Large pores — what they are, and what genuinely helps

Pores are openings for oil glands and they are completely normal — every face has them. They look larger when they are clogged, stretched by excess sebum, or when the surrounding skin loses firmness with age. They cannot be permanently 'shrunk' or closed, but their appearance can be softened considerably with the right care.

Why pores look bigger

• Genetics — pore size is largely inherited.
• Excess sebum that stretches the opening from inside.
• Sun damage and ageing that weaken the structural collagen around each pore.
• Build-up of dead skin cells, sunscreen and makeup.
• Over-exfoliation, which damages the barrier and ironically increases oil production.

Care that softens pore appearance

• Double cleanse most evenings — an oil cleanser dissolves sebum nothing else will.
• Use a BHA (salicylic acid) 2–3 times a week to keep pores clear.
• Niacinamide 4–5% daily helps regulate sebum and refine texture over time.
• Light, non-comedogenic moisturisers — skipping hydration makes oil worse.
• Daily SPF — sun damage genuinely makes pores look larger over time.

A pore-refining routine

Morning

1. Low-pH gel cleanser.
2. Niacinamide serum.
3. Light gel moisturiser.
4. Broad-spectrum SPF 50.

Evening

1. Oil cleanser → water-based cleanser.
2. BHA toner pad 2–3 nights a week (alternate with hydrating essence).
3. Hydrating serum or essence.
4. Lightweight moisturiser; clay mask 1× a week if you wish.