Pores. We all have them, after all they are crucial for healthy functioning skin! But for some of us, they can appear a little more prominent than we’d like! In fact, enlarged pores are a very common skincare concern, and while you can’t eliminate them (they’re essential after all!) the great news is you can definitely make them look a whole lot smaller! Want to know how? Keep reading for the best routine to minimise your pores and achieve a smoother, flawless complexion too!
Firstly, why do your pores look larger than you’d like?
If your pores are looking larger than usual, there are several common reasons behind it.
1. Excess Sebum (oil) production
This is one of the most common reasons for enlarged pores. Each pore contains a sebaceous gland that produces oil (sebum) to keep your skin moisturised. When your skin produces too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and other debris, clogging the pore. This buildup stretches the pore walls, making the opening appear larger. This is particularly common in people with oily or combination skin.
2. Genetics
Unfortunately, your genes play a significant role in pore size! If your parents or close relatives have naturally larger pores, you're more likely to have them too. This is simply due to inherited skin structure and oil gland activity (thanks family!)
3. Ageing!
As we age our skin loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that provide firmness and support. When the skin around the pores loses its elasticity, it can sag and stretch, making the pores appear wider and more open.
4. Sun damage
UV rays break down collagen and elastin, similar to the natural ageing process. This damage weakens the skin's support structure, leading to less firm skin and consequently, larger-looking pores. Sun exposure can also thicken the skin, which can make pores more visible.
5. Clogged pores
Congested pores look a while lot more noticeable that pores that aren’t! This is because a mix of dead skin cells, excess oil, makeup, and dirt can get trapped inside the pore. This accumulation creates a plug (a blackhead if exposed to air and oxidised, or a whitehead if closed off), stretching the pore opening and making it appear enlarged.
6. Improper skincare
Skipping exfoliation or not cleansing properly can lead to buildup and visible pores.
The 7 steps to minimising your pores
1. Double cleanse daily
Our pores often appear larger when clogged with oil, sweat, dirt, and makeup so effective cleansing really is the first essential step to minimising their appearance.
Double cleansing helps remove every trace of grime, without stripping your skin. It also prevents a build-up, which can stretch pore walls. Simply start with an oil-based cleanser (we LOVE the ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil) to melt away makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser like Phytomer’s Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream to detoxify, decongest and purify your pores. Formulated with marine botanicals like OLIGOMER® and marine spring water, it helps soothe, remineralise, and maintain skin balance while gently but effectively removing any trace of remaining makeup, excess oil and impurities.
“This is an excellent cleanser for my skin that is normal to oily in the warmer summer months. It has a mild exfoliant in it, lactic acid, that helps keep my pores purified. I am very happy with it.” – Brianna (BC customer)
And for the month of July, when you purchase the best-selling Phytomer Expert Youth Wrinkle Plumping Cream (one of my personal favourites) you’ll receive this powerhouse cleanser for FREE)
Top tip: Make sure you avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin, they can actually increase oil production and worsen the look of pores.
2. Exfoliate (but don’t overdo it!)
I’m sure we all know regular exfoliation will help keep our skin’s surface smooth and clear but did you ever consider that by not adding this simple step into your skincare routine once or twice weekly, dead skin cells can settle into your pores making them look larger and uneven! So, if you are dealing with enlarged pores and aren’t exfoliating as you should be, start now!
If your skin tends to naturally be on the more combination or oily side opt for chemical exfoliants formulated with glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), or lactic acid (AHA) to keep pores clear.
If your skin is more on the sensitive side, you’ll want to choose a good enzyme exfoliator (like papaya or pineapple-based formulas) as these are a more gentle, non-invasive option. The enzymes literally dissolve the dead skin, so no harsh exfoliation in sight!
Just be sure to not over exfoliate as you can risk irritation and inflaming your pores! 1-3 times a week is sufficient dependant on how sensitive your skin is.
For more on exfoliation, the different types and the best option for your skin click here.
3. Use a Pore-Refining Toner or Essence
Toners or essences with ingredients like niacinamide, witch hazel, or zinc help refine texture, tighten the appearance of pores and balance oil production.
We love Phytomer Oligomarine Flawless-Skin Tonic, formulated with niacinamide, witch hazel and zinc, it tones the skin, tightens the pores and brightens the complexion!
4. Apply a clay mask weekly
Clay masks, especially those with kaolin or bentonite, are brilliant for drawing out excess oil and impurities from pores, leaving them looking tighter and less visible. Apply a clay mask once or twice a week for a deep-cleaning boost like Phytomer Citylife Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay. 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.
Serums are concentrated treatments designed to go deeper into the skin, making them ideal for refining texture and targeting pore visibility. When it comes to minimising, pores look for serums formulated with retinol, niacinamide and peptides. These ingredients not only boost cell turnover and support collagen production but help unclog pores, smooth uneven skin tone and ensure skin looks firmer and tighter!
Try Vie Collection’s Vita B3 Concentrated solution, packed with niacinamide to visibly tighten pores, smooth texture, and brighten overall tone.
What’s more when you purchase a selected Vie Collection Moisturiser this July, you’ll receive the Vita B3 serum for FREE!
6. Make sure you moisturise daily, even if your skin is oily!
Dehydrated skin overcompensates with more oil, which can stretch and clog pores. The right moisturiser can help balance and smooth skin.
If enlarged pores are a problem make sure you opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane and specifically designed to help pores.
Remember well-hydrated skin helps maintain elasticity and prevents pores from appearing larger.
7. Protect with SPF (Every. Single. Day.)
We all know sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin, but did you know that this in turns causes our pores to sag and look larger over time! Wearing an SPF daily really will help maintain your skin’s firmness and youthfulness. Just be sure to look for non-comedogenic formulas and mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin! And use it every morning even on cloudy days, to protect your skin and keep pores looking refined!
Additional expert tips
As well as following a daily skincare routine, there are a few additional things you need to ensure you do/don’t do as well!
1. Avoid squeezing or picking at your pores as this can cause irritation and even scaring!
2. Use a pore perfecting 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!)
3. Avoid using heavy, pore-clogging makeup, try mineral makeup instead!
A consistent routine can dramatically refine your pores appearance over time. By keeping them clean, exfoliated, hydrated, and protected, your skin will look smoother, more even, and radiant we promise!
