We know that "open pores" are a big concern for most of us. So, let's understand what are "open pores" and what you can do about them.
WHAT ARE OPEN PORES AND WHY DO THEY APPEAR?
Pores are openings in your skin through which your skin pumps out the oil (or sebum) that is so essential for the health of your skin.
The size of your pores is an indication of how much oil has been sent out by the skin. That’s why pores are visible on those areas of the skin which has most oil production.
Secondly if you have oily skin the serum produced is thicker in consistency as compared to the sebum produced by those with normal or dry skin. So a combination of oil being pushed through over a period of time as well as thicker oil being pushed through means that the walls of the pore lining will stretch, resulting in — as you may have guessed — bigger pores.
CAN WE CLOSE OPEN PORES?
Pores cannot be opened and closed (they are pores after all, not doors).
Application of heat or cold can temporarily EXPAND or CONSTRICT the opening of the pore. But this is a temporary effect. Once your skin gets back to its normal temperature the pore opening reverts back to its normal size.
WHAT IS THE BEST SKINCARE APPROACH FOR ENLARGED PORES
We recommend a two pronged approach to manage open pores:
# 1: KEEP YOUR SKIN CLEAN
This prevents dirt, debris, pollution etc from clogging your pores. Accumulated dirt in your pores will only stretch them out further making them look even larger.
So a good cleanser and toner routine is essential. You can use Turmeric & Tea Tree Face Wash and a Vitamin C Toner. If you tend to get clogged pores visit a professional facialist once a month to get your pores cleaned and dirt extracted as needed.
# 2: EXFOLIATE
Use a gentle exfoliant like Rose Balancing Scrub or Turmeric Brightening Scrub once or twice a week. This is the most immediate way to see reduction in the appearance of pores. Regular exfoliation will remove the dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin especially those around your pores. This results in your pores looking smaller and less noticeable.
We hope that this was helpful. Wishing you happy and healthy skin days ahead!
Do you have any questions/suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.
Title Photo Credits:
- Photographer: Alexey Sokolov
- Model: Kanon