The Truth About Pore Size: Can You Really Shrink Them?

Enlarged pores are one of the most common skin concerns—but also one of the most misunderstood. While pore size is largely genetic, the right skincare can help minimize their appearance. This article breaks down what actually works to smooth and refine skin—and what’s just clever marketing.

What Are Pores, Really?

Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release oil and sweat. They’re essential for keeping your skin healthy and functioning, not something to “get rid of.” Everyone has them—and yes, some are more visible than others, especially around the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Genetics determines your natural pore size, but factors like oil production, dead skin buildup, and sun damage can make them look bigger than they are.

What Doesn’t Work (Despite the Hype)

Let’s get this out of the way: you can’t shrink pores permanently. Any product that claims to “erase” or “close” pores is overselling. Pores don’t open and close like doors, and no toner or serum can magically make them disappear overnight.

Pore strips, for example, may remove blackheads temporarily, but they don’t change your actual pore size—and overuse can even irritate the skin.

What Does Help Minimize Their Appearance

While you can’t change your genes, you can improve how your pores look:

• Use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to keep pores clear and unclogged.

• Incorporate retinoids (like tretinoin or retinol) to increase cell turnover and improve skin texture over time.

• Wear sunscreen every day. Sun damage breaks down collagen, which can make pores sag and look bigger.

• Keep oil in check with lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and gentle cleansers. Avoid harsh scrubs that strip your skin.

Consistency is key. With time, these ingredients help refine the skin and reduce the “stretched” look around the pores.

Professional Options Are Also Available

If you’re looking for more dramatic results, dermatologists may recommend procedures like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments—all of which can help improve skin texture and reduce the look of large pores. These aren’t necessary for everyone, but they can be helpful for deeper skin concerns.

Focus on Skin Health—Not Perfection

Pores are normal. Visible pores are normal. The goal isn’t poreless skin (that doesn’t exist)—it’s skin that feels healthy, smooth, and balanced. With the right approach, you can reduce the look of enlarged pores and feel more confident in your skin without chasing impossible promises.

Because better skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress you can actually see.