Open Pores: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Open pores refer to the dilation of skin pores, allowing dirt, bacteria, and other foreign substances to penetrate deep into the skin, potentially leading to infections and other skin issues.

Causes of open pores include genetics, hormonal fluctuations, hot and humid weather, and poor skincare habits. If left untreated, open pores can lead to acne, premature aging, and even sepsis. To alleviate open pores, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, chamomile, and peppermint can be used to calm and tighten the skin.

Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea compress, and peppermint oil can be applied topically, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and perform a patch test before using medicinal herbs to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of open pores, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of open pores?

The main causes of open pores are excessive oil production, which can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menopause, or pregnancy.

Genetics also play a significant role, as people with larger pores tend to inherit them from their parents. Environmental factors such as pollution and climate can cause pores to dilate, making them appear larger. Over-washing and using harsh skin products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to pore dilation.

Additionally, smoking can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin and making pores appear more prominent.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly an increase in androgen hormones such as testosterone, can cause open pores due to the stimulation of sebaceous glands, leading to excessive oil production and enlarged pores.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in the size and shape of pores, with some individuals inheriting larger pores from their parents, making them more prone to open pores.
• Aging: Aging causes a decrease in collagen and elastin production, leading to skin sagging and a loss of skin elasticity, which can result in open pores.
• Sweat Glands: Sweat glands produce a significant amount of moisture, which can cause pores to become dilated and appear larger, especially in areas with high sweat production.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the skin's natural barrier function, leading to open pores.
• Harsh Products: Using harsh skin care products that contain harsh chemicals, astringents, or exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing pores to become larger and more visible.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor hygiene, including not washing the face regularly, can lead to clogged pores and the appearance of open pores.
• Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can cause inflammation and lead to the appearance of open pores.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause inflammation and increase the production of hormones such as cortisol, which can contribute to the appearance of open pores.
• Smoking: Smoking causes damage to the skin's natural barrier function and reduces blood flow, leading to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, which can result in open pores.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for open pores?

The main medicinal herbs used for open pores are Aloe barbadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Saponaria officinalis, Cymbopogon citratus, Camellia sinensis.

Aloe barbadensis contains aloin, which reduces inflammation and helps close pores due to its astringent properties. Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, has antimicrobial properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent pores from becoming clogged. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm the skin, reducing pore size.

Camellia sinensis, or green tea, contains catechins, which have antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity, resulting in smaller pores.

• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis is used to help open pores due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm the skin and reduce redness, allowing pores to function properly.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia is used to help open pores due to its antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce acne and other skin conditions that can cause pores to become clogged, allowing them to function properly.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis is used to help open pores due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and allowing pores to function properly.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus is used to help open pores due to its decongestant properties, which can help clear mucus and reduce congestion, allowing pores to function properly and promoting a healthy skin tone.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to help open pores due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm the skin and reduce redness, allowing pores to function properly and promoting a healthy skin tone.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia is used to help open pores due to its calming and soothing properties, which can reduce stress and promote relaxation, allowing pores to function properly and promoting a healthy skin tone.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis is used to help open pores due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy skin cell function, allowing pores to function properly.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis is used to help open pores due to its exfoliating properties, which can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, allowing pores to function properly and promoting a healthy skin tone.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus is used to help open pores due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce acne and other skin conditions that can cause pores to become clogged, allowing them to function properly.
• Camellia sinensis: Camellia sinensis is used to help open pores due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy skin cell function, allowing pores to function properly and promoting a healthy skin tone.

What are the main herbal preparations used for open pores?

The main herbal preparations used for open pores are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Ointment, Gel, Capsule, Poultice, Tea, Balm.

Decoction of herbs such as peppermint and chamomile is used to treat open pores by reducing inflammation and promoting skin cooling due to its cooling and antiseptic properties. Tincture made from herbs like calendula and aloe vera is applied topically to soothe and calm the skin, reducing pore size and inflammation. Salve, Ointment and Cream made from herbs like tea tree oil and green tea are applied topically to reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth, closing pores and promoting skin health.

Poultice, Tea and Balm made from herbs like fenugreek and comfrey are used to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing pore size.

• Decoction: A decoction, typically made from the roots of the plant Avena sativa, helps to open pores by allowing the bioactive compounds to penetrate deep into the skin, thereby stimulating the sweat glands and promoting blood flow.
• Tincture: A tincture, often made from the flowers of the plant Calendula officinalis, helps to open pores by allowing the solvent to release the bioactive compounds, which are then absorbed through the skin, promoting skin tone and reducing clogged pores.
• Salve: A salve, typically made from the leaves of the plant Plantago major, helps to open pores by providing a topical application of the plant's bioactive compounds, which aid in the regulation of skin secretions and promote skin clarity.
• Cream: A cream, often made from the roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, helps to open pores by providing a moisturizing and soothing effect on the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting the removal of dead skin cells.
• Ointment: An ointment, typically made from the flowers of the plant Chamomilla recutita, helps to open pores by providing a thick, protective barrier on the skin's surface, allowing the bioactive compounds to penetrate and promote skin health.
• Gel: A gel, often made from the roots of the plant Althaea officinalis, helps to open pores by providing a light, non-greasy texture that allows the bioactive compounds to be absorbed quickly into the skin, promoting skin clarity and reducing clogged pores.
• Capsule: A capsule, typically filled with the seeds of the plant Nigella sativa, does not directly open pores, but rather provides an internal route for the bioactive compounds to be absorbed and promote overall skin health from within.
• Poultice: A poultice, often made from the leaves of the plant Plantago lanceolata, helps to open pores by applying a paste-like preparation directly to the skin, allowing the bioactive compounds to penetrate deep into the skin and promote skin clarity.
• Tea: A tea, typically made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, does not directly open pores, but rather provides an internal route for the bioactive compounds to be absorbed and promote overall skin health from within.
• Balm: A balm, often made from the roots of the plant Aloe barbadensis, helps to open pores by providing a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting the removal of dead skin cells.