleviates the appearance of pores.

How to use:

• Take besan, turmeric powder, olive oil, and curd and mix them to form a paste.

• Apply it to the face.

• Leave it for about 20-25 minutes

• Rinse it off using cool water.

11. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil controls excessive oil production and also helps shrink pores, making it challenging for the oils to accumulate in pores and cause breakouts. Moreover, being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, it reduces redness and pimples which soothes acne-prone skin.

How to use:

• Mix a few drops of organic tea tree oil in any carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil),

• Apply it to your face with the help of a cotton ball.

• Leave it overnight and then clean it off in the morning.

12. Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal acts as an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores and their increased size. Additionally, it has soothing properties which help reduce redness and irritation associated with enlarged pores.

How to use:

• Mix ground oatmeal with a little water and honey to make a paste.

• Apply it to your face and gently scrub it for about 2-3 minutes

• Clean it off using lukewarm water.

Pro Tip: For best results, follow up your skincare routine with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and prevent oil buildup.

Note: If home remedies don't show any improvements and enlarged pores lead to breakouts, acne, or other skin issues, see a dermatologist. The doctors will help with effective treatments. 

Professional Treatments For Open Pores

If home remedies aren’t enough, consider these professional treatments for more lasting results.

1. Chemical Peels

These treatments use chemicals such as salicylic, lactic, or glycolic acid to peel off the outer skin layer. This unclogs pores and removes oil and dirt buildup, enhancing skin texture.

Limitations: May cause skin peeling or redness for some days or a week, depending on the strength of the chemical peel used.

2. Microdermabrasion

This treatment involves the use of a handheld device to exfoliate the skin  The device takes excess dirt and dead skin cells out of the outer skin layer, minimizing the pores and making the skin texture smooth.

Limitations: Might cause redness or sensitivity for a few hours.

3. Laser Therapy

This therapy stimulates collagen production which aids in tightening the skin and reducing pore size. It uses fractional CO2 and Erbium lasers to increase collagen synthesis in the deepest skin layer which reduces the visibility of pores.

Limitations: May experience sensitivity, swelling, and redness for some days or 1 week, depending on the intensity of the laser light.

4. Microneedling

This procedure uses small, sterile needles to make tiny injuries in the skin. It, in turn, increases collagen and elastin production which tightens the skin and decreases the appearance of pores. As a result, you achieve smoother and firmer skin.

Limitations: Might cause bleeding, swelling, redness, and bruising for a few days. 

Skincare Regimen For Open Pores

With home and professional treatments, consistently following a skincare routine is also crucial to reduce pores and promote skin health:

• Cleanse your Face Daily: Wash your face two times daily using a mild cleanser to clean dirt, oil, or makeup residue. Use glycolic or salicylic-containing cleansers to exfoliate and unclog your skin pores.

• Exfoliate regularly: Use a mild scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and clogged pores. Don't use harsh scrubs as they can cause skin irritation and increase the pore size.

• Apply a toner: Use an alcohol-free toner on your face to maintain the skin's pH level and tighten pores.

• Use a pore-minimizing serum: Use niacinamide-containing serum which decreases oil production and minimizes pores.

• Moisturize daily: Apply a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer even if you have oily skin which hydrates skin and reduces open pores.

• Use sun protection: Always make sure to apply a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or above daily to protect the skin from sun damage which makes pores appear larger.

• Weekly face masks: Use pore-refining masks 1 or 2 times per week as they help absorb excessive skin oil and reduce the appearance of open pores.

What Causes Enlarged Pores?

Understanding the reasons behind enlarged pores can help prevent them in the future:

• Excess Oil Release: Overactive sebaceous glands release excess oil which causes clogged pores that stretch and look larger.

• Age: With age, the elasticity and collagen of skin loses which makes pores more visible.

• Sun Damage: Excessive exposure to sun weakens skin and loses its firmness which makes pores more visible.

• Dehydration: Lack of water loses the skin's elasticity which contributes to enlarged pores.

• Genetics: If enlarged pores are in your genes, you will naturally develop larger pores.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and puberty can boost oil production which can lead to large pores.

• Poor Skincare Habits: Using harsh skincare products, over-washing the face, or not moisturizing the skin can cause skin irritation which leads to enlarged pores. 

Tips to Prevent Open Pores and Promote Skin Health

Consider these tips to reduce large pores and promote skin health:

• Keep Your Skin Clean: Always wash your face daily using a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities.

• Use Non-Comedogenic Skincare Products: Use skincare and makeup products that are pore-friendly as they don't clog the skin pores.

• Moisturize your Skin Daily: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to maintain the skin's moisture levels even if you have oily skin.

• Don't Touch Your Face: Don't touch your face with your hands to reduce the risk of bacteria and dirt getting into your skin pores.

• Use Sunscreen Daily: Keep your skin protected from UV rays by applying sunscreen daily which prevents enlargement of pores.

• Consume a Balanced Diet: Eat foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats like avocados, eggs, nuts, seeds, and yogurt to nourish the skin which can reduce pores.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water to maintain the moisture in the skin and promote its natural functions.

• Get Quality Sleep: Get quality sleep of 7–9 hours which helps in the repair and rejuvenation of the skin.

• Avoid Alcohol & Smoking: Both substances can cause skin dehydration that can lead to premature aging and enlarged pores.

Final Thoughts

Home remedies for open pores can be beneficial, but consistency is a major key. By using ice cubes, egg masks, gram flour, baking soda, honey, etc. daily you can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. However, in case of severe and persistent pores which are causing acne or breakouts, see a dermatologist for effective treatments. Laser therapy, chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion can effectively help reduce open pores by stimulating collagen production, exfoliating the skin, and tightening the skin.

Read Also: How to Reduce Melanin in Skin