Do you struggle with enlarged, open pores? If so, you're not alone. Many people suffer from this common skin concern—and it can be frustrating to understand what causes these pesky empty pockets in our skin and how best to treat them.

While common causes of enlarged pores include naturally oily skin, the aging process, and sun damage, there are certain things you can do to close your pores or reduce their size. There are also treatments available to those with especially large, clogged pores.

Fortunately, we’ve researched for you and are ready to share the facts on open pores and give you some tried-and-true advice on medical treatment for open pores.

Stay tuned until the end when we talk about open pores treatments by dermatologist.

What Are Open Pores?

We all have open pores on our faces. However, some are larger than other people’s pores due to sun damage, skin type, age, and other genetic factors. But what are open pores and how to treat open pores?

Open or enlarged pores are common skin conditions where the pores on the skin's surface appear larger than usual. The reasons for open pores on face are:

• Genetics
• Age
• Sun damage

They can be worsened by oily or acne-prone skin. Moreover, open pores can make skin appear rough and textured and may be more noticeable on cheeks. Enlarged open pores on nose and forehead are common phenomenon.

While there is no permanent treatment for open pores, maintaining a consistent skincare routine, including exfoliation and non-comedogenic products, can help improve their appearance.

Open Pores vs. Large Pores: What’s the Difference?

Open and large pores are two terms often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Open pores refer to pores that are more visible to the naked eye; large pores indicate pores that are physically larger than others on your face.

Typically, open pores can be caused by dirt and grime building up on the skin's surface or excessive oil production, resulting in clogged pores.

On the other hand, large pores can be attributed to genetic factors, aging, and decreased collagen production, especially around the pores. Some of us are simply born with larger pores and more textured skin.

While both types of pores may affect the appearance of your skin, treating each condition requires a different approach.

To minimize the appearance of open pores, you can keep your skin clean and exfoliate regularly. In contrast, you may need to use topical retinoids and skin care products with retinol for large pores.

How to Close Open Pores on your Face

Open pores on the face can be a cosmetic issue and may lead to acne breakouts, blackheads, and other skin problems. Luckily, there are plenty of natural and effective ways to close open pores on your face.

One of the easiest ways to reduce pore size is to wash your face with a gentle cleanser using water or gel-based products twice daily. Avoid oil and alcohol-based products that can dry out your skin. Additionally, drinking plenty of water daily will keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.

Home remedies such as baking soda, besan or chickpea flour, and other natural ingredients can help close open pores. In addition, dermatologist-approved tips and open pores solutions like chemical peels and pore-cleansing can make a difference in keeping pores small.

Overall, a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and natural remedies can help close open pores, leaving you with healthy and radiant skin.

How to Get Rid of Open Pores on Your Face

Open pores on the face can be a nuisance, leaving our skin uneven and often oily. But can you learn how to close open pores on the face permanently? Or can you at least learn to remove open pores on your face temporarily?

As mentioned, you can’t get rid of your pores entirely, and you can’t close them entirely. However, you can do a few things to help minimize the appearance of these pesky pores.

How to Cure Open Pores on Face with Products?

Use Water-Based Products. Water-based products don't contain oils or heavy ingredients that can clog your pores and worsen the problem. Instead, they hydrate your skin and help to balance its natural oils. Some excellent water-based products to try include:

• Toners
• Moisturizers
• Face masks

Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Choose Gel Cleaners

Gel formulas are lightweight and typically water-based, making them less likely to clog pores and contribute to breakouts.

Additionally, many gel cleansers contain gentle exfoliating agents like alpha-hydroxy acids or enzymes, which can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Popular gel cleansers include the Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser.

Regardless of the product, gel cleansers are a good choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin who want to minimize the appearance of open pores.

Wash Your Face Twice Daily

When we go out, our skin may come into contact with dirt, oil, and pollution, which can clog our pores, resulting in acne and blackheads. To avoid this, washing your face helps to remove the dirt and oil that accumulates over time, providing a clean slate for your pores.

It also helps to remove dead skin cells that may be trapped in your pores. Therefore, washing your face twice daily can prevent clogged pores and create a smoother, clearer complexion. This will help your pores look cleaner and smaller.

Exfoliate Regularly

Pores can become clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, leading to their enlargement. Exfoliating helps to remove these impurities, leaving your skin smooth and unclogged.

There are different exfoliants, such as physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs.

However, it's essential not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can damage your skin. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week and moisturize afterward.

Moisturize Daily

When your skin is dry, it produces more oil, clogging your pores and making them appear larger. Using a moisturizer formulated for your skin type can help regulate oil production and prevent excess oil from building up in your pores.

Additionally, moisturizers can contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help plump up your skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

Examples of moisturizers that minimize pores include Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

Use Clay Masks

Clay masks contain minerals that can help remove impurities from your skin, including excess oil and dirt that can clog your pores. By removing these impurities, your pores can appear smaller and less noticeable.

Some great examples of clay masks include the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay and Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. It's important to note that you should only use a clay mask once or twice a week to avoid over-drying your skin.

If you have doubts about the best mask or treatment for your skin, consult a professional dermatologist.

Wear Sunscreen

Harmful UV rays from the sun can damage your skin, which can lead to the appearance of open pores. Sunscreen can protect your skin from these rays, preventing further damage and helping to reduce the appearance of open pores.

For example, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can shield your skin from UV rays.

What Open Pores Treatments Are Available? 

Learning how to reduce open pores on your face might seem overwhelming, especially if you've tried everything in the book and nothing seems to work effectively. As mentioned, it's difficult to learn how to remove open pores on the face entirely as they're what helps our skin breathe.

However, with advancements in skin care, several treatments are available to fix open pores. Some have become popular at Skinos.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peel is most common treatment for open pores on face. This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which gently burns off the top layer of the skin, resulting in smoother and less visible pores. Examples of chemical peels are glycolic and salicylic acid peels.

Microdermabrasion

This treatment involves the removal of the top layer of skin with a handheld device that exfoliates, followed by suction to clean out the pores. The benefits? Microdermabrasion stimulates collagen and elastin production, which tightens pores, decreases excess sebum and closes large nose pores.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy emits targeted wavelengths of light on the skin, which tightens the skin and reduces pore size. This means it’s a great overall treatment for most skin types, including those with sagging or aging skin contributing to open pores.

Laser treatment for open pores cost in India varies as per the city and location of the centre. If you have been looking for open pores treatment, Laser toning is considered best treatment for open pores.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a vitamin A derivative used topically as a treatment for acne. They work by exfoliating dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and helping to reduce the size of open pores on skin.

However, we suggest consulting a dermatologist before incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine. They’ll be able to work with you to formulate a skincare plan customized to fit your skin needs.

Still Thinking of How to Treat Open Pores on Face?

At Skinos, we prioritize the satisfaction and needs of our patients above all else. Our commitment to excellent service and individualized care results in flawless, youthful-looking skin for each unique individual.

With our comprehensive skin care diagnostics and treatment, we offer a wide variety of cosmetic procedures and specialty services in dermatology and cosmetology. Plus, we aim to ease any additional stresses during treatment with an on-site pharmacy and pathology Lab.

If you're ready to look and feel your best, schedule a visit with our lead dermatologist today!