Open pores vs closed pores: How to tell the difference at home

Pores are tiny openings on the surface of our skin that play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin. They allow sebum, our skin’s natural oil and sweat, to reach the surface, keeping the skin moisturised, regulating temperature, and offering clear visibility. But sometimes these pores become extremely visible or clogged, which requires a different skincare approach. But how to identify them is the main question.

Open pores refer to enlarged or visible pores that look larger than normal. They look like tiny visible holes or small pits visible on the surface of your skin and appear mainly on the cheeks, forehead, and nose. Your skin may look extremely shiny or greasy because of excess oil production, and blackheads are the main cause, which leads to open pores as oil and dead skin usually get oxidised there. It can be caused by product buildup, sun damage, genetics, excess sebum production, and premature ageing.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Closed pores are usually blocked pores that are covered by a thin layer of your skin, preventing the oil from reaching the surface. If you see small bumps under the skin rather than visible holes, which come with whiteheads and closed comedones, then you have trapped pore issues. Your skin will feel rough and uneven, and the skin texture will also change. This happens when excess oil is trapped beneath the skin, dead skin cells build up, hormonal changes occur, or heavy use of skincare products is involved.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Start by using gentle cleansers twice a day to remove excess oil and use salicylic acid or niacinamide to control sebum production. Apply clay masks or multani mitti twice a week and never forget to wear your sunscreen, as sun rays weaken the skin's elasticity, which further enlarges the pores.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Exfoliate your skin every day with chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, avoid heavy creams, which can clog your pores, and start using retinoids, which will help in skin cell turnover. Also, maintain a consistent cleansing routine so that there is no product buildup. Use DIY remedies like application of curd, which is a natural exfoliator, that will remove the dead skin cells and also soothe your skin.