How to minimize the look of large pores

Why pores look larger

Oil and dead skin can block hair follicles, the tiny channels where hairs grow, and make pores more noticeable. Oily skin and acne can add to the effect. Scrubbing or hot water can irritate skin, while sun damage and aging reduce firmness and can make pores look larger. Pores themselves are normal skin structures, not a sign that your face needs a more aggressive cleaning routine.13

Some small, flat, pale dots on the nose, forehead, chin or cheeks may be sebaceous filaments. These normal structures carry oil to the skin surface and can look like blackheads, but they are usually smaller and flatter. Everyone has them, and you cannot get rid of them permanently, though a steady skin care routine can make them less noticeable.4

Squeezing filaments can irritate or damage skin, and pores refill within 30 days. Pore strips can remove these natural structures; taking them out can dry the skin and allow bacteria in. The mirror may make a dark dot look like a problem to extract, but removal is temporary.4

A routine that helps pores look smaller

1. 1Wash morning and evening with a gentle, noncomedogenic cleanser and warm water. Two daily washes can clear buildup and reduce oil. Hot water can irritate skin, and scrubbing does not make your face cleaner.
2. 2Choose skin care products and makeup labeled noncomedogenic, oil free or will not clog pores. Clogged pores expand and can look more noticeable. Remove makeup at the end of the day and use moisturizer routinely. The word noncomedogenic is longer than the instruction it carries, which is simply not to clog pores.
3. 3If oil or acne related clogs are the main concern, try a cleanser with salicylic acid. Some salicylic acid cleansers are gentle enough for daily use. If the cleanser dries or irritates your skin, use a mild cleanser in the morning and the salicylic acid cleanser at night.
4. 4A product with retinol or retinyl palmitate may help if you have oily skin, mild acne or skin that has lost firmness. Apply it before bed. If it irritates your skin, wash your face and wait 30 minutes before applying it. Do not use retinol or retinyl palmitate during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
5. 5Apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, including when it is cold or raining. Sun damage reduces skin firmness, which can make pores more noticeable.
6. 6Exfoliation may make pores less noticeable, but do it gently. Do not scrub, rub, pick at or squeeze the skin on your face. If exfoliation makes your skin uncomfortable or you are unsure it is right for you, a dermatologist can help.

An exfoliating toner is an optional step. Toners with alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and smooth skin texture, which can make pores look a little smaller. Apply toner after cleansing and before moisturizer; you do not need to rinse it off. You can use it once or twice daily based on how your skin tolerates it. If it contains strong acids or another potentially irritating active, start every other day and increase only as tolerated.2

If your skin is sensitive, avoid toners with heavy fragrance or lots of dyes and preservatives, which can irritate skin. If you have rosacea or use prescription products, introduce a toner carefully and pay attention to how your skin tolerates it.2

How long does it take to see a change?

A toner may take six weeks to three months to show an effect, and the improvement can be subtle.2

What if skin care is not enough?

A dermatologist may use microneedling to diminish large pores. It stimulates collagen, so results appear gradually; some improvement can show within weeks, while full results take several months. At home devices are not a substitute for treatment by a dermatologist and can be risky if they pierce the skin, which can lead to infection or scarring. Overuse can also irritate skin and make the concern more noticeable.5

Microneedling is not right for everyone. A dermatologist should assess risks if you heal slowly, have had a raised scar called a keloid, or have a weakened immune system. Treatment should wait if you have a skin infection, a tan or recent sun exposure, or painful, deep or pus filled pimples. If you take isotretinoin, at least one month must pass after your last pill before microneedling.5

Botulinum toxin injections are another procedure under study. In one study of 25 people, instruments showed a significant reduction in pore size after treatment, but participants did not report a significant change in pore size or facial oil. The difference between measured results and what participants noticed is worth keeping in view.6

Can you shrink pores?

Skin care can reduce the factors that make pores stand out, and an acid toner can make them look smaller. It cannot promise to erase normal pore openings. Pore size is largely genetic, so the useful goal is less visible pores rather than poreless skin. Genetics has the last word on actual pore size, which is rude of genetics but not especially surprising.26

When to get medical help

If noticeable pores come with acne that is not improving, deep or painful spots, or scarring, see a GP or dermatologist. Acne can block follicles and make pores more noticeable; a clinician can assess acne that does not respond to self care and discuss stronger treatment options.3