Why pores look large
- Oil. Oily skin stretches the pore opening, and oil mixed with dead skin can fill it, making it look darker and wider. That’s why pores look biggest on the nose, cheeks next to the nose, and forehead.
- Genes. Pore size is largely inherited. If your parents had visible pores, you’re more likely to.
- Age and sun. As skin loses firmness over the years, and with sun damage, the skin around each pore sags a little, so the opening looks larger.
Can you shrink them?
Not permanently. What you can change is how full and stretched they look. Keeping pores clear and skin less oily makes them look smaller, and protecting skin from the sun slows the loss of firmness that makes them look bigger over time.
A routine that helps
- Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and after sweating. Harsh, stripping cleansers can leave skin irritated without helping pores.
- One pore-focused active. Salicylic acid (BHA) works inside the pore because it dissolves in oil. A retinoid such as adapalene or retinol helps keep pores clear; the American Academy of Dermatology lists retinoids among the ingredients that can make pores look smaller. Niacinamide can help with oiliness. Start one at a time, a few nights a week.
- A light, oil-free moisturiser labelled “non-comedogenic”, so it won’t clog pores.
- Sunscreen every morning, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, choosing an oil-free or gel formula if you’re oily.
What to skip
- Squeezing and pore strips. They empty the top of the pore for a day or two, can irritate skin, and the pore refills.
- Scrubbing hard. It doesn’t reach inside the pore and can leave skin red and rough.
- Heavy, oily products on the areas where pores look largest.
How long it takes
Give a new routine six to eight weeks before judging it. If you want more than a routine can do, a dermatologist can offer treatments such as prescription retinoids, chemical peels or lasers.
Not sure where to start?
Pores often look larger in photos with overhead light — a good report says how clear each finding is. FacialStack looks at three photos of your face (front, left and right), describes what’s visible and suggests a simple morning and night routine, with what each step is for. The report is free with a free sign-in, for adults 18+. It’s cosmetic guidance from what a photo shows, not a diagnosis. You can see an example report first.
More guides
- Which skincare products should I use?
- Dark circles under your eyes: why you get them and what helps
- Skincare routine order, morning and night
- A simple skincare routine for oily skin
- Blackheads on your nose: what actually helps
- Dark marks after spots: why they stay and what fades them
- A simple skincare routine for men (beard included)
- AI skin analysis from a photo: what it can and can’t tell you
Source: American Academy of Dermatology, guidance on making large pores look smaller and on acne-prone skin care (aad.org). General information only, not medical advice.