Treatment for large pores on the face

Why do pores look larger?

Pores are openings that carry oil and sweat to the skin's surface. Genetics largely determines their size, while excess oil, blockages and loss of skin support make them more noticeable. Pore care can make the openings less noticeable, but permanent deletion is a marketing department's problem, not a skincare result.1

Large pores occur at all ages and across ethnic groups. Oil production, hair follicle size, products that cause blockages, aging and sun damage all contribute. Acne can leave blackheads within visible pores, and inflammatory acne can weaken the openings around oil glands and hair follicles. Treatment therefore needs to address the cause: blocked pores, active acne and loss of firmness are not identical problems.3

Start with daily care

1. 1Wash your face morning and evening with a gentle cleanser. Use warm water rather than hot water, and wash without scrubbing.
2. 2Choose skincare and makeup labelled "noncomedogenic", "oil free" or "won't clog pores". Noncomedogenic means designed not to clog pores; blockages can expand pores and make them more visible.
3. 3Apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, including cold or rainy days. Sun damage reduces firmness, which makes pores stand out.
4. 4Leave squeezing and picking out of the routine. Irritation makes pores more noticeable, and squeezing or using an extractor can damage skin and cause scarring.

Try salicylic acid for blocked pores

Salicylic acid unclogs pores and exfoliates skin, making it particularly useful for blackheads and whiteheads. A salicylic acid cleanser is one option when acne accompanies visible pores. Some are gentle enough for daily use. If yours causes dryness or irritation, use a mild cleanser in the morning and the salicylic acid cleanser before bed instead of using the acid cleanser twice daily.24

For mild acne, choose one treatment that matches the breakouts. Adapalene, a retinoid, treats blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is especially useful for mild pimples; starting at 2.5% helps limit dryness, irritation and burning. These are acne treatments, not interchangeable pore shrinking products. Use acne medication as directed, in a thin layer across the affected area rather than only on individual spots.4

Use retinol carefully

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps prevent clogged pores and increases skin cell turnover, the replacement of older cells with new ones. It also increases collagen, a protein that supports skin. Retinol is an option for pores that look larger alongside oily skin, mild acne or reduced firmness. It is available without a prescription; stronger retinoid treatments are available through a clinician.25

1. 1Test a small amount on a small patch of skin first. Wait a couple of days; do not move to full face use if the patch is very red or itchy.
2. 2At bedtime, gently cleanse and pat dry. Waiting 30 minutes after washing can help reduce irritation.
3. 3Follow the product directions. General retinol guidance uses a pea sized amount in a thin layer, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Start twice a week and increase gradually if tolerated. Finish with a noncomedogenic facial moisturizer.

Retinol can cause dryness, redness, itching, burning and peeling, and makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. Sensitive skin or a tendency to allergies can make another ingredient a better choice. Do not use retinol or retinyl palmitate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, discuss acne treatment with a dermatologist before starting even a product sold without a prescription.245

Should you add an exfoliant?

Exfoliation can make pores less noticeable, but damaging or irritating skin defeats the purpose. Chemical peels use acids such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid to remove surface dead cells and clear pores. Peel frequency depends on the type and depth of the peel, so follow its directions rather than treating it like a daily cleanser. If you are unsure whether exfoliation suits your skin, a dermatologist can assess it and offer an office treatment.12

How long does treatment take?

Retinol takes several weeks to produce visible changes in skin's look and feel. For acne treatment, fewer breakouts commonly appear after 4 to 8 weeks, with clearing around 16 weeks when treatment works. Those are acne timelines, not a deadline for smaller looking pores. Give one acne product 6 to 8 weeks of directed use before adding another.45

How do dermatologists treat large pores?

A dermatologist can distinguish blockage and excess oil from reduced skin firmness, then choose treatment accordingly. Prescription tretinoin is a stronger retinoid option. When active acne also needs treatment, oral medicines such as spironolactone or isotretinoin can reduce oil production and pore visibility. Oral acne treatments are medical decisions.1

Professional microneedling uses tiny sterile needles to trigger a healing response and collagen production around pores. Temporary discomfort and a sunburn like appearance can follow. Home rollers do not reach the same depth or give equivalent results. Laser resurfacing removes surface skin and encourages collagen underneath; a series of appointments is typically spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. Radiofrequency microneedling is another treatment used for enlarged pores. Benefits are limited rather than a permanent removal of pores.13

See a dermatologist for deep, painful pimples, acne that scars, or dark marks after breakouts. Also book an appointment if directed acne treatment has not produced clear skin within a few months. Persistent acne can need more than a pore focused cleanser, and treating it helps address the blockages behind visible pores.4