Arjuna bark, rich in arjunolic acid and polyphenols, helps restore dermal density and reduce slackening. Tomato's natural antioxidants and lycopene protect against collagen degradation due to sun and pollution. Raw milk and yogurt supply calcium, retinoids, and proteins that support fibroblast function, helping pores maintain their shape and resilience over time.

Vetiver helps regulate oil production at the sebaceous gland level. Apple cider vinegar gently acidifies the skin, rebalancing its pH and preventing the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria that can enlarge pores through inflammation. The lactic acid from yogurt and natural enzymes in raw honey gently dissolve dead cell buildup without stripping, keeping follicular openings clear and less prone to enlargement.

Rose, with its natural astringents and flavonoids, helps tighten capillaries and cool overheated skin, a major factor in pore dilation. Vetiver’s cooling nature further regulates thermal expansion of pores, especially under UV or stress. Kaolin clay draws out toxins and contracts the skin without disturbing its natural oils, creating a visible refinement of pores without over-drying.

Lepa acts as a mild mechanical exfoliant, polishing away debris and dead skin. The natural AHAs in tomato and ACV loosen dull surface cells, while milk and yogurt proteins promote smoother cell turnover. Together, they refine the skin's microtexture, creating a glass-like finish that reflects light evenly and makes pores appear much less prominent.

Sesame oil’s lipid-rich profile strengthens the barrier and restores elasticity, preventing pore collapse from dryness. Raw honey draws in moisture, plumping the skin and minimizing the appearance of open pores. Meanwhile, the probiotics in yogurt and anti-inflammatory benefits of rose and arjuna support a healthy microbiome and reduce inflammatory triggers that otherwise cause chronic pore expansion.

As the lepa sets, it forms a soft barrier that traps warmth and moisture, gently boosting blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This warm, moist micro-climate mimics the skin’s natural healing state, speeding up detox and preparing skin to absorb nutrients better.

Occlusion softens the skin’s barrier lipids, making it more permeable without damaging it. This allows deeper delivery of essential nutrients like phytoactives, fatty acids, and lacto-compounds to skin cells.

The warmth boosts microcirculation, waking up capillaries for better oxygen and nutrient delivery. This energises skin cells, supports collagen production, and flushes out toxins—revitalising skin from within.

With the skin more receptive, it absorbs vitamins, enzymes, and herbal actives more efficiently. These nutrients target cell renewal, inflammation, pigmentation, and barrier repair for visibly healthier skin.

As the lepa dries, it helps restore the skin’s natural pH and seals in actives. Ferments and enzymes support good bacteria, reduce puffiness, and calm hidden inflammation that dulls the skin.

After removal, skin looks smoother, circulation stays high, and it’s primed for hydration. With cell activity boosted and the barrier reset, skin reflects light better—revealing a radiant glow.

The number and size of pores are largely determined by genetics, but what makes them visible is influenced by several external and internal factors like sebum production, skin elasticity, sun damage, and hydration. Pores become more noticeable when they’re stretched by excess oil, filled with debris, or when skin around them loses firmness. So while you can't shrink pores permanently, you can refine and tone their appearance by restoring skin structure and clearing blockages.

Each pore is actually the opening of a hair follicle and its attached oil gland. When excess sebum and keratinized (dead) skin cells accumulate, they form plugs inside the pore. This internal congestion stretches the pore wall from the inside out. If inflammation from acne or oxidation sets in (as with blackheads), the pore can become permanently dilated. Regular, gentle exfoliation (especially with lactic acid, enzymes, or clays) and oil balance are crucial to preventing this cycle.

As we age or get chronic sun exposure, collagen and elastin—key structural proteins—degrade. These proteins form the mesh that holds pore walls tight. When this scaffolding weakens, the skin around pores loses resilience and begins to sag, making pores look larger. This is why pore refinement must include collagen support through antioxidants, retinoids, and barrier-building nutrients like peptides, minerals, and lipids.

Healthy pores self-regulate by maintaining a balance between sebum secretion and epidermal turnover. However, harsh cleansing or overwashing can strip natural oils, causing reactive overproduction of sebum, which can clog and expand pores. Skin also functions best at a slightly acidic pH (~5.5). Using ingredients that restore pH (like fermented products or mild acids) helps tighten keratinocytes and supports the skin’s barrier, leading to refined, toned skin with less visible pores.

Heat, humidity, and even emotional stress increase vasodilation and sebum flow—causing pores to temporarily expand.