When the skin produces too much oil, it mixes with dead skin cells inside the pore and clogs it, causing the pore to expand. When oil gets trapped by dead skin, it oxidizes and forms a blackhead.
Using the right pore-minimizing products consistently can help alleviate these issues. However, it’s important to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how enlarged pores and blackheads form in the first place.
What Causes Large Pores?
- Oil glands produce excessive oil.
- This oil mixes with other substances in the pore (e.g., dead skin cells).
- The pore becomes clogged, preventing oil from flowing out.
- The pore enlarges as a result.
Even when the pore expands to allow more oil to flow out, the oil (especially around the nose) can still get trapped by dead skin cells. When this happens, the oil and dead skin at the end of the clogged pore are exposed to air, oxidize, and form a blackhead.
Dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman emphasizes that “oil production and pore size are largely determined by genetics.” While we can use effective skincare products to temporarily shrink pores, we cannot eliminate them entirely. That’s a good thing, as pores play an essential role in overall skin health, and poreless skin isn’t something you’d want.
How to Reduce Enlarged Pores
- Avoid bar soap or other pore-clogging skincare products.
Ingredients that keep soap in a solid form are often comedogenic (meaning they can cause blackheads). Similarly, avoid overly emollient products (thick or greasy creams), especially if you have oily skin. - Use gentle, water-soluble cleansers and avoid drying or irritating ingredients.
Surprisingly, these harsh products can worsen oiliness. - Always remove makeup before bed.
Do this thoroughly but gently. - Avoid abrasive scrubs, loofahs, and harsh-bristled cleansing brushes.
The myth that you can scrub away blackheads is false. Harsh scrubbing only makes the skin dry and flaky, leading to more dead skin that can clog pores. - Exfoliate with a non-abrasive salicylic acid (BHA) product.
BHA removes dead skin cells that accumulate in pores, stretch them, and cause blackheads.Pro Tip: Because BHA can exfoliate inside the pore, it can help the pore return to its normal size and allow oil to flow out more evenly. BHA is incredibly effective for treating large, clogged pores. - Protect your skin from sunlight every day.
UV rays damage skin cells, impairing their function. This disrupts pore behavior, making it harder for oil to flow out and causing pores to enlarge. - Use products with niacinamide.
If a pore has stretched beyond its normal size, niacinamide can help create a “tightened” appearance by strengthening the skin’s healthy, natural quality. Research on niacinamide’s benefits for skin is impressive.
Best Skincare Routine for Enlarged Pores
For particularly stubborn blackheads, consider incorporating a clay mask into your routine to see if it yields better results:
- Clay masks absorb excess oil, temporarily reducing the appearance of enlarged pores due to their oil-absorbing properties.
- Choose a clay mask free from harsh ingredients.
- Alternatively, you can try an oil-absorbing product to wear under makeup.
How Long Does It Take to Shrink Pores?
The challenge with minimizing large pores is that it can take time to see results. Significant improvements in the appearance of large pores (rather than just a temporary reduction in their visibility) may require weeks of consistent treatment. Patience and dedication to your skincare routine are key to achieving the desired results.
Pore Minimization for Sensitive Skin
Fortunately, the best way to minimize enlarged pores on sensitive skin is the same as with any skin type: using a BHA exfoliant. If you’re new to BHA, start with a gentle, soothing lotion formulated for sensitive skin to see how your skin tolerates salicylic acid. If your skin responds well, you can gradually work up to a BHA exfoliant with a 2% concentration.
One added benefit of BHA is that it also helps reduce visible redness. As always, ensure that your entire skincare routine features products designed for sensitive skin to achieve the best results.
Pore Minimization for Mature Skin
Research has shown that the appearance of enlarged pores can increase with age. As we grow older, our pores don’t function as effectively as they did when we were younger. This is partly due to the natural aging process and partly due to environmental factors like pollution and sun damage.
If you notice a significant enlargement in your pores—including teardrop-shaped pores or very uneven skin—Niacinamide 20% treatments can deliver impressive results.