If you’ve ever zoomed in on your face and thought, “Why are my pores so huge?”, you’re not alone. Enlarged pores are one of the most common cosmetic complaints – especially on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Scroll through social media and you’ll see promises of “poreless skin”, miracle serums, and filters that erase texture completely. But here’s the reality:

You can’t erase pores – they’re a normal part of your skin.

What you can do is reduce how visible they look and prevent them from stretching or clogging further.

In this blog, we’ll break down what actually causes enlarged pores, which treatments are backed by science, what’s marketing fluff, and how SkinBuddy helps you choose products that won’t make the problem worse.

What Are Enlarged Pores, Really?

Pores are tiny openings in the skin connected to hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands. They’re not “holes” you can close or open with products – they’re anatomical structures that help transport sebum and sweat to the skin surface.

DermNet describes enlarged pores as depressions in the facial skin surface associated with one or more openings of pilosebaceous units (oil glands and hair follicles). Common areas are the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, and they’re strongly linked to sebum production, skin elasticity, and follicle size.

So when we talk about “enlarged pores”, we’re talking about pores that are:

• More visible due to increased sebum

• Stretched by chronic clogging or inflammation

• Made more obvious by loss of skin firmness and collagen

You can’t remove them – but you can manage what makes them look larger.

What Causes Enlarged Pores?

Multiple factors contribute, and most people have more than one at play:

1. Increased sebum (oil) production

   Oily skin types naturally have more visible pores. Excess sebum can stretch the pore over time.

2. Genetics

   Some people are simply born with larger follicles and more active sebaceous glands.

3. Loss of skin elasticity with age

   As collagen and elastin decline, the skin around the pore loses support, making pores appear larger and more “slack.” DermNet notes that age-related loss of elasticity and sun damage are key drivers of enlarged pores.

4. Sun damage

   UV radiation breaks down collagen and thickens the outer skin layers, which can make pores look more obvious.

5. Acne and comedones

   Blackheads, whiteheads, and chronic congestion can physically stretch the pore opening and weaken its structure.

6. Comedogenic or heavy products

   Makeup, sunscreens, or skincare that clog pores can make them appear larger over time.

7. Hormonal fluctuations

   Hormone shifts (such as around ovulation or in oily skin types) can temporarily increase pore visibility.

Can You Actually Shrink Pores?

Short answer: you can’t change their anatomical size, but you can make them look significantly smaller.

A systematic review on facial pore treatments found that enlarged pores are influenced by age, UV exposure, sebum production, and genetics. Multiple topical and procedural approaches can reduce their appearance by lowering sebum, refining texture, and improving skin elasticity.

Think of it this way:

You can’t delete pores, but you can:

• Keep them clear (so they don’t stretch)

• Reduce excess oil

• Support collagen

• Improve skin smoothness and light reflection

All of that makes pores less noticeable – which is what you care about when you look in the mirror.

Science-Backed Treatments for Enlarged Pores

Topical Treatments

These are the everyday tools that help improve pore appearance gradually.

1. Retinoids (retinol, adapalene, tretinoin)

   Retinoids increase cell turnover, help reduce comedones, and stimulate collagen. Over time, they smooth the skin surface and refine the look of pores.

2. Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA/PHA)

   • Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates into pores and dissolves oil plugs.

   • Glycolic and lactic acid (AHAs) smooth texture and increase radiance.

     Regular chemical exfoliation keeps pores clearer and less stretched.

3. Niacinamide

   Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, improve elasticity, and reduce redness. It’s one of the best-tolerated ingredients for pore visibility and oily skin.

4. Azelaic acid

   Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and mild comedolytic properties, helping refine texture and reduce post-acne marks that draw attention to pores.

5. Sunscreen

   Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen protects collagen and prevents the worsening of pore visibility due to UV damage.

In-Clinic Treatments

For more pronounced enlarged pores, dermatological procedures can provide faster, more visible results.

A clinical review on pore treatments reports that lasers, microneedling, chemical peels, radiofrequency, and certain topicals can reduce pore count and area to varying degrees.

Examples include:

• Fractional lasers and non-ablative lasers

  Improve texture, stimulate collagen, and tighten the skin around pores.

• Radiofrequency microneedling

  Combines controlled injury with heat to remodel collagen and firm skin.

• Chemical peels (e.g., glycolic, salicylic)

  Help with texture, post-acne scarring, and congestion.

• Botulinum toxin–based approaches

  Emerging treatments are exploring intradermal botulinum toxin for enlarged pores, as it can help regulate sebum and improve skin texture. A 2025 study in Toxins evaluated a combination of Onabotulinumtoxin A and hyaluronic acid filler for enlarged facial pores and found promising improvements in pore appearance, particularly in Asian skin.

These procedures should always be done under the guidance of a dermatologist or qualified aesthetic doctor.

Everyday Skincare Routine for Enlarged Pores

You don’t have to start with lasers. A consistent, targeted routine already makes a huge difference.

1. Gentle, non-stripping cleanser

   Use a mild cleanser that removes oil and sunscreen but doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight. Over-cleansing can push your skin into producing even more oil.

2. Chemical exfoliant

   Use a BHA (like salicylic acid) or a gentle AHA/BHA blend a few times per week to keep pores clear.

3. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer

   Hydrated skin looks smoother and more refined. Look for gel-cream textures if you’re oily.

4. Daily SPF 30+

   UV protection is essential to keep pores from looking more prominent as collagen declines.

5. Optional: targeted serum

   Niacinamide, retinoids, or azelaic acid serums can be layered in depending on your tolerance and skin needs.

Common Myths About Enlarged Pores

Myth: You can “close” your pores

Reality: Pores don’t have muscles to open or close. They can appear tighter when clean and supported by a firm, healthy skin barrier.

Myth: Ice water permanently shrinks pores

Reality: Cold can temporarily constrict blood vessels and make pores look smaller for a short time, but it doesn’t change their structure.

Myth: Only oily skin gets enlarged pores

Reality: Enlarged pores are more common in oily skin, but age-related collagen loss, UV damage, and past acne can make pores more visible in combination or even normal skin.

Myth: Scrubbing harder makes pores smaller

Reality: Over-exfoliation and harsh scrubs can damage the barrier and cause inflammation, making pores and texture look worse.

How SkinBuddy Helps You Manage Enlarged Pores

Enlarged pores are rarely caused by one single product. It’s usually the combination of genetics, oil production, and the wrong formulas over time. That’s where SkinBuddy makes things easier.

Inside SkinBuddy, “Enlarged pores” is a separate skin concern you can select in your skin profile.

When you choose Enlarged pores as a concern:

• Every product you scan is analyzed for how its ingredients impact this concern.

• SkinBuddy highlights ingredients that may worsen clogging or oiliness (for example, certain comedogenic oils or heavy occlusives for acne-prone users).

• It also shows which ingredients are beneficial for enlarged pores – like niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinoids, or certain forms of vitamin C – with clear explanations.

In the Discover Ideal Match feature, you can:

• Select Enlarged pores as one of your main concerns

• Add extra filters like Non-Comedogenic, Non-Irritating, or Oily Skin

• Instantly see products that are better suited for minimizing the appearance of pores and supporting skin texture

Try SkinBuddy to find out what works for your skin, and what doesn’t.

Scan your skincare, avoid pore-clogging or irritating ingredients, and discover smarter product matches. Open the web app or download the mobile app to get started.

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Check Products Online

Check if your skincare suits your skin type, sensitivity, or acne-prone needs at skinbuddy.app and discover better options that match your routine and goals. SkinBuddy makes it easy, fast, and science-backed.

Scan to get started:

Web App (mobile only)

App Store & Google Play

FAQs About Enlarged Pores

1. What’s the main cause of enlarged pores?

   Most often it’s a combination of oil production, genetics, collagen loss, and past acne. Sun damage and comedogenic products can make them more noticeable over time.

2. Can I completely get rid of enlarged pores?

   No – pores are a permanent part of your skin structure. But you can significantly reduce how visible they look with consistent skincare, sun protection, and, if needed, in-clinic treatments.

3. Do laser or botox-based treatments really help?

   Certain laser treatments, radiofrequency, and emerging intradermal botulinum toxin approaches have shown improvements in texture and pore appearance, especially when combined with other modalities. These should be done by qualified professionals.

4. What ingredients should I look for in products for enlarged pores?

   Retinoids, niacinamide, salicylic acid, gentle AHAs, azelaic acid, and daily sunscreen are all helpful. SkinBuddy can help you quickly spot these ingredients in any product you scan.

5. Can makeup make my pores look bigger over time?

   Yes, if you use heavy, comedogenic, or poorly removed makeup, it can clog pores and stretch them. Look for non-comedogenic formulas, remove makeup thoroughly, and avoid sleeping in it.

6. Is it safe to squeeze or extract clogged pores?

   Aggressive squeezing can lead to broken capillaries, scars, or enlarged pore openings. It’s safer to use chemical exfoliants and, if needed, get professional extractions.

Final Thoughts

Enlarged pores are normal and extremely common – especially if you have oily skin, a history of acne, or sun exposure. You can’t erase them, but you can refine texture, reduce congestion, and support collagen so they look much less noticeable.

The key is combining realistic expectations with science-backed ingredients and smart product choices.

And you don’t have to decode INCI lists alone.

With SkinBuddy, you can set Enlarged pores as a specific skin concern, scan your current routine, and instantly see which products are helping – and which ones might be working against you.

👉 Ready to start building a pore-friendly routine that actually matches your skin?

Download the SkinBuddy app and discover skincare and makeup tailored to enlarged pores and your other skin concerns.