Pores are small openings in the skin that contain hair and sebum (oil) glands. They help release sebum, keeping the skin soft. Pores are located all over your body but are most visible on the face.
Genetics, age, sun exposure, ethnicity, and sebum production affect the size of facial pores. As you age, the number and size of your pores tend to increase, making them visibly larger on the nose and cheeks.
You may also notice larger pores if you're prone to acne, which can clog your pores and add to their appearance.
While larger pores aren't a medical concern, some people may not like their appearance and want to shrink them.
It's possible to shrink large pores with over-the-counter or prescription skincare products as well as in-office skin treatments such as laser resurfacing or radiofrequency treatments.
If you use makeup or skincare products, opt for products labeled "non-comedogenic." This label means the products are formulated with ingredients that won't clog your pores. When your pores are clear, they're likely to be less noticeable.
Other labels that mean a similar thing include "oil-free" and "won't clog pores."
2. Treat Acne
Treating acne may reduce the appearance of pores. To clear up acne, use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, which can help unclog pores.
Some people find salicylic acid too drying or irritating. Those who experience irritation should alternate using a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser in the morning with a salicylic acid cleanser at night.
You may also want to try other acne-fighting skincare treatments with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or adapalene. While it isn't possible to shrink pores overnight, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments with these ingredients can help combat acne and reduce pore size within 6-8 weeks.
Sun protection is key to protecting your skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. When skin loses firmness, pores become more visible. Sun damage causes skin to lose firmness over time, so wearing sunscreen can help prevent or slow the aging effects caused by the sun.
Before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your face and body. Use sunscreen every day, whether it's visibly sunny or not.
4. Use Retinoids
Retinoids, compounds derived from vitamin A, help treat acne and prevent pores from clogging. Because of these two effects, retinoids can help reduce the look and size of pores.
Different types of retinoids exist, including OTC skincare products containing retinol and adapalene, which you apply to the skin. There are also prescription retinoids, such as Accutane (isotretinoin), an oral medication that treats acne scars and reduces the size of pores.
Tazorac (tazarotene) is a prescription retinoid applied to the skin that may also help minimize pore size.
While retinoids are safe to use, they may cause dryness or redness in some people. Those who are pregnant, have skin allergies, or experience conditions such as rosacea should probably avoid retinoids.
Exfoliating your skin involves gently removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. You can use a brush, sponge, or scrub to help remove these cells. Chemical exfoliation is also an option. It uses chemicals such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells.
The key is to be gentle with your skin while exfoliating. Apply the exfoliant using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, then rinse off with lukewarm water. If you're using a sponge or brush, be especially gentle to avoid irritation.
Exfoliating can be too harsh for acne-prone, sensitive, or dry skin, so opt for a washcloth or mild chemical exfoliator instead. If you have dark skin or dark spots, you may want to avoid strong chemical exfoliators and use other exfoliants lightly to help decrease the chance of dark spots and discoloration.
6. Cleanse Your Face Twice a Day
To unclog and prevent clogged pores, clean your face twice daily using warm water and a gentle, non-clogging cleanser. Cleansing your face also reduces oiliness. Be gentle, and don't scrub. Scrubbing can cause inflammation, making pores appear more visible.
Chemical peels act at the epidermal (outer layer of skin) or dermal (middle layer of skin) level to regenerate new healthy skin cells, which improves the look of skin and pores. Some research suggests chemical peels can result in a significant reduction of enlarged facial pores.
During a chemical peel, a dermatologist (a medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions) or plastic surgeon will apply the peel to your skin and remove it after the required time. Some deep peels require general anesthesia, but mild or moderate chemical peels do not. Follow the dermatologist's aftercare instructions for optimal skin healing.
You'll see results in 1-14 days. While results are not permanent, chemical peels are likely to improve your skin's appearance significantly. Potential side effects include temporary darkening or lightening of the skin and persistent redness. Although rare, scarring is also possible.
8. Get Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment a dermatologist performs. It treats uneven skin tone, uneven skin texture, sun damage, and acne scars and reduces the size of enlarged pores.
The provider will use a handheld vacuum system to apply abrasive crystals to your skin, which will exfoliate and remove the top layer of your skin. As the skin heals after treatment, a new layer of skin forms, revealing improved texture and softness and fewer visible pores.
To see results, you may need a series of weekly treatments over 4-6 weeks. Results are temporary, and follow-up treatments are usually necessary to maintain them. However, with proper care, the results may last longer.
Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin tones, but people with rosacea and visible blood vessels on the face may want to avoid this treatment. Anyone prone to scarring or who has taken oral isotretinoin in the last six months is at a higher risk of scarring and may want to avoid microdermabrasion.
Research shows that laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for shrinking pores, though studies on the long-term efficacy of lasers are limited.
Laser resurfacing treatments include ablative lasers, which remove the top and middle layers of skin to reduce signs of sun damage. Non-ablative lasers cause controlled injury to the skin to increase the production of collagen and elastin, important proteins for skin health.
Unlike ablative lasers, which produce more dramatic results, non-ablative lasers don't remove the top layer of skin. They have fewer side effects and require less healing time before you notice results.
There's a variety of lasers that help reduce pore size, so it's a good idea to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can recommend the best laser for your skin.
Results from laser treatments typically take about a week to show. Results from ablative lasers can take up to two weeks. Side effects of laser resurfacing include persistent redness, oozing, hyperpigmentation, cold sores if you've had them in the past, acne, swelling, and rare cases of scarring.
10. Take Oral Contraceptives
Taking a daily dose of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may help pores appear smaller by helping to decrease the hormones that can cause acne and facial oiliness.
Oral contraceptives can take as little as one cycle (a month) to affect the skin. Side effects include an increased risk of blood clots, nausea, and breast tenderness. Opting for formulations containing lower doses of hormones can limit or prevent side effects.
In some people, birth control pills can make acne worse, so it's important to monitor your skin's condition while you take them. You can speak with your healthcare provider if your skin doesn't improve or gets worse.
Radiofrequency can help treat enlarged pores without serious side effects. During treatment, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a handheld vacuum device that transmits low-energy radiation, which generates heat within the skin.
Radiofrequency reduces sebum and increases collagen production, decreasing the size of pores and helping tighten sagging skin. In one study of people with large pores, 83% of participants saw their pores shrink by 50-100%.
One treatment can yield results that last for a year. These benefits show up in about a month, as it takes time for your skin to produce collagen.
12. Try Ultrasound
Ultrasound is another in-office treatment a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can perform. It uses heat to target tissues deep within the skin, producing collagen and elastin. Ultrasound also shrinks pores and improves the skin around the hair follicles.
Side effects of ultrasound may include bruising, pain, or redness. Results are noticeable after one treatment, with best results visible within 2-6 months.
There are other ways to maintain healthy skin and pores—from lifestyle habits to self-care tips you can add to your daily routine. Here are some tips:
- Reduce refined sugars and dairy in your diet: Some research shows a link between acne and eating too many refined sugars or dairy products. However, the connection is controversial and needs further study.
- Manage your stress levels: While not a direct cause of acne, stress may worsen existing acne. Research also suggests that high levels of stress are associated with more severe acne.
- Avoid smoking: Smokers are more likely to get acne than non-smokers, which can affect your pores.
- Get enough sleep: Acne may worsen if you don't get enough sleep. Sleeping 7-9 hours each night is ideal.
- Don't touch existing acne: Squeezing, rubbing, or picking at pimples can lead to scarring, slower healing times, and skin infections.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
If you're not seeing a reduction in your pore size after trying self-care practices and OTC products for 6-8 weeks, consider visiting a board-certified dermatologist.
A board-certified dermatologist has training in more than 3,000 diseases and cosmetic concerns relating to skin, hair, and nails. They'll be able to examine your skin and recommend the best treatment for you.
It's common for pores to increase in frequency and size as people age. If you're concerned about the appearance of your pores, there are many ways to reduce them.
While enlarged pores won't shrink instantly,OTC products, prescription retinoids, or professional treatments can help gradually reduce them. To prevent enlarged pores, make lifestyle choices that are good for your skin, such as avoiding smoking and wearing sunscreen every day.
