Yes, this is a classic sign of hard water buildup. Cities like Bangalore and Chennai have high TDS water rich in calcium and magnesium. These minerals bind to your skin's natural oils and dead cells, creating a microscopic "crust" that feels rough and blocks your pores. Washing more with harsh soaps won't fix it; it will just strip your barrier. You need a chemical exfoliant like a Glycolic Acid face mask or cleanser to dissolve the mineral bonds, followed by a barrier-repairing moisturizer to protect the newly smooth skin.

These are likely closed comedones (trapped sebum and dead cells) or friction-induced hyperkeratosis, especially if you ride a two-wheeler or wear tight helmets/masks. The skin thickens to protect itself from friction, trapping the debris inside. Stop scrubbing immediately. Physical friction will only signal the skin to thicken more. Instead, use a Salicylic Acid (BHA) serum or cleanser. BHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate through the trapped oil and gently dissolve the bump from the inside out without any physical rubbing.

This is Keratosis Pilaris (KP), a condition where keratin plugs the hair follicles. It is heavily exacerbated by dry winters and hard water bathing. Loofahs and physical scrubs will only cause micro-tears and inflammation. The solution is chemical exfoliation. Apply a Lactic Acid body lotion (like the Tea Tree & Lactic Acid Body Lotion) immediately after showering on damp skin. Lactic acid gently dissolves the keratin plug while simultaneously drawing moisture into the skin, smoothing the bumps over 4 to 6 weeks.

You cannot physically "shrink" a pore, as its size is largely genetic, but you can make them look significantly smaller by doing two things. First, keep them completely empty. When a pore is filled with oxidized sebum and pollution (which turns black/yellow), it stretches the pore wall. A Salicylic Acid serum keeps the pore clear, allowing it to snap back to its natural size. Second, use Niacinamide to regulate the oil flow, and Retinol at night to stimulate collagen around the pore wall, plumping the surrounding skin so the pore appears tight and refined.

You can, but not at the same time, especially in India's harsh climate. Using both simultaneously will likely destroy your skin barrier, leading to rebound oil production and more congestion. The best approach is to split them: use a Salicylic Acid cleanser in the morning to clear out sweat and oil, and use a Glycolic or Lactic Acid peel/serum 2 nights a week to resurface the skin. Always follow up with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep the barrier intact.