How to Shrink Pores and Reduce Their Appearance Naturally

Soap Ninja
May 29
3 min read

“How to get rid of pores” is one of the most searched skincare questions online, with over 155 million views on TikTok. If you’ve ever zoomed in on your skin hoping for smoother texture, you’re not alone. But let’s get one thing clear: you can’t get rid of pores – and you shouldn’t want to.

Instead, let’s focus on how to shrink pores, improve skin texture, and reduce their appearance using skincare strategies that really work.

What Are Pores and Why Do They Matter?

Pores are tiny openings on the skin’s surface that lead to your hair follicles. There are two types:

Oil pores release sebum (your skin’s natural oil)
Sweat pores help regulate body temperature

They’re essential for healthy, functioning skin – so even though you may wish for them to disappear, visible pores serve a real purpose.

Can You Actually Get Rid of Pores?

No – pores are permanent. They're part of your skin’s structure and play a key role in oil production and hydration. But with the right skincare routine for large pores, you can keep them clean and make them look smaller.

What Causes Enlarged or Visible Pores?

Several factors can contribute to the appearance of large pores on the face:

Genetics – Some skin types are naturally more prone to enlarged pores.
Excess sebum – When too much oil, makeup, and dirt build up, pores stretch and become more visible.
Sun damage – UV rays break down collagen, making pores appear larger.
Ageing – A natural loss of skin elasticity causes sagging and stretched pores.
Warm weather – Heat and humidity increase oil production and cause pores to dilate.
Poor cleansing habits – Not removing makeup or using thick, occlusive products can lead to clogged pores.

Why Do Pores Look More Noticeable?

Two big triggers make pores appear larger:

Bright sunlight – Natural light exposes skin texture.
Makeup buildup – Foundations and powders can settle into pores throughout the day, making them more obvious.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Pores

While you can’t erase pores, you can significantly minimise their appearance with these effective tips:

Double Cleanse Daily

An effective pore-cleansing routine starts with a double cleanse at night:

Begin with an oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen and makeup (oil attracts oil).
Follow with a gel or salicylic acid face wash to remove deep-seated debris and excess oil.

This helps prevent clogged pores and keeps skin clear.

Exfoliate with BHA

Use a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) 1–2 times per week. It deeply cleans within the pores, removing sebum and dead skin cells that can cause congestion.

Apply Daily SPF

Sun protection is crucial. UV radiation breaks down collagen, which causes pores to stretch. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 40+ every day to preserve skin structure and keep pores looking refined.

Use Retinol for Pores

Retinol is a top-tier ingredient for enlarged pores treatment. It:

Reduces oil production
Speeds up skin cell turnover
Stimulates collagen to firm the skin

Over time, this can dramatically improve the look of large pores and prevent new ones from becoming visible.

Try Clay Masks and Blurring Primers

Clay masks absorb oil and tighten the skin temporarily.
Makeup primers for pores help smooth skin texture and prevent makeup from settling into the pores.

These are excellent short-term solutions for improving the appearance of visible pores before applying makeup.

Best Professional Treatments for Enlarged Pores

If you’re ready to go beyond home care, consider these professional pore-refining treatments:

Chemical peels – Provide deep exfoliation and smoother texture.
Microneedling – Stimulates collagen to firm skin and shrink pores.
Laser treatments – Like IPL or fractional lasers for better skin tone and texture.
Hydrafacials – Cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate in one go.
Microtox – A version of Botox injected superficially to reduce oil production and visibly tighten pores (not permanent, requires maintenance).

Final Thoughts

You can’t remove pores, but you can keep them clean, healthy, and nearly invisible with the right approach. With consistent skincare, sun protection, and the right products, minimising pores naturally is achievable – and your skin will thank you.