20 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Open Pores On Skin

Get that flawlessly smooth and clear skin with these readily available kitchen ingredients.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Elena Zinkov, ND Dr. Elena Zinkov Dr. Elena ZinkovND facebook_icontwitter_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MS (Biotechnology) Kushneet Kukreja MS (Biotechnology) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Last Updated on

Open pores on the face look like little pits. Your face seems drab and aged as a result of open pores. That is why many people want to get rid of open pores. People with oily skin are more prone to this condition due to high sebum production. Open pores can also cause problems like blackheadsi  Small pimples or tiny dark lumps that develop on your skin as a result of clogged hair follicles. and acne, which can ruin your appearance. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, poor skin care, and stress. As you become older, your skin loses its suppleness, making the problem worse.

There are numerous open pores treatments at home that can help reduce the appearance of skin pores. There are different beauty products in the market that claim to provide relief. But why waste a ton of money when the answer is right there on your kitchen shelves? Keep reading to learn more about how to get rid of pores. Scroll down!

What Are Open Pores?

There are plenty of pores on the facial skin that help it breathe. When these pores become enlarged, they are visible to the naked eye. These large pores on the skin are commonly seen in oily and combination skin because such skin types produce more amounts of the natural oil (sebum).

A study conducted on 591 people, with 83.7% of them being female and ranging in age from 18 to 80. Numerous treatment techniques, such as oral and topically applied drugs as well as various laser wavelengths, reduce the number and size of face pores. Three assessment methods—digital imaging, physician evaluation, and patient satisfaction—were used to gauge the effectiveness of each therapy modality.

To avoid complications like acne and blackheads, you can use the remedies listed below to get rid of the large, open pores.

How To Get Rid Of Open Pores – 20 Best Remedies

Whether you have clogged pores on the nose or any other parts of your face and neck, the remedies listed below will help manage them and get rid of large pores naturally.

  1. Aloe Vera
  2. Egg White
  3. Apple Cider Vinegar
  4. Papaya
  5. Baking Soda
  6. Besan
  7. Banana
  8. Cucumber
  9. Argan Oil
  10. Jojoba Oil
  11. Lemon
  12. Multani Mitti
  13. Yogurt
  14. Olive Oil
  15. Sugar Scrub
  16. Turmeric
  17. Tea Tree Oil
  18. Tomato
  19. Clay Mask
  20. Honey

No More Open, Large Pores With These Natural Remedies

1. Aloe Vera For Skin Pores

Aloe vera to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

Aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Apply some aloe vera gel on the pores and massage for a few minutes. Preferably, use fresh aloe vera gel for this.
2. Let the aloe gel sit on your skin for 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Applying aloe vera gel every day will soon shrink your pores.

Why This Works

Moisturizing the face with aloe vera helps to shrink large pores.

The gel cleanses and nourishes the skin and removes oil and dirt from the clogged pores (1).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Always remove the latex from the leaf to avoid an allergic reaction. Cut the base and leave the leaf upright for 15 minutes to drain the latex.

2. Egg White For Skin Pores

Egg white to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Have To Do

1. Take the egg white and mix it with the oatmeal and lemon juice. Make an even paste.
2. Apply the paste on your face and keep it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply the paste twice a week for beautiful skin.

Why This Works

Egg white tightens and tones the skin, which helps in shrinking the enlarged pores

. Egg masks are excellent remedies for open pores and can also be used to treat virulenti  Any substance that is poisonous and spreads and affects people very quickly, causing serious effects. forms of acne (2, 3).

3. Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin Pores

Apple cider vinegar to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do

1. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water.
2. Dip the cotton ball in this and apply the vinegar on the face.
3. Let it air dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Use apple cider vinegar as a skin toner every day.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is known to cleanse the skin and also shrink the pores.

It acts as a toner and tightens your skin (4). It also reduces any inflammation (5).

4. Papaya For Skin Pores

Papaya to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

A few pieces of ripe papaya

What You Have To Do

1. Mash the papaya and apply it on the face.
2. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this remedy every alternate day.

Why This Works

Papaya helps in toning and tightening the skin pores.

It deeply purifies the skin by removing impurities and unclogging pores (6).

5. Baking Soda For Skin Pores

Baking soda to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons water
What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste by mixing soda and warm water.
2. Apply the paste into the pores and massage gently in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
3. Rinse it thoroughly using cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this remedy once every three to four days.

Why This Works

Baking soda has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing complications like pimples and acne

. It helps remove dead skin cells, grime, and other impurities. Baking soda regulates the skin’s acid content and maintains its pH balance (7, 8).

6. Besan For Skin Pores

Besan to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon besan
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt
  • A few drops of olive oil
What You Have To Do

1. Make a fine paste by mixing all the ingredients.
2. Apply the paste on your face and leave it to dry for 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Rinse with cool water.
4. Pat dry and moisturize.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this besan face pack twice a week.

Why This Works

Otherwise known as gram flour or chickpea flour, besan is an excellent ingredient to be used in a face pack. It not only exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells but also tightens large pores (9).

7. Banana For Skin Pores

Banana to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

1 banana peel

What You Have To Do

1. Gently swipe the inside of the banana peel on your face.
2. Wash after 10 to 15 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every alternate day.

Why This Works

The antioxidant luteini  The yellow pigment found in plants and animal products that protects the skin from the harmful UV rays. present in the banana peel, along with the mineral potassium, enables it to heal and rejuvenate your skin. Regular application will smoothen out your skin (10, 11).

8. Cucumber For Skin Pores

Cucumber to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 4-5 cucumber slices
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
What You Have To Do

1. Blend the cucumber slices and add the lemon juice to it. Mix well.
2. Apply this mask on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse with cool water.
4. For best results, cool the cucumber slices in the freezer for a couple of minutes before blending them.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply the cucumber pack twice or thrice a week.

Why This Works

The mask not only helps in treating open skin pores but also improves the skin texture. It soothes and nourishes the skin. Cucumber also slows down the skin aging process, giving you a youthful and glowing appearance (12).

9. Argan Oil For Skin Pores

Argan oil to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

A few drops of argan oil

What You Have To Do

1. Lightly warm up the oil between your fingers and apply on the face.
2. Massage the oil in for a couple of minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water after half an hour.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every night before going to bed.

Why This Works

Recommended by dermatologists, this oil from the Middle East nourishes your skin and diminishes large, open pores. It is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E that hydrate the skin and keep it glowing (13).

10. Jojoba Oil For Skin Pores

Jojoba oil to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

3-4 drops jojoba oil

What You Have To Do

1. Massage jojoba oil on your skin for a couple of minutes.
2. Leave the oil on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this remedy a few times during the week.

Why This Works

The consistency of jojoba oil is very similar to the skin’s natural oil. It cleans the clogged pores and minimizes the size of enlarged pores (14).

11. Lemon For Skin Pores

Lemon to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do

1. Dilute the lemon juice in the water.
2. Apply it to your face using the cotton ball.
3. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day.

Why This Works

Lemon juice possesses astringenti  A property or an ingredient commonly found in several cosmetics that causes bodily tissues to contract or shrink. characteristics. It helps tighten the skin and unclogs pores. It has been hailed as one of the most effective remedies for blackheads. Its citric acid content helps loosen and break the impurity’s chemical bond with the skin, thus helping clear pores (15).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Lemon may make your skin sensitive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen if you want to go out after using this remedy.
Caution

Dilute lemon juice with more water if you have sensitive skin.

12. Multani Mitti For Skin Pores

Multani mitti to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons multani mitti
  • 1-2 tablespoons rose water or milk
What You Have To Do

1. Add the rose water to the multani mitti powder and mix well so that no clumps form.
2. Apply a thin layer of this paste on your face and let it dry for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse with cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

While clay masks are excellent for unclogging pores, Fuller’s earth or multani mitti soaks excess oil from the skin. It can suck up oil from any material. It is an excellent cleanser for the face and removes impurities. Its skin whitening properties also make your skin glow (16).

13. Yogurt For Skin Pores

Yogurt to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Apply yogurt to the affected area and leave it on for about 20 minutes,
2. Rinse with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this remedy twice a week to reduce the size of the skin pores.

Why This Works

Yogurt tightens the large pores and also reduces skin blemishes. The lactic acid present in it is responsible for the pore tightening effects. Also, this lactic acid is helpful in removing dead cells and impurities from the face (17).

14. Olive Oil For Skin Pores

Olive oil to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

A few drops of extra virgin olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Massage the olive oil on the large pores in gentle circular motions for a few minutes.
2. Rinse the oil off with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every day.

Why This Works

The phenolic compounds of olive oil have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They keep the skin in optimum health and get rid of all any issues that are plaguing the skin like dryness, itchiness, enlarged pores, etc. (18).

15. Sugar Scrub For Skin Pores

Sugar scrubs to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
What You Have To Do

1. Gently mix the honey and lemon juice in the brown sugar.
2. Wash your face with normal water.
3. Before the sugar starts to melt, massage the scrub gently on the affected region for three to five minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can use this scrub up to twice a week.

Why This Works

Sugar is a commonly used exfoliant in skin care routines. It removes dead cell build-up and impurities from pores and reduces their size (19).

16. Turmeric For Skin Pores

Turmeric to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon rose water or milk
What You Have To Do

1. Mix the turmeric with water to get a smooth paste.
2. Apply this on the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Rinse with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this remedy every alternate day.

Why This Works

Turmeric kills all the bacteria that may be breeding in your pores and inflaming them. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce any swelling and shrink the pore size (20).

Caution

Turmeric can easily stain your clothes. Opt for old t-shirts or wrap an old towel to cover your shoulders and chest area.

17. Tea Tree Oil For Skin Pores

Tea tree oil to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 3-4 drops tea tree oil
  • A cup of water
  • A small spray bottle
What You Have To Do

1. Pour the water into the spray bottle, add the tea tree oil, and shake well.
2. Store this bottle in the refrigerator.
3. Once it is cool, spritz some of this water all over your face.
4. Let this water evaporate naturally.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this spray as a facial toner every morning and evening on a clean face.

Why This Works

The astringent properties of tea tree oil help in reducing pore size and also diminishing their appearance. This essential oil is also a potent antimicrobial agent (21).

18. Tomato For Skin Pores

Tomato to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • A small tomato
  • 1 teaspoon honey (recommended for dry skin)
What You Have To Do

1. Take out the pulp of the tomato and mix honey in it.
2. Apply this as a face pack on your face and neck.
3. Let it dry for 10 to 12 minutes and then rinse.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this face pack daily.

Why This Works

The natural acids present in tomato bring the natural oils of the skin into balance and tighten large pores (22).

19. Clay Mask For Skin Pores

Clay mask to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons cosmetic clay (bentonite or kaolin)
  • 1-2 tablespoons rose water or milk
What You Have To Do

1. Add enough rose water to the clay powder to make a fine paste.
2. Apply an even layer of the clay mask and leave it on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse with cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

Cosmetic clay powders like bentonite clay and kaolin clay have the ability to absorb all impurities, tighten skin, and minimize pores (23).

Caution

Do a patch test before using any clay mask on your face.

20. Honey For Skin Pores

Honey to get rid of open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

2 tablespoons raw honey

What You Have To Do

1. Apply honey on all the affected areas on your face.
2. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
3. Rinse again with cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply honey every day or every alternate day on your face.

Why This Works

The antioxidants present in honey will make your skin look young, flawless, and healthy all the time. It acts as a natural astringent and tightens those large open pores, especially those visible around the nose area (24).

These natural face packs to treat open pores can leave you with smooth skin and help minimize the appearance of the large pores.

In addition to these remedies, some healthy skin care practices can help you manage the appearance of large open pores. Keep reading to learn more.

How To Minimize Open Pores

Follow these skin care tips to minimize large open pores and their clogging –

  • Wash your face with a cold water rinse post-cleansing to constrict the pores.
  • Exfoliate your skin weekly to even out your skin texture, clear the pores, and make them look less noticeable.
  • Use only non-comedogenic skin care products as they do not clog your pores.
  • Treat acne and related conditions with active ingredients, like salicylic acid, to keep your pores clean.
  • Use sunscreen daily during the day to prevent UV-induced signs of aging that damage your skin and make facial pores appear bigger.
  • Incorporate retinol in your skin care routine for its anti-aging benefits that will keep your skin looking younger and smoother.

Don’t be disheartened by your large, open pores! They are just a temporary setback. Taking good care of your skin is essential to prevent pores from becoming enlarged and getting clogged. Thus, it is also important to understand how to unclog your skin pores and prevent them by making small changes in your skin care routine. Make these home remedies a part of your skin care routine, and you will soon notice the pores decreasing in size. Your skin will also start becoming more clear and glowing. Now that you know and get rid of open pores, what are you waiting for? Try these remedies right now and let us know how they worked for you.

Infographic: Skin Care Tips To Get Rid Of Open Pores

Following the right skin care practices can decrease open pores. However, using the wrong products often irritates or clogs your skin, leading to open pores. Check out the infographic below for some simple tips you can follow to ensure that it does not happen.

skin care tips to get rid of open pores (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Open pores on the face only become visible to the naked eye when they become enlarged. It is important to get rid of open pores as they may lead to whiteheadsi  Small, elevated, white pimples on the skin that develop as a result of grease clogging skin pores. and blackheads by trapping in excess dirt, buildup, and sebum. You can use a number of readily available kitchen staples like aloe vera, yogurt, Multani mitti, gram flour, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, etc., to tighten facial skin pores and reduce their appearance. You may be more prone to getting open pores if you have an oily or a combination skin type. A balanced diet, good lifestyle practices, and regular skin care can help you keep open pores at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you deep clean your pores?

Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Use an exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant 2-3 times per week to thoroughly cleanse the face and clear out the pores without stripping the skin of natural oils.” She also adds, “Clay masks are perfect for cleaning out all the pores since they can remove oil, debris, and dead skin that is located deep inside the pores. Topical retinoids may sometimes help.”

Should you squeeze pores?

Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Squeezing or picking at your skin can cause irritation, discoloration, and scars. Squeezing transfers germs, oil, and debris from your fingertips into your pores, perhaps leading to more blackheads.”

Are open pores permanent?

Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Pores can never be permanently reduced. However, expanded open pores can be altered to look smaller or less visible.”

Why are my pores so big? What causes large pores?

The pores on your nose and around that area are larger than those on the rest of the face. Apart from their natural size, the pores become enlarged by accumulating oil, dirt, and impurities. This is most commonly seen in people with oily skin as they naturally produce excess sebum (oil). Other reasons for large skin pores are hormonal changes, sun damage, and skin aging.

What diet is good for skin pores?

• A healthy digestive system ensures healthy functioning of your skin cells and oil glands as well.
• Drink fresh green juices as these will detoxify your body and rejuvenate your skin. Have one juice a day and make sure you include the pulp (for fiber).
• Follow a balanced, low processed sugar, whole foods diet.
• Alfalfa seeds, seaweed, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach should be included in your diet. These vegetables are rich in zinc, which helps to control skin inflammation and breakouts.

How To Reduce Pores On Face?

• Keep your face clean. Wash it using an oil-free cleanser every morning and evening.
• Exfoliate your skin regularly to prevent dead skin cells from building up.
• Use a toner that is apt for your skin. This will help in keeping your skin clean and your pores minimized.
• Moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated all the time. Do not forget to use a sunscreen as well.
• Home remedies like clay masks or Fuller’s earth absorb all the excess oil produced by the skin. Apply a mask or face pack once or twice a week.

Are open pores permanent?

Yes, they are. Also, you can never shrink pores permanently. However, they can be made less prominent.

Does cold water close your pores?

Cold water will help constrict blood vessels and temporarily tighten pores and decrease the associated redness and puffiness.

Is vitamin C serum good for open pores?

Yes. Being an antioxidant, vitamin C helps unclog pores, removes dead skin, and reduces overall sebum production.

Key Takeaways

  • To unclog pores, it is important to regularly cleanse and exfoliate the skin.
  • To cleanse your face deeply, use face masks frequently.
  • Use toners to balance the skin’s pH and to tighten its pores.
  • Try to avoid products with artificial fragrances and heavy oils as they can cause irritation.

Illustration: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Open Pores On Skin

get rid of open pores

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Understand the causes of and treatment options for open pores as a dermatologist shares their expert opinion in this informative video. Discover the effective strategies that help minimize pore size and make skin smoother.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
Dr. Elena has 10 years of experience in naturopathy, and her background as a competitive athlete introduced her to the world of sports medicine and how nutrition impacts performance. She grew passionate about finding the most innovative and evidence-based techniques for pain management.

Read full bio of Dr. Elena Zinkov
  • Dr. Anna ChaconMD, FAAD Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.
    Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.
Kushneet Kukreja
Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer
Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

Read full bio of Kushneet Kukreja
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty