How to Minimise the Appearance of Large Pores

Pores are small openings on the skin’s surface that release oil (sebum) and sweat. Everyone has them—but for some, they appear more visible, especially around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.

Large pores occur when these openings become stretched or dilated, often due to:

• Excess oil production
• Loss of skin elasticity (from aging or sun damage)
• Buildup of dead skin or debris within the pore
• Genetics
• Improper cleansing or heavy products – can worsen appearance

They often give the skin a textured or uneven appearance, and can be more noticeable under makeup or in certain lighting.

Remember: you can’t shrink pores permanently, but you can make them look smaller and clearer with smart skincare.

Visible Pore Size Large pores are more noticeable, especially on areas with higher oil production (like the T-zone). You may see them as dark spots or small holes in the skin.

Uneven Skin Texture Pores that appear enlarged can create a bumpy or uneven texture on the skin's surface. This can make the skin feel rough to the touch.

Clogged Pores When pores become enlarged, they are more likely to trap dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads or whiteheads.

Shiny Skin If you have enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone, the area may appear oily or shiny throughout the day, as larger pores can overproduce oil.

Visible Pore Openings When looking closely at the skin, you may notice the opening of the pore more clearly. This is typically more prominent in areas like the nose, chin, and forehead.

Dull or Uneven Skin Tone Larger pores can make the skin appear uneven or dull, especially if they become clogged or compromised, leading to a lack of smoothness.

Though related, these concerns are not the same:

Blackheads and Whiteheads (comedones):

Large pores mean wider follicle openings, which makes it easier for sebum, dead skin, and debris to collect. This can lead to:

• Blackheads (open comedones) – when the pore stays open and the contents oxidise
• Whiteheads (closed comedones) – when the pore is sealed under the skin

Large pores don’t cause comedones directly, but they create the perfect environment—especially when paired with excess oil or poor exfoliation.

Read more about Blackheads & Whiteheads here >

Acne:

While congestion is the first step in acne, full acne breakouts also require:

• C. acnes bacteria inside the clogged pore
• A resulting inflammatory response—redness, swelling, and pus

So yes—large pores can increase the risk of acne, but inflammation and bacterial buildup are the real triggers. Think of it as a potential chain reaction, not a guarantee.

Read more about Acne here >

Daily cleansing helps prevent excess oil and debris from stretching the pores.

Choose formulas with:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Dissolves oil inside the pores
• LHA or enzymes: Gently refine texture
• Clay or charcoal: Help absorb excess sebum in oily zones

Double cleansing at night can also keep pores clear and balanced—especially if you wear SPF or makeup.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can accumulate around pore openings, making them appear larger.

Top options include:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Great for deep pore clearing
• Glycolic or Lactic Acid (AHAs): Improve skin tone and texture
• Azelaic Acid: Refines and calms congested skin

Use 2–3x per week depending on your skin type and tolerance.

Firm, elastic skin makes pores look tighter. Use ingredients that build up collagen and support your barrier:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces oil production and refines pores
• Retinoids (Retinol or Adapalene): Increase cell turnover and boost firmness
• Peptides and Vitamin C: Strengthen and tighten skin over time

Consistency is key. Visible improvement usually takes several weeks—but it’s worth the commitment.

Proper hydration helps prevent the overproduction of oil and plumps the skin, making pores appear less visible.

Look for:

• Gel-based or non-comedogenic moisturisers
• Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane for lightweight hydration
• Zinc PCA or niacinamide to reduce shine in oily zones

Avoid heavy creams or rich oils if you're prone to congestion in the T-zone.

1. Gel or salicylic acid cleanser

Removes overnight oil buildup and helps prevent pore congestion.

• Salicylic acid (BHA): Penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and debris
• Gel textures: Ideal for oily or combo skin and won’t strip essential moisture

Use daily or alternate with a non-active cleanser if your skin is dry or sensitive.

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2. Niacinamide or azelaic acid serum

• Niacinamide (2–10%): Minimises pore appearance, regulates oil, and reduces inflammation
• Azelaic acid: Calms redness, fades pigmentation, and gently decongests skin

These two can be alternated or layered, depending on your skin's tolerance and needs.

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3. Lightweight moisturiser

Choose non-comedogenic moisturisers with:

• Glycerin – deeply hydrating without heaviness
• Zinc PCA – helps regulate oil production and mattify

💡 Gel-creams work best for oily or combination skin types.

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4. Broad-spectrum SPF 30–50

Essential for preventing collagen breakdown and enlarged pore visibility due to UV exposure.

💡 Choose mineral or hybrid SPFs with a matte finish for smoother texture under makeup.

1. Double cleanse (especially if wearing makeup/SPF)

• Step 1: Oil-based cleanser Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin.

• Step 2: Water-based or BHA cleanser Removes residue and deeply purifies the pores to prevent buildup and stretching.

🧼 Double cleansing helps prevent enlarged pores from becoming clogged and visible.

2. Retinoid or BHA exfoliant (alternate nights)

• Retinoids (retinol, retinal): Encourage cell turnover, improve elasticity, and support collagen—making pores appear tighter
• BHAs (salicylic acid): Clear inside the pores and reduce oil-related congestion

Rotate to avoid irritation and support long-term skin resilience.

3. Hydrating serum

Replenishes moisture lost from actives and supports barrier function. Look for:

• Hyaluronic acid – plumps and smooths
• Peptides – signal skin to rebuild collagen and improve firmness around pores

4. Oil-free night moisturiser

Seals in hydration without clogging. Choose formulas that include:

• Niacinamide or ceramides
• Lightweight textures to avoid suffocating skin overnight

• Apply a clay mask 1–2x/week (especially on the T-zone) to:
• Absorb excess oil
• Tighten the appearance of pores
• Gently detox congested areas
• Look for kaolin, bentonite, or sulfur paired with calming ingredients like chamomile or green tea.

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Why double cleansing matters:

Large pores are more prone to deep-seated buildup from SPF, makeup, and pollution. Double cleansing ensures your skin is not just surface-clean but also purified at the pore level—preventing further stretching and dullness while improving product absorption.

• Niacinamide or zinc PCA: Oil control and visible refinement in 4–8 weeks
• Salicylic acid: Smoother, clearer pores in 2–4 weeks
• Retinoids or peptides: Firmer skin and pore tightening in 8–12 weeks

Progress is gradual—but when pores are clean, clear, and supported, they naturally appear smaller and smoother.

Clean pillowcases and makeup brushes often Bacteria and debris that accumulate on these surfaces can cause skin irritation and contribute to clogged pores. Change and wash them regularly to reduce the risk of breakouts.

Avoid touching or squeezing the skin Touching your face can spread bacteria and oil, which can worsen pore issues and cause irritation. Also, avoid squeezing pimples as this can lead to further clogged pores and scarring.

Use mineral sunscreen Choose sunscreen with minerals like zinc oxide to reduce shine while protecting the skin without clogging pores.

Stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help strengthen the skin and reduce inflammation.

Protect your skin from sun damage UV radiation breaks down collagen and makes pores larger over time. Use sunscreen daily to prevent damage and keep the skin firm and youthful.

“You can open and close pores.

”Not exactly. Pores don’t have muscles—but you can make them appear smaller by keeping them clean and supporting skin elasticity.

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“Steam shrinks pores.”

Steam can help soften debris before cleansing, but it won’t shrink the pores. Use pore-refining actives instead.

“Only oily skin gets large pores.

”Pores can appear large in all skin types—especially with age or damage.