How to Deal with Large Pores: Causes, Tips & Products

We’ve all stood a little too close to the mirror and fixated on those tiny dots scattered across our skin. Yes — we’re talking about pores on the face. While pores are a natural and essential part of your skin’s structure, concerns about open pores on the face are common, especially when they start appearing larger or more visible than we’d like.

But here’s the good news — while you can’t permanently shrink pores (since their size is largely genetic), you can definitely minimize pores in appearance and keep them clear and refined with the right skincare practices and products.

Let’s break down what causes large pores and how you can manage them for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

What Causes Large Pores?

Pores are small openings in your skin that allow sebum (your skin’s natural oil) and sweat to reach the surface. Several factors influence their size and appearance:

Excess oil production: When your sebaceous glands produce too much oil, pores can appear larger.

Clogged pores: Dirt, makeup, dead skin cells, and pollution can block pores, making them stretch out.

Loss of skin elasticity: As you age, your skin loses firmness, causing pores to appear more prominent.

Sun damage: Prolonged sun exposure breaks down collagen, weakening the skin’s support structure and enlarging pores.

Genetics: If large pores run in your family, you might be naturally more prone to them.

How to Minimize Pores on Your Face

While you can’t change your pore size, you can refine their appearance with a consistent skincare routine and targeted products.

1. Cleanse Thoroughly:
A clean face is a happy face. Removing excess oil, impurities, and makeup is essential to prevent clogged pores. Choose gentle, purifying cleansers that won’t strip your skin.

2. Exfoliate Regularly:
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that clog pores and make them appear larger. Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or mild scrubs a couple of times a week.

3. Use a Toner:
Toners play a key role in refining and balancing your skin post-cleansing. They help tighten the appearance of pores and prep your skin for better absorption of serums and moisturisers.

Here are some top toners to suit every skin type:

For Oily Skin:
1. Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying TonerA clean face is a happy face. Removing excess oil, impurities, and makeup is essential to prevent clogged pores. Choose gentle, purifying cleansers that won’t strip your skin.

For Combination Skin:
2. Seaweed Oil-Control Toner Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that clog pores and make them appear larger. Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or mild scrubs a couple of times a week.

For Dry Skin:
3. Vitamin E Hydrating Toner Toners play a key role in refining and balancing your skin post-cleansing. They help tighten the appearance of pores and prep your skin for better absorption of serums and moisturisers.

4. Always Moisturise:

Contrary to popular belief, even oily and combination skin types need hydration. Skipping moisturiser can trigger your skin to produce even more oil. Choose non-comedogenic, lightweight formulas that won’t clog pores.

5. Don’t Skip SPF:

Sun damage is a leading cause of collagen breakdown, which contributes to the appearance of open pores on face. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin and helps maintain its elasticity. The Body Shop’s Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ is a fantastic everyday option with its no-white cast and light weight formulation.

6. Treat with Serums:

Targeted serums with niacinamide, Vitamin C, or salicylic acid can help refine skin texture, control oil, and brighten uneven skin tone, making pores less visible over time.

7. Be Gentle:

Avoid over-washing, harsh scrubbing, or using overly drying products. Aggressive skincare can irritate the skin and make pores appear more pronounced.

Get Flawless Skin

Dealing with pores on the face doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With the right routine and a little patience, you can absolutely improve the look and feel of your skin. Focus on keeping your pores clean, your skin balanced, and protected from the sun. From Tea Tree Mattifying Toner for oily skin to Vitamin E Hydrating Toner for dry skin, there’s something for everyone to help manage and minimise pores naturally.