Aryuvedic Remedies for Enlarged Pores

There are three types of skin, according to Ayurvedic care: vata (dry, thin and delicate), pitta (fair, sensitive and acne or rosacea prone) and kapha (oily, enlarged pores with blackheads and pimples). Ayurvedic remedies for enlarged pores includes applying natural topical ingredients and maintaining a healthy diet.

Causes

Enlarged pores are caused by an overactivity of oil production (sebum) by the sabaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands located everywhere in your skin except on your palms and feet. They are attached to your hair follicles, whereby they release sebum to the surface of your skin.

Prevention/Solution

Having enlarged pores usually goes hand in hand with oily skin. Use a medicated cleanser to reduce your skin’s oil production and follow up with a skin toner or light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Applying moisturizer will also help prevent production of additional sebum, as one of the reasons the sebaceous glands produce sebum is to keep your skin lubricated and prevent it from drying out.

Topical Treatment

Use a rose-based tonic to tone your skin, such as plain rosewater. Keep it stored in the refrigerator and use a cotton ball to apply it. Wipe your face with the rosewater at least 3 times a day.

Also try making a paste using equal quantities of table salt and buttermilk. Massage the enlarged pores with the paste. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

You can also make a paste using almond meal with water. Keep the paste on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Follow up by toning with witch hazel.

Finally, use an alpha hydroxy acid on your skin to remove old skin cells and encourage growth of new cells around the enlarged pores.

Diet

For enlarged pores, include green, leafy vegetables, paneer (Indian homemade cheese), milk, tofu, sunflower seeds, ginger, carrots and sweet cherries in your diet. Eat almonds and walnuts as a natural lubrication for your skin. Add Indian spices, turmeric, cumin, black pepper and fennel to your foods to nourish your skin and cleanse the body internally. Also include antioxidant-rich fruits, such as pomegranates, apples and blueberries.