Open pores: how to deal with them naturally!

Pores are tiny openings in the skin from which sebum and sweat are secreted to the skin surface. If you have dry skin, your pores are probably invisible, but if you have combination or oily skin, it’s quite a different matter… We talk about “dilated pores” or “open pores” when they are clearly visible to the naked eye. And while the size of your pores is largely determined by genetics, they may also look larger if they become clogged due to a combination of excess sebum and dead cells. The good news is that there are natural ways to tighten them!

Before you start seeking radical solutions to deal with open pores, it’s important to remember that the appearance of skin pores is mostly down to genetics, although other factors may cause them to become dilated. The most common of these are:

Dilated pores are usually most visible on the nose, as sebaceous glands are larger in this part of the face. Because sebum production is higher here, the skin looks greasy – and this can make pores look even bigger. Many conventional makeup products will also clog pores, especially if you haven’t removed makeup and cleansed your skin correctly. It’s also worth noting that people who suffer from cystic acne are more likely to have very large pores, as the cysts that occur as a result of this skin condition can cause pores to stretch.

In order to treat dilated pores naturally, the first thing you need to do is look at the factors causing them, so you can act on those that can be eliminated or improved. If you suffer from open pores, make sure you avoid potential pore-clogging ingredients, such as silicones. These are often found in conventional makeup products, where they’re used for their blurring and skin-smoothing effects, but they will only make the problem worse. Plus, they’re not biodegradable – another good reason to avoid them! 

At the other end of the spectrum, you should also stay away from products that may dry out or irritate the skin, as these could end up triggering excessive sebum production. This is known as the rebound effect, when your skin’s clever ecosystem goes into overdrive to try and compensate for the dryness! Do not use the following:

In addition to acting on factors that can aggravate open pores, you need to establish a skincare routine that will help to tighten pores and cleanse away impurities. Isabelle Carron has developed several products that address oily skin and dilated pores, made with over 99% naturally derived ingredients and over 50% certified-organic ingredients. They deliver visible results after just a few weeks of use – and the results last!