Visible open pores are completely normal, especially if you have oily skin. The actual size of your pores is largely determined by genetics, so there is nothing you can do to change it. However, there is a lot you can do to make them less noticeable. In this article we explain the most effective ways to do that, from at-home skincare routines to professional treatments.
What Are Pores?
Pores are small openings in our skin that allow sweat and oil to reach the surface. It is vital to have healthy pores, as this keeps the skin lubricated, moisturised and glowing. They also allow sweat production to help with temperature regulation. There are two types of pores, oil pores and sweat pores. The oil pores are the visible ones, and the ones people think of when they try to reduce the appearance of pores. Sweat pores are usually too small to be seen by the naked eye.
What Causes Large Pores?
Pores can get blocked or clogged by dirt or bacteria on the skin. The more clogged they are, the larger they tend to look. Pores may also appear larger for people with oily skin and those with darker skin tones. The size of your pores is set by genetics, age, UV exposure and sebum. You cannot truly shrink them, but you can change their appearance. This comes down to good skincare and healthy lifestyle choices that reduce the factors which make pores look bigger. Treatable causes of larger-looking pores include:
- Skin ageing causes loss of collagen and elasticity. This results in slacker skin, which gives rise to larger-looking pores.
- UV rays damage the skin and break down collagen, which in turn makes pores look larger.
- High sebum (oil) production results in larger-looking pores.
- Thick hair follicles can also give rise to pore enlargement.
Can You Actually Shrink Large Pores?
This is the part most people get wrong, so it is worth being clear. You cannot reduce the actual size of your pores, but you can reduce how visible they are. Healthy skin is key, so a good at-home pore-minimising routine matters. A healthy lifestyle helps too, along with advice from a doctor on treatment tailored to your skin where needed. Anything that promises to permanently close or remove pores is overselling. Pores are a normal and necessary part of how your skin works.
What Skincare Helps Minimise Large Pores?
Blocked pores, clogged by dead skin cells, dirt or oil, are a leading cause of the appearance of larger pores. The best way to avoid clogged pores is a suitable skincare routine morning and night that keeps your pores healthy and clear. If your normal skincare routine is not doing this job well enough, it may be time to switch things up. Avoid overusing deep cleansing scrubs and anything that strips the oils off your face. This can lead to increased sebum production and make your pores seem larger. Below are the core skincare steps that will help reduce the appearance of your pores.
How Should You Cleanse for Large Pores?
This is a really important step for reducing enlargement caused by pores clogged with oil, makeup and dirt. Choose cleansers that keep your face clean and healthy without stripping the natural oils your skin relies on. Cleanse in the morning and the evening for the best results. If you wear makeup, double cleansing is ideal. The first step uses a cleansing oil or balm that dissolves makeup and grease. The second cleanser finishes the job and is generally targeted to your skin type. For example, someone with dry skin may use a cleansing milk or jelly. Someone with oily skin may prefer a product with salicylic acid.
If you do not have time for double cleansing, a hybrid cleanser that dissolves makeup and cleanses the skin in one step is a good compromise. To get the most out of your cleansing routine, use warm rather than hot water and massage the cleanser into your skin. Then rinse thoroughly and pat (not rub) the skin dry.
Which Exfoliating Acids Help with Pores?
Exfoliating the skin removes dirt and dead skin cells, which is crucial for reducing clogged pores by clearing cell debris and regulating oil. It also smooths skin texture and evens out skin tone, which further adds to the pore-minimising effect. AHA and BHA exfoliating acids are ideal in most cases and there are now plenty of products to use at home. As a general rule, we recommend alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) for people with normal, dry or ageing skin. Glycolic acid is the most effective AHA because it has the smallest molecules, so it gets into the skin more easily. It is not always suitable for sensitive skin or skin of colour. In that case, a gentler AHA such as mandelic, lactic or citric acid works better.
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliants are by far the best for oily or acne-prone skin. These are generally used as toners or serums and often contain 2% salicylic acid. They cannot be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When starting out, try to use them only once or twice a week to avoid irritating your skin. You can gradually build up the frequency as needed, but take care not to damage the skin’s barrier through overuse.
How Does Niacinamide Help with Pores?
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is an often overlooked ingredient with a wide range of benefits, including brightening, antioxidant and anti-ageing effects. It reduces the appearance of large pores by calming inflammation and supporting skin elasticity. It also helps regulate oil, which matters because excess sebum makes pores look stretched. In a clinical study, 2% niacinamide significantly reduced sebum production over four weeks. On top of that, niacinamide helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which is especially important if you are using actives like exfoliating acids or retinoids.
How Does Retinol Help with Pores?
Retinol and Retinoids are some of the most potent skin-rejuvenating ingredients we have. They work by increasing skin turnover, encouraging collagen and elastin, regulating oil and pigment production and improving blood supply. As such, they are vital for treating skin ageing, acne and hyperpigmentation, and they are also one of the best options for minimising the appearance of pores.
Retinol and prescription retinoids like tretinoin reduce the look of enlarged pores by increasing skin elasticity and exfoliating the skin for a smoother complexion. Retinol comes in a range of products to add easily into your routine, including serums and creams. It is best applied at night after cleansing but before moisturiser. It also goes without saying that sun protection is essential. UV damage not only causes skin cancer and wrinkles but also increases the appearance of large pores. Choose a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply it throughout the day, even if you are staying indoors or the weather is gloomy. No matter which products you use, remember one thing, the best skincare routine is the one you follow regularly. If you have a busy lifestyle and cannot always commit to a strict routine, read our article on the busy woman’s guide to a skincare routine.
What Professional Treatments Help with Large Pores?
It is worth giving your skincare routine a chance to work first. We generally advise waiting 6 to 8 weeks before judging whether any product or treatment is effective. This is roughly how long your skin takes to turn over. If you still do not see the results you want, some in-clinic procedures can help reduce the appearance of pores. These are carried out in person rather than online:
- Chemical peels: chemical peels work like acids and retinoids but at a deeper level to exfoliate the skin. They can make pores appear smaller, though they cannot actually reduce pore size. Peels use safe acids to remove the outer layers of ageing or damaged skin, which improves overall skin appearance.
- Microneedling: microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries that trigger the skin’s natural healing process. This builds new collagen and elastin, improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of pores. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy to enhance the results. As with peels, you may need several sessions over a few months to see the best benefit.
For pores driven mainly by very oily, acne-prone skin, the most powerful option is oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane). It dramatically reduces sebum and can shrink the look of pores. However, it is a strong prescription medicine reserved for severe or persistent acne. A dermatologist prescribes and monitors it, with regular blood tests and strict pregnancy precautions. This means it is not a routine pore treatment, but you can read more in our guide to isotretinoin and Roaccutane.
What Else Can Help with Large Pores?
Alongside good skincare, you can improve the appearance of your pores by living a healthier lifestyle. This means eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and staying well hydrated. You should also always take off your makeup before bed. Leaving it on can clog your pores and make them look larger the next day. Wear sunscreen all year round too, even in winter. Sun damage can occur at any time of year, and protecting against it is invaluable for keeping skin healthy. Other lifestyle steps that help include:
- Moisturising morning and night, and after a shower, to protect the skin barrier.
- Showering in warm rather than hot water to avoid stripping the skin of its oils.
- Being gentle with your skin and avoiding harsh scrubbing.
- Looking after any acne, since breakouts can damage the skin and leave scarring and hyperpigmentation that make pores look larger.
It is not possible to make your pores smaller than they naturally are. However, there are plenty of ways to minimise their appearance and stop them looking bigger over time. Good skincare, a healthy lifestyle and, where needed, the right prescription actives are what make the difference.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our online clinic offers safe and effective treatments using ingredients like tretinoin and niacinamide where appropriate. Our doctors treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. If pores and texture are part of a wider ageing concern, you can get anti-ageing treatment online in the UK. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.
