Skincare Regime for Open Pores

The occurrence of open pores is often attributed to the use of dense skincare products or excessive layering of products. To address this, it’s important to understand how to reduce pore size. By opting for lighter formulations and simplifying your skincare routine, you can minimize the appearance of pores and improve overall skin texture.

Morning Regime

The morning regimen consists of face wash, rose water, Vitamin C serum, sunscreen, and make-up (optional).

Step 1: Face Wash

Open pores develop due to unregulated oil secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize a facial cleanser that efficiently eliminates oils from your skin while avoiding excessive dryness. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

Refrain from washing your face more than three times a day. Although your face may appear oily a few hours post-wash, resist the temptation to exceed three washes daily, as it can trigger an oil rebound.
If you experience excess oil secretion, consider using salicylic acid (if you’re under 25 years of age) or retinoids (if you’re over 25) to manage oil secretions.
Always pat your face dry; avoid rubbing, as friction can induce oil rebound.

Step 2: Toner

When considering open pores, toner typically comes to mind initially. Nonetheless, steer clear of toners containing alcohol as they can harm the natural skin barrier. Instead, opt for rose water; spray it and massage until absorbed. Rose water provides hydration and soothing effects to your skin without causing pore blockage.

Step 3: Vitamin C Serum

While Vitamin C serum may not have a direct impact on open pores, it effectively postpones signs of aging, brightens the skin, diminishes dark spots, and contributes to continuous skin repair. Vitamin C plays a role in maintaining youthful skin and preventing premature sagging. Open pores become more noticeable in lax or sagging skin. Hence, it is advisable to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare routine starting at the age of 20.

For optimal results, consider using a Vitamin C serum that includes salicylic acid to manage oil and prevent the occurrence of open pores.

Step 4: Sunscreen

Sunscreen tends to block pores, making it optional for indoor use but crucial before going outdoors. It’s advisable to reapply every 2–3 hours if necessary.

When selecting a sunscreen, ensure it meets the following criteria:

Lightweight formula
Water should be among the first ingredients
Avoid silicon-based sunscreens as they can block pores
Gel, lotion, or fluid preparations are preferable
It should be absorbed into the skin rather than forming a thick layer on top
Zinc-based sunscreen may help reduce acne
SPF 30 is sufficient for daily use; higher SPF values may lead to a greasier feel

Apply at least a coin-sized amount to cover the entire face. Sunscreen takes approximately 30 minutes to become effective, so remember to apply it half an hour before heading out into the sun.

Step 5: Make-up

Consider the following makeup tips:

Opt for a foundation or BB cream containing salicylic acid.
Choose a thin or liquid foundation that spreads easily over cream or stick alternatives.
Avoid excessive layering of makeup products.
Reserve the use of daily makeup to essential occasions rather than attempting to conceal open pores.
Ensure to remove your makeup before bedtime.
For enhanced results, use a compact powder that provides foundation coverage and absorbs excess oil.

Noon Regime

Many of you may experience a greasy and dark complexion by mid-day. In such situations, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Cleanse Your Face

If washing your face is not feasible at your workplace, use a cotton pad soaked in micellar water to remove excess oils and achieve an instant matte appearance.

Step 2: Rose Water

Spritz chemical-free pure rose water onto your skin and gently massage.

Step 3: Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen only if you intend to go outdoors within the next 30 minutes.

Night Regime

Initiate your evening skincare routine by cleansing your skin with micellar water to eliminate excess oils, dust, pollutants, and build-up. Follow up with face washing and a spritz of rose water. Finally, apply the night treatment product to minimize those stubborn pores.

Step 4: Night Cream for Open Pores

Creams formulated for open pores containing either salicylic acid or retinoids can effectively manage oil secretions, minimize the formation of new open pores, and to some extent, shrink existing ones.

Salicylic Acid (for individuals under 25 years):

Consistent use of salicylic acid aids in diminishing oil secretion, open pores, and the occurrence of white/blackheads. Its gentle exfoliating properties contribute to a clean and brighter complexion. However, avoid combining salicylic acid with Adapalene or Tretinoin, as the combination can be excessively drying.

Retinoids (for individuals over 25 years):

Beyond the age of 25, the appearance of open pores is often exacerbated by lax skin. Retinoids play a crucial role in reducing wrinkles, plumping the skin, regulating oil secretion, and minimizing open pores and fine lines with regular use.

Weekly Regime

On the weekend, you can do a two-step facial with scrubbing followed by an oil-control face mask.

Step 1: Scrub

Exfoliation removes dead cells that clog your pores. You can scrub your face once or twice a week.

Step 2: Face Pack

A face pack allows ingredients to act on your skin over a longer duration. For open pores, they are essential to tighten pores and absorb extra oils.Beyond the age of 25, the appearance of open pores is often exacerbated by lax skin. Retinoids play a crucial role in reducing wrinkles, plumping the skin, regulating oil secretion, and minimizing open pores and fine lines with regular use.