You zoom into the mirror and all you see are those little dots — on your nose, across your cheeks, scattered on your forehead. Open pores. They're not a flaw. But they can make even the clearest skin look rough and uneven. Here's the truth: you cannot close pores permanently. But you absolutely can make them look invisible — and the most effective way is also the oldest.
Open pores are among the most searched skincare concerns in India. India's humid climate, pollution levels, and widespread oily-to-combination skin types create the perfect storm for enlarged, clogged, and visible pores. Before you can fix the problem, you need to understand what's causing it.
What Are Open Pores & Why Do They Appear?
Pores are tiny openings on your skin's surface that release oil (sebum) and sweat. They're not optional — they're essential for skin function. Pores appear enlarged or 'open' when they become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and daily debris, or when the surrounding skin loses elasticity.
Dermatologist's Note: Pores do not open and close like doors. Hot water doesn't 'open' them and cold water doesn't 'close' them. What you can do is keep them clean, clear, and supported so they appear as small as possible.
What Causes Open Pores to Enlarge?
- 💧 Excess Sebum Production: Oily skin produces more sebum, which stretches pore
- walls outward — making them appear significantly larger, especially in the T-zone.
- 🧱 Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells and oil accumulate inside pores, widening them from within — often leading to blackheads and visible pore texture.
- ☀️ Sun Damage: UV rays break down collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm and pores compact.
- 🧬 Genetics: Your pore size is largely determined by genetics. If your parents have oily, large-pored skin, you're more likely to as well.
- ⏳ Ageing & Collagen Loss: As collagen production slows with age, skin becomes less firm, causing pores to appear looser and more visible.
- 🌫️ Pollution & Impurities: Dust, smoke, and environmental pollutants settle into pores daily, adding to clogging and making skin look dull and textured.
10 Dermatologist-Approved Tips to Reduce Open Pores Naturally
1. Cleanse Twice Daily — Correctly
The single most important habit for open pores is cleansing thoroughly morning and night. Use a gentle herbal or clay-based face wash that removes impurities without stripping natural moisture. Over-cleansing triggers more oil production, worsening pore appearance.
💡 Tip: Wash with lukewarm water — not hot, not cold. Lukewarm water dissolves oil effectively without triggering inflammation.
2. Use Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) as a Daily Cleanser
Multani Mitti has been the cornerstone of Indian skincare for centuries. This natural clay absorbs excess sebum, pulls out pore-clogging impurities, and tightens skin. Combined with Ubtan ingredients like gram flour, turmeric, and herbs, it delivers a complete deep-cleanse that brightens skin while refining texture.
💡 Tip: Multani Mitti's adsorptive clay structure draws oil and toxins from pores without damaging the skin's barrier — gentler than synthetic acids for daily use.
3. Exfoliate Regularly to Remove Dead Skin Buildup
Dead skin cells accumulate on the skin surface and inside pores — making them appear larger. Regular gentle exfoliation removes this buildup and promotes skin cell turnover. Exfoliate 1–2 times a week. Choose gram flour or oat-based scrubs for sensitive skin, or AHAs/BHAs for normal skin.
💡 Tip: Never over-exfoliate. Scrubbing too hard or too frequently damages the skin barrier and can worsen pore appearance over time.
4. Wear SPF Every Single Day
UV radiation degrades collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm and pores compact. Once that structure weakens, pores appear permanently larger. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is the most effective pore-minimising step in any skincare routine.
💡 Tip: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic SPF that doesn't leave a white cast. Gel or fluid formulas work best for oily and combination skin.
5. Choose Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free Products
Every product you apply should be evaluated for its effect on pores. Look for products labelled 'non-comedogenic' — formulated to not block pores. This applies to moisturisers, sunscreens, primers, and foundations.
6. Apply Ice or Chilled Rose Water After Cleansing
Applying ice or chilled rose water after cleansing causes temporary skin tightening — making pores appear smaller. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and press gently for 30–60 seconds per area. Follow with a light moisturiser.
💡 Tip: Ice does not permanently close pores. But it is an effective, zero-cost way to achieve a smoother, refined look before events.
7. Incorporate Niacinamide into Your Routine
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) at 4–5% applied twice daily significantly reduces sebum production, refines pore appearance, and improves skin texture over 8–12 weeks. It works synergistically with Multani Mitti and gram flour for amplified results.
8. Never Sleep in Your Makeup
Foundation and primer left overnight mix with natural oils and dead cells — creating a pore-clogging layer that stretches and blocks pores. A thorough double cleanse before bed is non-negotiable: first micellar water to dissolve product, then a gentle face wash.
9. Hydrate Well & Watch Your Diet
Dehydrated skin produces more oil in compensation — worsening pore appearance. Drink 7–8 glasses of water daily. Avoid high-glycaemic foods (refined sugar, fried snacks) which spike insulin and trigger excess sebum production.
10. Use a Clay-Based or Herbal Mask Weekly
A weekly deep-cleansing mask using clay or Ubtan ingredients resets your pores in a way daily cleansing cannot. Multani Mitti masks absorb deep-seated sebum and visibly tighten skin after a single use. Use 1–2 times per week.
💡 Tip: More frequent use may over-dry the skin and trigger compensatory oil production.
Why Multani Mitti Is the Best Natural Ingredient for Open Pores
Of all the natural ingredients for open pores, Multani Mitti stands in a league of its own. Here's why it's been part of Indian skincare for thousands of years — and why modern dermatologists still recommend it.
- 🧲 Deep Oil Absorption: Its clay structure acts like a sponge for excess sebum — absorbing oil at the source without stripping the skin's natural moisture balance.
- 🔬 Pore-Purifying Action: Adsorptive properties draw out trapped debris, bacteria, and oxidised oil from within pores — clearing them from the inside out.
- 🌡️ Skin Cooling Effect: Naturally cooling — reducing inflammation and redness often associated with clogged or acne-prone pores.
- ✨ Instant Skin Brightening: Removes the layer of dullness caused by dead cells and sebum buildup — leaving skin visibly brighter after every use.
- 🛡️ Gentle on All Skin Types: Unlike chemical clay actives, Multani Mitti is gentle enough for sensitive, acne-prone, and dry skin when well-formulated.
- 🌱 Ayurvedic Synergy: Combined with sandalwood, turmeric, and gram flour, Multani Mitti becomes even more potent — a complete skin-refining complex.
The Ideal Daily Skincare Routine for Open Pores
🌅 Morning Routine
Step 1 — Cleanse: Cleanse with Ubtan / Multani Mitti Face Wash. Massage 60 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2 — Serum: Apply 4–5% niacinamide serum. Let absorb fully before the next step.
Step 3 — Moisturise: Lightweight non-comedogenic gel or water-based moisturiser.
Step 4 — SPF: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ as the final step. Every single morning.
🌙 Night Routine
Step 1 — Double Cleanse: Micellar water first (if wearing SPF/makeup), then Ubtan face wash for a thorough clean.
Step 2 — Exfoliate (2–3x/week): Gentle AHA/BHA or Ubtan's natural exfoliant action. Skip on other nights.
Step 3 — Treatment: Retinol (2–3x/week) or niacinamide works overnight to refine pores.
Step 4 — Moisturise: Lightweight night moisturiser to support overnight repair.
Weekly — Clay Mask: Multani Mitti or Ubtan mask 1–2x per week for deep-pore reset. 10–15 minutes then rinse.
Open Pores Myths vs. Facts
|
❌ MYTH |
✓ FACT |
|
Hot water opens pores, cold water closes them. |
Pores don't have muscles to open or close. Temperature doesn't affect pore structure. |
|
You can permanently shrink open pores. |
Pore size is genetic. You can minimise appearance but not permanently alter structure. |
|
Washing more often reduces open pores. |
Over-washing strips natural oils and triggers more sebum — worsening pores. Twice daily is ideal. |
|
Only oily skin has open pores. |
Any skin type can have visible pores. Ageing, sun damage, and genetics play a role regardless. |
|
Natural ingredients are too slow to work. |
Multani Mitti and neem show measurable results in oil control and pore refinement with consistent use. |
Luvyh Ubtan Face Wash — The Daily Ritual for Minimised Pores
The ancient Ayurvedic wisdom of Ubtan and Multani Mitti — now available in a convenient, ready-to-use face wash that works every single day.
Product: Luvyh Ubtan Face Wash — 100ml
Key Claims: Removes Tan · Brightens Skin · Reduces Dark Spots · Bridal Glow · All Skin Types
Key Ingredients: Ubtan blend — Multani Mitti, gram flour, turmeric, herbal Ayurvedic extracts
How to Use: Apply to face and neck, massage in circular motions for 60 seconds, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Price: ₹99 (MRP ₹499 — 80% OFF)
Available at: luvyh.com/products/luvyh-ubtan-face-wash-100ml
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can open pores be permanently closed?
No. Pores are structural and cannot be permanently closed. However, with consistent cleansing, oil control, and regular exfoliation, you can significantly minimise their appearance.
Q: Does Multani Mitti help reduce open pores?
Yes. Multani Mitti absorbs excess sebum, deep-cleanses pores, and tightens skin. Regular use through an Ubtan face wash keeps pores clear and visibly minimised.
Q: How many times a day should I wash my face?
Twice daily — morning and night. Over-washing strips natural oils and triggers excess sebum production, worsening pore appearance.
Q: What ingredients are best for open pores?
Niacinamide, salicylic acid, Multani Mitti, retinol, glycolic acid, gram flour, and clay — these regulate sebum, exfoliate dead cells, and tighten skin.
Q: Is Ubtan good for open pores?
Yes. Ubtan — gram flour, herbs, and turmeric — gently exfoliates, deep-cleanses, and tightens pores. One of the oldest and most effective natural remedies for enlarged pores.
Q: How long until I see results?
Smoother skin and less shine appear within 1–2 weeks. Visible pore refinement typically takes 4–8 weeks of a complete routine.
The Bottom Line: Open pores are not a flaw — they're a feature of human skin. But with consistent cleansing, oil control, weekly deep-cleansing, and daily SPF, you can achieve genuinely smooth, refined skin. At the centre of that routine is the ancient Ayurvedic wisdom of Multani Mitti and Ubtan — now available every day in your bathroom with the Luvyh Ubtan Face Wash. Start simple. Stay consistent. Let the ritual do the work.