A Dermal Therapist on What Will (& Won’t) Make Enlarged Pores Look Smaller

Today, we’re going to chat about all things pores, and ways to minimise the appearance of large pores.

But I do want to get some facts straight real quick.

Our skin needs pores. We cannot 'get rid of' our pores. 

And while it doesn’t really help that a lot of people photoshop their pores away on social media, I am here to tell you that everyone has skin pores, and they are completely normal. 

Although what are pores exactly? And can you make them look smaller if yours bother you?

Here are all your pores questions, answered.

What Are Pores?

Pores are where we house our natural oils, which are also known as sebum.

They’re also connected to our hair follicles, and are a normal part of our skin. 

Getting rid of pores completely is physiologically impossible, but there are ways to look after our skin to help minimise their appearance if enlarged pores are an issue for you.

Why Are My Pores Big?

If you feel as though your pores are quite large, it’s probably because of an increase in sebum production. 

Plus, when your skin is producing too much oil, this can mix with dead skin and end up trapping your oil/clogging your pores, which can exacerbate the issue and lead to other skin concerns. 

But your pore size is also determined by genetics.

What Do Clogged Pores Look Like?

Now, I bet you’re wondering what large pores and clogged pores might look like right?

Well, they can show up in your skin in a variety of ways.

Blackheads are probably the most common and most frequent large pores on nose skin concern.

These are clogged pores that turn black when oil and dead skin oxidise are exposed to air.

Clogged pores can also lead to breakouts and whiteheads. 

Using the right products for your skin consistently can help minimise these issues from happening in the first place.

How to Unclog & Minimise Pores. 

How to reduce pore size or how to get rid of pores are probably the most frequently asked questions I get. 

While it’s not possible to eliminate them completely, or physically shrink pore size (your pore size is your pore size), keeping your skin hydrated and healthy can help minimise their appearance.

1. Regular exfoliation.

If large pores on your face are a concern, there’s a good chance you need to be exfoliating more regularly. 

Chemical exfoliation with BHAs like salicylic acid will exfoliate inside the pore to reduce sebum and refine texture.

You can even focus on areas of concern such as your nose or t-zone if you only have certain pore problem areas. 

Leave-on exfoliating serums or masks can also be beneficial, just be careful not to overuse. 

Learn more about salicylic acid in our YouTube video below!

2. Clay masks for pores.

This is a temporary fix, however a weekly clay mask can help big pores appear smaller due to its ability to absorb excess oil. 

Of course, we have to ensure we use a clay mask for our skin type.

Clay can be a drying ingredient, so the best clay mask for oily skin will differ from the best clay mask for dry skin.

3. Use gentle cleansers.

Using harsh cleansers or foaming pore cleansers can actually make oily skin and enlarged pores worse. 

Not to mention, they can be drying on the skin and people tend to combine them with other actives which never ends well.

A gentle cleanser is a staple in any skin routine, including skin care for pores.

4. Regular retinol. 

Unless you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, regularly using a retinol serum can increase cellular turnover and help with reducing the look of pore size. 

It is my favourite ingredient to have in a routine!

Retinol alongside regular exfoliation (see above) is beneficial for healthy skin, but also if you want to reduce the look of pore size.

5. Remove your makeup properly. 

Honestly, cleansing is such a vital step in a skincare routine and ensuring you take your makeup off properly at the end of the day is going to reduce clogged pores and breakouts. 

I always recommend cleansing for at least one minute, and using a white towel to dry your face.

If you are still seeing makeup on your towel post-drying, you either need to change your cleanser as it’s not right for you, or you need to cleanse for longer. 

Common Pore Myths.

Now, let's clear up come common pore myths.

1. Pores open and close - False.

A super common misconception, however it’s not true. 

The size of your pores is the size of your pores. They can’t be opened with steam (as some people say) or closed with cold water.

The best way to look after your pores is to ensure that you cleanse properly and exfoliate appropriately for your skin type.

This will help keep your pores clear and keep your skin healthy. 

2. Wearing makeup will clog your pores - False.

Makeup is fine to wear.

Some skin types may find certain ingredients irritating, so switching to mineral makeup like Aspect Minerals Liquid might prove beneficial. 

Although, makeup for most people isn’t likely to clog your pores. But if you don’t remove it properly, it will.

3. Using pore strips or pore vacuums is the best way to keep your pores clean - False.

While pore strips may provide a temporary benefit to areas such as your nose (while being extremely satisfying for some), they are actually quite harsh for the skin.

Regular use of pore strips may cause redness or skin irritation, especially if you’re a sensitive skin type or prone to rosacea. 

What about pore vacuums? Do pore vacuums work? Short answer: No. They are always a bad idea.

Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are a better treatment option long term because they get rid of dead skin cell build up, without causing any physical damage.

4. Your nose is covered in blackheads - Kind of true.

OK so yes, many of us do have blackheads on our nose.

But not all of the spots on your nose are blackheads.

Some darkened pores may just be sebaceous filaments, which are basically a mixture of sebum, dirt, hair, dead skin cells etc. that have filled up a pore. 

We often forget that sebaceous filaments are needed to carry oil through the hair follicle, so they do actually serve a purpose, despite how much we hate looking at them.

The best way to treat sebaceous filaments is to focus on skin care that helps control oily skin. 

Also, sebaceous filaments are normal structures of our skin, so don't try to extract them yourself.

This can cause scarring and actually injure the skin, and may even end up causing your pores to look bigger. 

Learn more about blackheads and sebaceous filaments in this episode of the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast below!

Best Pore Products.

Keeping in mind my pore recommendations above, here are some products to try if you want to address the look of pores.

Or unclog pores if blackheads and breakouts are a concern.

1. Aspect Gentle Cleanser.

Aspect Gentle Clean Facial Cleanser is a great, gentle foaming everyday cleanser that removes makeup well.

It can be used both morning and night, without stripping your skin. 

Shop Aspect Gentle Cleanser here:

2. NIOD Flavanone Mud Mask.

NIOD Flavanone Mud is one of my favourite clay masks.

It’s anti-inflammatory, yet strong enough to decongest the skin. 

You might feel a slight tingling when you use it, but the bright skin that follows is worth it.

I’d use it on nights you’re not using other strong actives, and keep the rest of your routine gentle and hydrating.

Shop NIOD Flavanone Mud Mask here:

3. The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Mask.

This clay mask features a high concentration of BHAs in a clay formula to help improve the appearance of large pores.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is great if you’re on a budget.

I find it does sting a little, so be careful and keep use to 1-2 times a week. 

Shop The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque here:

4. Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic.

We all know and love Alpha-H’s Liquid Gold glycolic acid exfoliant.

Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic is basically the oily and acne-prone skin version. 

The BHA formula decongests, regulates sebum production and works to reduce breakouts and blackheads.

Use it at night like a toner after cleansing and before your serums. You can also spot treat specific areas to target larger pores.

Shop Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic here:

5. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is slowly turning into one of my favourite vitamin A products on the market. 

There are many different strengths in this range. Most of my clients start on Crystal Retinal 3, but Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is a sensitive skin/beginner option for complete newbies.

As always with any vitamin A product, start off slowly a few times a week, use a pea-sized amount and never forget your sunscreen.

Shop Medik8 Crystal Retinal vitamin A products here: 

Learn more pore do's and don'ts in this blackheads YouTube video below!

Best Pore Treatments (In Clinic).

I'm a dermal therapist, so I will always recommend booking in a professional consultation to discuss the best option for you and your skin.

Chemical peels and micro-needling are great pore treatments to help with skin texture, oil production and the appearance of skin in general.

You can learn more about professional skin treatments in this episode of Adore Beauty’s Dermal Diaries podcast below!

Finally, if your pores bother you, some strategic makeup products like a clever pore primer and pore minimising powder might be for you.

AB staffer and resident oily skin-haver Hannah always uses MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer under her foundation, but only across her t-zone.

Plus, she highly recommends lightly dusting a blurring pore setting powder like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder - Translucent pore-y areas.

And that's everything you need to know about your very normal pores!

Want more product recommendations and tips on how to reduce the appearance of pores? Check out these articles below:

• The Oily Skin Routine I’m Using in My 30s for Breakouts, Texture & Pigment

• Can This New Primer Really Stop Shine & Blur Pores for 12 Hours?

• 5 Oily Skin Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And What to Do Instead)

• Let Me Show You How This $32 Niacinamide Face Mist Made My Pores Look Smaller in Minutes