Introduction: Big Pores? Let’s Handle It from the Kitchen

Let’s be real — when we look in the mirror and see those big, open pores staring back at us, it’s a little annoying, right? We’ve all been there. They appear on the nose, cheeks, and even chin. They collect oil and dirt and make our skin rough.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need expensive products or fancy skin clinics to deal with them.

Everything you need to shrink your pores is already in your kitchen or bathroom. Today, we’re going to tell you how we use 15 common household things to shrink open pores at home, most simply and naturally.

1. Ice Cubes

Let’s start with the easiest and quickest hack.

Whenever we feel our face is oily or our pores look big. We take an ice cube, wrap it in a clean cloth, and rub it all over our face for 1–2 minutes. It tightens the skin instantly. We do this before makeup, too, it helps shrink open pores and gives a smooth finish.

✅ What it does: Tightens skin, reduces oil, makes pores less visible

2. Lemon

We always have lemons in the fridge, right? Take half a lemon and dab it gently on your face, especially on the nose and cheeks. Leave it for 5 minutes, then wash with cold water.

It works like a natural pore tightener and refreshes your face.

✅ What it does: Shrinks pores, brightens skin, controls oil

3. Cucumber

Cucumber is not just for salad. We cut a few slices, keep them in the fridge for a while, and place them on our faces, especially where the pores are large.

You can also combine it and follow the juice with a cotton pad.

✅ What it does: Soothes skin, cools pores, reduces puffiness

4. Aloe Vera

If you’ve been given an aloe vera plant at home (like we do), cut a leaf and scoop out the clean gel. Apply it once to your pores and skin, leave it for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

It feels cool and allows for tightening the skin.

✅ What it does: Heals, tightens and hydrates skin

5. Green Tea Bags

Don’t throw away used green tea bags! We cool them inside the fridge and place them over our cheeks and nose. This is a gentle way to reduce infection and gently unclog pores.

✅ What it does: Calms skin, tightens pores, and refreshes

6. Rose Water

Rose water is a must-have in our daily skincare. We use it as a natural toner after washing the face. Take a cotton pad, pour some rose water, and dab gently all over the skin.

✅ What it does: Balances pH, tightens pores, refreshes skin

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7. Tomato

Cut a tomato in half and rub it gently on your skin for 3–5 minutes. Let the juice stay on your face for a chunk before rinsing.

This is one of our favorite quick hacks for an oily face day!

✅ What it does: Removes oil, tightens pores, gives a glow

8. Cold Milk

We soak a cotton ball in cold milk and apply it to the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing.

It’s something our grandmothers used to do — and it still works.

✅ What it does: Cleans skin deeply, tightens and softens

9. Ice Green Tea Cubes

Make a cup of green tea, pour it into an ice tray, and freeze it. Rub a cube daily over your skin.

It’s our secret to calm skin and close those big pores, especially in summer.

✅ What it does: Cools, tightens, and tones the skin

10. Besan (Gram Flour)

We don’t always make a full-face pack. Sometimes, we take a pinch of besan, blend it with water. Observe it at the nose or chin, permit it to dry, and wash it.

It clears pores and gives the skin a sparkling appearance right away.

✅ What it does: Removes dust, clears pores, smooths skin

11. Cold Water Splash

After washing your face, always finish with a splash of cold water. It helps shrink pores naturally.

Even if we don’t do anything else, we never skip this step.

✅ What it does: Closes pores instantly and freshens up

12. Papaya (If You Have It!)

If there’s papaya at home, we mash a small piece and apply it to the face for 10 minutes. Then rinse with cool water. It works well to tighten skin and make it glow.

✅ What it does: Brightens, firms, and clears pores

13. Honey

Take a honey on clean fingers, and gently massage your face with it for 5 minutes. Then rinse with warm water, followed by cold water.

It’s sticky but works wonders!

✅ What it does: Kills bacteria, clears blackheads, and tightens skin

14. Yogurt

We apply plain, fresh yogurt directly on the skin for 10–15 minutes. It feels cool and helps improve skin texture. We do this 2–3 times a week when the weather is hot.

✅ What it does: Removes dead skin, tightens pores, cools down face

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15. Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted Only!)

Mix 1 tbsp vinegar with 2 tbsp water. Use a cotton pad and apply it like a toner after washing your face.

Don’t use it daily — just 2–3 times a week is enough.

✅ What it does: Balances oil, shrinks pores, acts as a natural toner

Summary

We’ve tested all of these in real life. These are not remedies that need 4–5 ingredients and 30-minute routines. These are household ingredients we already have — and quick tips we use when our skin feels oily, tired, or full of open pores.

The best part? You don’t have to spend anything extra. No need to go to the market. Just open your fridge or kitchen shelf, and your solution is already there. If you stick to 3 or 4 of these recommendations, you will notice that your pores look smaller, and your face feels clean and alive.

Bonus Pore-Tightening Routine (We Do This Daily!)

Morning: Wash with mild face wash + rose water toner

Midday (if at home): An Ice cube or cold milk dab

Night: Clean face + aloe vera or yogurt

Weekly: Tomato rub, honey massage, or green tea cube

✅ Your Final Reminder

We know how it feels to deal with visible pores — we’ve all been through it. But trust us, you don’t need expensive creams or fancy treatments. Sometimes, your kitchen gives better results than any store-bought product. So go on, try these 15 household items — and take a little “me time” to care for your skin.

Your face will thank you. 💖

FAQs

What naturally reduces pore size?
 Using natural astringents like lemon, aloe vera, and green tea can tighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

How do Koreans shrink their pores?
 Koreans use double cleansing, cold water splashes, toners with green tea or rice water, and sheet masks to keep pores tight.

Can besan remove open pores?
 Yes, besan (gram flour) gently exfoliates, controls oil, and tightens skin, helping reduce open pores over time.

How do I close my open pores naturally?
 Splash cold water daily, and use natural masks (yogurt or tomato). And apply aloe vera gel to visibly tighten pores.

Can ice close pores?
 Ice temporarily tightens skin and shrinks pores, making them appear smaller for a short time.

 

Written by Sobia Zulfiqar — Beauty Writer & Skin Care Lover