If you’re one of the many blessed with oily skin, you might find your struggling with large pores too, especially as the weather is heating up and oil production can go into overdrive! That said, large pores are one of the most common (and searched) skin concerns affecting people of all ages and skin types (not just oily skin). They can make your skin appear uneven, textured, or oily, leaving many of us wondering what exactly is causing them and how we can reduce their size stat! Keep reading as we reveal the reasons behind your large pores and, more importantly, how you can minimize their appearance with targeted products and expert tips too!
So, why do you have large pores?
Believe it or not there are actually many reasons your pores might be a lot larger than you’d like!
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Excess oil production
Pores are essential for releasing oil (sebum) to keep your skin moisturised. However, overactive sebaceous glands can cause pores to stretch, making them appear larger. Oily skin types are particularly prone to this issue.
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Clogged pores
When oil mixes with dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells, it can clog pores, causing them to expand. This can lead to blackheads and a bumpy skin texture
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Loss of collagen and elastin
As you age, your skin loses collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping it firm and tight. With less support, pores may appear more prominent.
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Sun damage
Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down collagen and thickens the skin, stretching out pores over time.
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Genetics
Yes you can thank your parents for those unruly large pores of yours! Your skin type and pore size are largely determined by your genetics. If your family has visible pores, chances are you will too.
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Improper skincare routine
Using the wrong skincare products or skipping essential steps like cleansing can exacerbate the appearance of enlarged pores.
How to minimize large pores
While you can’t actually change your pore size completely (thanks to genetics), you can take steps to minimize their appearance and achieve a smoother, healthier-looking complexion;
1. Cleanse thoroughly
Keeping your pores clean really is the first step to minimising their appearance. This means using a gentle cleanser specific to your skin type both morning and night to effectively remove oil, dirt, sunscreen and makeup.
If your skin is combination to oily, it’s best to opt for gel or foaming cleaners, if your skin tends to be on the sensitive side, there are some amazing sensitive skin cream cleansers for that too!
Specific ingredients will make a big difference to the appearance of your pore size too. Cleansers formulated with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, and/or BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) such as Salicylic acid can make all the difference! While all four acids exfoliate on a cellular level, Glycolic, Citric and Lactic works on a more surface level to brighten and smooth your skin, whereas Salicylic Acid penetrates much deeper to effectively remove dead skin cells clogged in pores.
We highly recommend Vie Collection Cleansing Gel with Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids. This foaming cleansing gel combines glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to stimulate cellular activity, break the intercellular glue between dead cells and thoroughly cleanse skin.
Remember harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing your pores to become larger so do consider which cleaner is right for your skin!
2. Exfoliate Regularly
When it comes to large pores, exfoliation is paramount! You want to ensure pores are unclogged to prevent further stretching, and exfoliating effectively removes dead skin cells and prevents pore-clogging buildup.
Try Pure Balance Papaya Enzyme Peeling Wash. This plant enzyme-based deep cleanser formulated with natural papaya extract dissolves easily in cold water and eliminates dead skin cells without irritation, breaking down proteins to produce peptone, which washes away dirt and sebum within the pores without irritation.
Tip: Exfoliate 1–3 times per week based on your skin type.
3. Incorporate retinol into your routine
Believe me when I say retinol is a game-changer for pore refinement. A good retinol serum will boost cell turnover and collagen production, which tightens the skin around pores. Just remember though if you haven’t used retinol before you’ll want to introduce it slowly and at night to avoid any irritation. For more information on retinol click here.
4. Use Clay Masks
Who doesn’t love a good mask and clay masks are no exception. In fact clay masks will absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from pores when applied. For a real deep clean use your clay mask once or twice a week. And look for masks that specifically have kaolin or bentonite clay.
We love Phytomer CityLife Radiance Reviving Mask
This unique cream-mousse mask instantly counters dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and enlarged pores. Combining 100% natural red and white clays, blue microalgae, red algae and a comprehensive depolluting complex of 3 marine sugars, it reveals luminosity, radiance and refined pores after just one application!
5. Hydrate Wisely
Dehydrated skin can overcompensate by producing more oil, in turn worsening the appearance of your pores! Be sure to use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers rich in hyaluronic acid, not heavy, greasy creams that could potentially clog your pores.
We love: Hubislab Moisture Max Hydro Cream. It’s a powerful, fast-acting moisturiser that quickly locks in hydration while soothing skin. Formulated with a unique blend of hyaluronic compounds that work to form a protective moisture barrier, its lightweight texture provides a primer-like finish without any greasiness!
6. Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
UV damage breaks down collagen and makes pores look larger so you need to be armed with a good broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply every single morning.
Try to minimise sun exposure too and always wear a hat!
7. Use pore-minimizing products
As well as your hydrating moisturiser and retinol serum, we recommend you invest in products specifically designed to refine pores too like Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. it’s a mattifying treatment cream that minimizes pores by combining cutting-edge natural actives like red clover extract and retinol to regulate oil production and refine skin texture. This lightweight cream also hydrates while delivering antioxidants, leaving your skin smoother, balanced, and visibly clearer with regular use.
8. Avoid squeezing or picking pimples from clogged pores
It’s tempting to squeeze clogged pores, but this can damage the skin and make pores appear larger. Use proper skincare tools or visit a professional for extractions.
9. Use a primer before applying makeup
A good primer will become your lifeline if you are prone to enlarged pores. Not only will it stop your foundation from sliding off your face quite literally, it’ll keep your base smooth while reducing the appearance of pores (and fine lines!)
if you are a sufferer of oily skin and pores on the, let’s say slightly larger side! Our recommended go-to is the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s oil-free (of course), perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit.
10. Choose your makeup wisely
Unfortunately, our makeup can make pores seem bigger than they actually are. Products like our powders and foundation can settle into our pores over the course of the day, making them appear larger, so your best bet because, let’s face it we aren’t going to want to forego our miraculous makeup, is opt for mineral products! A huge benefit of using mineral makeup is that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores! We love ELES Cosmetics range of mineral formulations. Try the best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation or if you’re a lover of powder foundations we highly recommend the Mineral Powder Foundation.
11. Give professional treatments a go
if you are really concerned about your pore size, professional in-salon treatments can deliver dramatic results. Treatments such as chemical peels exfoliate intensively and deeply to unclog and refine pores. Microneedling boosts collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. And laser therapy reduces oil production and tightens skin.
12. Be Consistent
Achieving smoother skin takes time. Stick to a routine and give products time to work, remember consistency is key to long-term improvement!
While you can’t change your pore size, you can control how they look by keeping them clean, unclogged, and supported with the right skincare routine. With a mix of at-home care and professional treatments, your pores can go from prominent to practically invisible.
