If you have open pores, you have likely come across various remedies for them on the internet or social media. However, the problem is that much of this advice is either incomplete or simply a myth. Consequently, people often follow these methods for months; while they might show temporary benefits, the improvement does not last.
So, in today’s article, I will discuss three very popular remedies for open pores. We will examine how effective they actually are, what benefits they offer, and most importantly what they should be used for and what you absolutely should not expect from them.
Toners
Let’s start with toners. You have likely seen many toners marketed as “pore-tightening” or “pore-minimizing,” but the reality is quite different.
Astringent toners, in particular, create a temporary sensation of tightness on the skin’s surface, making pores appear smaller for a short while. However, this effect is fleeting; as soon as the skin returns to its normal state, the pores look just as they did before.
Using alcohol-based toners can actually make matters worse. Alcohol dries out and dehydrates the skin, prompting it to produce excess oil to compensate. Over time, this can make enlarged pores appear even more noticeable.
This doesn’t mean toners are useless. They are quite helpful for prepping the skin before makeup, refreshing the face, or maintaining the skin’s balance after cleansing. Just don’t expect them to permanently shrink open pores.
Ice Therapy
Another method is ice therapy. Many people rub ice on their face or submerge it in ice-cold water, thinking this will permanently shrink open pores. But in reality this does not happen.
In fact, when the skin is exposed to cold, the blood vessels constrict briefly; This makes the skin feel tight and the pores appear smaller for some time. But as soon as the skin temperature becomes normal, its effect ends and the pores start appearing as before.
However, this does not mean that ice has no benefits. If your face feels puffy after waking up, or you just want your skin to feel instantly refreshed, ice is great, just don’t expect it to permanently reduce the size of open pores.
Clay Mask
Now, let’s talk about clay masks, such as Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) or kaolin clay. They absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface and help clear out oil, dirt, and impurities lodged in the pores; this leaves the skin looking clean and fresh, making the pores appear smaller for a while.
However, there is an important point to understand here: clay masks do not actually shrink the size of your pores. As soon as the skin starts producing oil again, the pores return to their original state.
So, all in all, view clay masks as a maintenance step rather than a permanent cure for open pores. If you have oily skin or want to keep your pores clean, you should include a clay mask in your skincare routine just don’t expect it to shrink your pores permanently.
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