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One of the most common skincare myths out there is that you can shrink the size of your pores. But can you actually reduce pore size? To find out, we consulted board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Foad, and the answer might surprise you.
"This is one of the most common questions I get,” she said “and the honest answer is that you can’t actually 'shrink' your pores permanently.”
However, not all hope is lost if you're struggling with the look of your pores. With the right skincare, Dr. Foad says that you can minimize the appearance of pores.
Why Do My Pores Look So Large?
Before you can start looking for treatments, it's first important to understand why your pores appear "enlarged."
Dr. Foad explains that "enlarged pores usually mean your skin is producing more oil." That may lead to clogged pores and it’s this “repeated congestion or buildup [that] can stretch the pore over time, making it appear larger.”
Age is also a factor in the appearance of pores “because collagen loss makes the skin less firm, and with less volume, there is less support around and under the pores” causing them to look larger, according to Dr. Foad.
Persistent sun damage is the final factor, as it breaks down the skin’s structure, potentially exaggerating pore visibility.
How To Get Rid Of Enlarged Pores
While we've established that you can't shrink pores, Dr. Foad says that the right skincare can indeed make pores look smaller and more refined. No, that doesn't mean we’re bringing back the pore strip. Instead, Dr. Foad recommends a series of powerful ingredients that target the cause of “enlarged” pores.
“Keeping pores clear is one of the most important steps, because buildup is what makes them look more noticeable.” Therefore, daily gentle cleansing is crucial in keeping pores clear.
Cetaphil Face Wash Daily Facial Cleanser
This OG face wash does exactly what Dr. Foad says your cleanser should: provide a deep cleanse that won't strip your skin. The fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula helps strengthen the skin and contains oil-balancing niacinamide (a Dr. Foad rec).
“From there, adding in a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid, glycolic or lactic acid, depending on your skin type, can help clear pores more effectively than physical scrubs,” Dr. Foad says. These acids can also make the skin appear smoother. Additionally, "Niacinamide helps balance oil production and calm the skin, which can make pores look less prominent.”
Medicube Toner Pads Zero Pore Pad 2.0
These bestselling pore pads are soaked in powerful AHAs and BHAs responsible for clearing pores by reducing oil and sebum production. Over 17,800 satisfied Amazon shoppers have awarded these TikTok-loved pore pads 5 stars.
Paula's Choice Face Exfoliant 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Facial Exfoliator
A trusted product, this liquid exfoliator contains salicylic acid to increase cell turnover, unclog pores and prevent future congestion, in addition to smoothing texture.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Serum
Suitable for various skin types, this lactic acid serum gently yet effectively removes pore-clogging dead skin cells while targeting stubborn texture and brightening the overall complexion.
Olay Super Serum
This serum contains three Dr. Foad-recommended ingredients: niacinamide to balance oil and brighten discoloration, AHAs to clear clogged pores and collagen peptides to promote firmness and elasticity. The result is clearer, smoother skin.
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel
With 10% glycolic acid, this fast-absorbing serum effectively buffs away dead skin cells to help clear pores, transforming your complexion from dull to glowy.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
An affordable favorite of social media, a few daily swipes of this affordable glycolic acid will reduce congestion by removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin radiant and texture-free.
"Retinoids are another favorite, since they help with cell turnover and improve overall skin texture over time.” Additionally, retinoids help support collagen, which “can also help improve the appearance of pores over time by strengthening the surrounding skin.”
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Increase cell turnover and support collagen production by utilizing this retinoid oil, which aids in revealing smoother skin and clearer pores.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
This serum uses encapsulated retinal to deeply penetrate skin and promote pore-clearing cell turnover. Additionally, it targets hyperpigmentation and rough, bumpy texture.
As always, sunscreen is a must, as to prevent any damage that may contribute to the appearance of enlarged pores.
Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen
Consistent use of active ingredients can leave skin more sensitive to sun damage, which is why a sunscreen is a must. This one has SPF 50 along with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and collagen-supporting peptides. Plus, it doesn't leave a white cast.
Top Ingredients For Minimizing the Appearance of Pores
To minimize the appearance of pores, Dr. Foad suggests “the key is choosing ingredients that support both clarity and skin barrier health.”
- Salicylic acid: "Salicylic acid is great because it works inside the pore to dissolve oil and debris, and is great for acne prone patients and people with more oily or combination skin."
- Retinoids: “Retinoids can also be very helpful in the long term by improving cell turnover and preventing future clogs.”
- Niacinamide: "Niacinamide helps balance oil production and calm the skin, which can make pores look less prominent.”
- Other Acids: “I also like gentle alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid or lactic acid to smooth the skin’s surface."
- SPF: “Daily sunscreen is key, since chronic UV damage can make pores look larger.”
This is why lactic acid is the go-to exfoliant for anyone with sensitive, reactive skin.
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