In our ideals of smooth-skinned beauty, we often see pores as unnecessary or unattractive. However, it is important to remember that even the most flawless, airbrushed-looking skin has pores. The only difference is that some pores are clogged and, hence, more apparent than others.

So, if you want to know how to get rid of open pores on face, this article has got you covered with a deep dive about pores and how to keep them healthy while minimizing their appearance.

What are skin pores?

If you've ever seen tiny circular clusters around your nose, T-zone and chin and wondered what those were, we've got the answer. Those are your skin pores! They are small openings on the skin that contain hair follicles in them. But they have another important purpose.

If you guessed the production of sebum, you would be right! Pores are the storehouse of our hair follicles and the opening for sebaceous glands. They secrete sebum which is the natural oil in our body that keeps it healthy and lubricated and is secreted onto the facial skin through pores. Hence, without pores, the skin would become dry, irritated and flakey.

What causes open pores on the face?

If you've been wondering how to close open pores on face, you'd be surprised to know that pores don't open and close at all! Only their appearance becomes more prominent due to conditions like clogging and acne. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Age

Have you ever noticed that as a child, the pores on your face appeared smaller? So, if you are wondering how to close the open pores on face, it's important to know that pores can often enlarge with age. As our skin matures and stretches to accommodate our bodily growth, the pores on them can also increase in appearance. Clogged pores can also increase their appearance over the face.

• Clogging

Since pores are the channel through which sebum is secreted, excess sebum can often collect at the openings. This clogs the opening of pores making them seem more visible. This often results in blackheads or whiteheads, which are essentially concentrated sebum oxidizing when it comes in contact with air.

• Acne and dead skin

The accumulation of acne and dead skin can also increase the appearance of pores.

Hence, when you want to close open pores on face, you seek remedies to make their appearance smaller, keeping them tighter and unclogged.

Also read: Skincare Routine To Follow To Minimize The Appearance Of Pores

How to get rid of open pores on the face?

As a problem that afflicts many people as they age or develop skin issues like blackheads, whiteheads and inflammations, there are many solutions to the enlarged appearance of pores. Here are some ways on how to close pores on face naturally that keep your skin barrier and health intact.

• Cleanse smart, not hard

Cleansing your face is essential to reducing the appearance of pores. However, this does not mean you must be rigorous and tug harshly on your skin. Rather, find a cleanser that is gentle and non-comedogenic.

Shop Clearing & Calming Acne Face Wash

• Embrace exfoliation

If your skin feels clogged even after washing, you might need some extra exfoliators. Ingredients like beta hydroxy acid or BHA, alpha hydroxy acid or AHA and salicylic acid work wonders in getting rid of excess dead skin and sebum on your face.

• Retinol magic

As a type of vitamin A, retinol is soluble in fat. It's proven that retinol helps reduce acne, enlarged pores and fine lines by mixing with the free radicals in the layer of your skin known as dermis. However, it is important to build your tolerance up for retinol, as it can be quite tough on your skin otherwise.

• Protect your skin barrier

Exfoliating weekly or bi-weekly and using retinol simultaneously can make your skin quite sensitive. This is where barrier repair comes to the rescue! One of the best ways to soothe your lipid barrier is by preventing the loss of vitamin B-3. This is found in niacinamides. The Super Clarifying 12% Niacinamide Face Serum for All Skin Types helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier while reducing excess sebum production.

Shop Super Clarifying 12% Niacinamide Serum

• Act on Acne

Acne and acne scars can severely increase the appearance of pores on the face. This is because acne is often caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands, which leave a concavity on your skin that resembles the appearance of large pores.

• Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen is important for preventing enlarged pores but also potential skin cancer. So, if you're not currently wearing sunscreen, let this be your friendly reminder!

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• Remove your makeup fully

Not removing our makeup properly can cause buildup, which leads to clogged pores. Try double cleansing with a cleansing balm and then a cleansing foam for perfect removal.

• Use non-comedogenic makeup and skincare

Non-comedogenic means non-clogging to the pores. When considering how to close open pores, using non-comedogenic, oil-free products is essential for tightened skin.

• Talk to your dermat

Consulting your dermatologist can help with long-term skin health. They can recommend acne treatments like microneedling that help remove dead skin through new skin regeneration and, as a result, help reduce the appearance of pores.

• Treat your skin softly

Our skin performs numerous life-sustaining tasks, so it's only fair to treat it with the patience and gentility it deserves. New skin generation takes at least one month to 40 days, so patience and consistency are key to long-term skin changes!

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Open Pores on the Face

Wrapping Up

Clear pores maintain the health of our skin and can be minimized in appearance with the right steps.That's why it's important to approach skincare as the manifestation of external beauty and the sustenance of internal bodily health. Let this be your journey to redefine your health and well-being!