Can You Actually Shrink Your Pores? The Science-Backed Truth
Large pores are one of the most common skincare complaints. We’re constantly told to “shrink,” “close,” or “eliminate” them. But here’s the transparent, science-backed truth: you can’t permanently change the size of your pores.
Pore size is primarily determined by genetics. However, you can absolutely make them *look* smaller and less noticeable. The key is to understand what makes them appear larger in the first place.
At skinometri, we’re committed to providing effective, science-backed solutions without the marketing fluff. This guide will walk you through what causes large pores and provide 5 dermatologist-approved tips to minimize their appearance.
What Causes Pores to Look Larger?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), several factors can make pores more prominent [1]:
1. Clogged Pores: When pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and debris, they expand, making them appear larger.
2. Excessive Oil Production: Oily skin types are more prone to having larger-looking pores because the glands produce more sebum, which can easily clog them.
3. Loss of Skin Firmness: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it firm. This loss of firmness can cause the skin around pores to sag, making them look stretched out and more visible.
4. Sun Damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen, accelerating the loss of skin firmness and contributing to the appearance of larger pores.
5 Dermatologist-Backed Tips to Minimize Large Pores
Now that we know the causes, we can focus on effective solutions. These five tips are recommended by dermatologists to help make your pores less noticeable.
1. Unclog Pores with Salicylic Acid
Because clogged pores are a primary cause of their enlarged appearance, keeping them clean is the most important step. Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is a powerhouse ingredient for this job.
Unlike other exfoliants, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep inside the pore lining to dissolve the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that causes clogs. Regular use can prevent new clogs from forming and help pores return to their normal size.
How to Use It: Incorporate a salicylic acid cleanser into your routine. Our Salicylic Acid 2% Clarifying Cleanser is gentle enough for daily use and provides a deep clean without stripping the skin.
2. Regulate Oil Production with Niacinamide
If excess oil is making your pores look larger, regulating sebum production is key. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a superstar ingredient for this.
Studies have shown that niacinamide can help to balance oil production and improve skin texture [2]. By reducing the amount of oil on the skin’s surface, it helps prevent pores from becoming congested and stretched.
How to Use It: Apply a niacinamide serum to clean skin morning and night. Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is formulated to regulate oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve overall skin clarity.
3. Exfoliate Regularly with AHAs
In addition to deep cleaning with BHAs, regular surface exfoliation with Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) is crucial. AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, work by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to the surface of the skin.
By removing this layer of dead skin, you prevent it from falling into pores and creating clogs. This also helps to create a smoother, more reflective skin surface, which makes pores less noticeable.
How to Use It: Use an AHA toner 2-3 times per week after cleansing. Our Fruit AHA 5% Exfoliating Toner uses a blend of natural fruit acids for gentle yet effective exfoliation.
4. Protect Your Skin with Daily Sunscreen
Sun damage is a major contributor to the loss of skin firmness, which in turn makes pores look larger. Protecting your skin from the sun is a non-negotiable step in any pore-minimizing routine.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 helps to preserve your skin’s collagen and elastin, keeping it firm and preventing pores from appearing stretched over time.
5. Be Gentle with Your Skin
It can be tempting to scrub, pick, or squeeze at your pores, but this will only make things worse. Harsh scrubbing and picking can irritate the skin, causing inflammation that makes pores look even larger. Always be gentle when cleansing and applying products.
The Takeaway
While you can’t get rid of your pores, you have significant control over how noticeable they are. A consistent routine focused on keeping pores clear, balancing oil production, and protecting your skin’s firmness is the most effective strategy.
By incorporating ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and AHAs into your routine, you can achieve a smoother, clearer, and more refined complexion.
Ready to build your pore-minimizing routine? Shop our collection of targeted solutions now.
References
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). *What can treat large facial pores?* Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/treat-large-pores
[2] Draelos, Z. D., Matsubara, A., & Smiles, K. (2006). The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. *Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy*, 8(2), 96–101. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/