9 Ways You Can Reduce Facial Pores
Written by: Lucy Partington
Updated on: 17th July 2025
Large pores are a very common concern for a lot of us. As skincare trends gain popularity and evolve, the demand for treatments and products that promise to reduce the appearance of pores has increased tenfold.
However, before we continue, the most important thing to note is that having pores is entirely normal and completely natural, and no product or treatment exists that will eliminate them fully. It’s impossible. The reason? Well, it’s because they are a part of the skin’s structure.
What are pores?
Cited as a skin concern for a lot of people, pores are small openings on the skin that allow both sweat and oil to reach the surface. They are essential for the body’s natural cooling process, and help you maintain healthy skin – which comes thanks to the fact that pores release sebum (an oil that helps ensure skin stays hydrated and protected).
The most vital thing to know about pores is that everybody has them, and their presence on your skin – and face – is entirely normal. However, they can become a cosmetic concern when they become enlarged and very visible, which is often caused by excessive oil production, especially in oily and blemish-prone skin types.
What causes enlarged pores?
Enlarged pores can be caused by a few different factors, with each one contributing to their increased size. That’s why understanding the causes can help you develop an effective skincare routine, which will help you to manage and minimise their appearance.
What is the difference between clogged and open pores?
To properly manage your pores, it’s important to be aware of the differences between open and clogged pores. Firstly, enlarged pores don’t always lead to clogged pores.
Open pores are typically larger but tend to be clear, but you should be looking out for signs of debris, inflammation and any textural changes in your skin to identify clogged pores. Regular cleansing, exfoliation and ensuring you’re using non-comedogenic products (which means they are specifically formulated not to clog pores) can help you manage both conditions.
Can you really get rid of large pores?
As mentioned earlier, pores are an entirely natural part of being a human, which means they are permanent. However, they are also a very important part of your skin and how it functions, so you can’t – and shouldn’t ever try – to get rid of them fully.
However, you can take steps to help reduce their appearance, such as adapting your skincare routine and choosing ingredients and products specifically formulated to help you reach your end goal.
How to minimise pores on the face
Discover simple, effective tips to help reduce the appearance of pores and achieve a smoother complexion.
Cleanse thoroughly
Proper cleansing is crucial when it comes to managing pore size and helping to maintain overall skin health. That’s why it’s important to ensure you choose the right cleanser for your skin type, and luckily Medik8 has a vast portfolio of products to ensure you can find your perfect match.
Sensitive skin:
Try Calmwise Soothing Cleanser
Formulated with a blend of chlorophyll and vitamin K2, it helps to soothe visible redness and calm sensitised or post-treatment skin to ensure a thorough cleanse without causing irritation.
Oily skin:
Try Pore Cleanse Gel Intense
The oily-skinned amongst us may find that oil-based cleansers aren’t helpful, so opting for a product like Pore Cleanse Gel Intense may be a better idea. It contains a blend of AHAs and BHAs to deliver visible pore reduction and unwanted oiliness, making it ideal for those with oily skin and large pores.
Mature skin:
Try Cream Cleanse
A nourishing cleanser bolstered with shea butter, it works to gently cleanse while nourishing and rejuvenating skin, helping it to maintain a smoother texture to help reduce the overall appearance of pores.
Look for non-comedogenic skincare products
The term ‘non-comedogenic’ is defined as products that are specifically formulated not to clog pores, making them ideal for those looking to minimise pore size and maintain clear skin. This type of product also helps to prevent the build-up of oil and debris that can lead to enlarged pores and breakouts.
Sensitive skin:
Try Calmwise Serum
Lightweight and non-comedogenic, it’s designed to calm and soothe sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation without clogging pores.
Oily skin:
Try Blemish Control Pads
Formulated with salicylic acid, these ultra-soft non-comedogenic pads work to dissolve build-up deep within pores, helping to control oil levels and prevent breakouts, making them perfect for oily skin types.
Mature skin:
Try Hydr8 B5 Intense
A non-comedogenic serum that combines hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to deeply hydrate, firm and plump mature skin, which, over time, will improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores without causing congestion.
Retinoids for pores: your new best friend
Our holy grail, retinoids, which include retinol, are highly effective in skincare thanks to their ability to increase skin cell turnover. This mechanism helps keep pores clear and prevents them from becoming clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil, which can lead to enlarged pores.
Over time, regular use of retinoids can make pores less visible. Since retinoids help encourage the shedding of dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production, skin becomes smoother and more resilient, and in turn, improves skin texture and makes pores appear smaller.
Sensitive skin:
Try Crystal Retinal 3
Gentle but effective, there’s a reason Crystal Retinal is one of our hero products. It works 11x faster than a traditional retinol[1] but offers all the benefits with a lower chance of irritation so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. For those with very sensitive skin or who have not reacted well to previous retinoids, start with our lower-strength CR1 serum.
Oily skin:
Try Retinol 3TR
A cutting-edge retinol serum designed to promote a smoother youthful-looking skin while unclogging pores, making it ideal for those with oily skin.
Mature skin:
Try Crystal Retinal 6
A higher-strength retinaldehyde-based serum compared to CR3, Crystal Retinal 6 promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production, which address both pore size and encourage a youthful complexion.
Protect your skin from the sun
Prolonged sun exposure can have a negative impact on your skin in a variety of ways, but when it comes to pores, UV rays from the sun damage the skin’s collagen and elasticity – both of which are vital for maintaining firmness and elasticity. As the structural support breaks down, skin can become saggy, causing pores to stretch and be more noticeable.
That’s why using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30 everyday is important. It not only shields against UV damage but also helps preserve collagen and elastin, maintaining skin firmness. Plus, it reduces the risk of pigmentation and sunspots, both of which can play a part in emphasising pore visibility.
Exfoliate to remove dead skin
Regular exfoliation is important for maintaining clear and refined pores. A good exfoliator will help slough away dead skin cells, which allows for a smoother skin texture and less visible pores. Both liquid exfoliators and toners can be effective, but which one you choose depends on your skin type and its unique needs.
Sensitive skin:
Try Press & Glow
A gentle exfoliator that is suitable for twice-a-day use, it is formulated with PHAs, which are less irritating than most other exfoliating acids and is clinically proven to deliver glowing skin in just 2 weeks.[2]
Oily skin:
Try Pore Cleanse Gel Intense
A foaming gel cleanser, it contains a blend of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid for a deep but gentle exfoliation that helps unclog pores and control excess oil production.
Mature skin:
Try Sleep Glycolic
An overnight exfoliating treatment that works to accelerate skin renewal, boost skin barrier and refine skin texture. It’s ideal for mature skin types looking to minimise the look of pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Incorporate a weekly mask
A weekly clay mask moment – with our Natural Clay Mask – can help draw out any excess oil lurking in pores, as well as any dead skin and debris, ensuring they’re not blocked and helping to refine the look of enlarged pores and restore balance to your skin.
Consider professional treatments
For an even more tailored approach, professional treatments – including chemical peels, laser therapy and micro-needling – can be highly effective in reducing the appearance of pores. These advanced treatment types can offer more targeted solutions to refine and address texture concerns by using professional strength acids and machines depending on what your skin needs.
Keep the fingers at bay
Resisting the (sometimes incredibly hard!) urge to touch your face is important for helping to maintain a clear and healthy-looking complexion. Frequently touching, picking, squeezing and digging into pores can exacerbate skin issues and make pores much more noticeable.
By practising good hygiene and gentle skincare habits, you can maintain clearer, healthier skin and help keep your pores under control.
Avoid harsh scrubs and be gentle
As is the case across the board, being gentle with your skin is especially important when it comes to maintaining healthy pores and avoiding irritation. Overuse of harsh scrubs, exfoliators and active ingredients can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and more noticeable pores.
For that reason, it’s always worth opting for gentle, non-irritating products, which will work in tandem with your skin to ensure it remains healthy, balanced and less prone to irritation and inflammation, helping to keep pores looking less noticeable.
But, does cold water close pores?
One of the most common myths within the skincare space suggests that using cold water can ‘close’ pores, and hot water can ‘open’ them. However, that’s not something that is – scientifically speaking – correct. Pores don’t have the muscles, or any other capabilities, to open and close in response to temperature changes.
Instead, their size and appearance are related to genetics, skin type and skin care practices. However, it is worth noting that hot water can cause blood vessels to dilate, giving the impression of enlarged pores, and cold water can constrict the blood vessels which can make pores look smaller.
These are entirely temporary effects though, and in reality, the actual size of them remains the same, and the key to maintaining clear and less noticeable pores is focusing on a consistent and targeted skincare routine for enlarged pores.
Related article: Retinoid Myths Debunked
Mastering pore perfection with retinoids
Retinoids, which are derivatives of Vitamin A, have long been celebrated in the skincare world thanks to the impressive results they have on skin health and appearance. Originally developed and used to treat acne, retinoids are now big news in the pro-ageing and skin refining categories thanks to their ability to promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and significantly reduce the appearance of pores.
As well as that, incorporating retinoids can help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, which contributes to a more youthful-looking complexion. Plus they can help even out your skin tone and improve texture by helping to fade hyperpigmentation, which will enhance the overall appearance of skin.
How to use retinol for enlarged pores
Retinoids are best applied to dry skin after cleansing in the evening, and it’s important to allow them to absorb properly into the skin before you layer other skincare products on top. And always remember to use sunscreen during the day as retinoids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.
What other ingredients can help shrink pores?
As well as retinoids, there are a few other ingredients that are incredibly effective in helping to reduce the appearance of pores, including:
✓ Niacinamide:
A form of vitamin B3 found in our Clarity Peptides, it helps regulate oil production, improves elasticity, and reduces pore size.
✓ Salicylic acid:
An oil-soluble exfoliator used in Press & Clear, it works deep inside the pores to help clear out excess sebum and dead skin cells.
✓ Glycolic acid:
An alpha-hydroxy acid that sloughs dead skin cells at the surface of the skin, glycolic acid encourages cell turnover and reduces pore size.
✓ Clay:
An ingredient that absorbs excess oil and other impurities directly from the skin, helping to unclog pores and reduce their appearance.
✓ Green tea:
A powerful antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe blemish-prone skin and minimise pores.
Related article: ‘When & How you Should Increase Your Retinol Strength’
The bottom line
Pores really do play a crucial role in overall skin health by allowing the release of sebum and sweat, both of which are essential when it comes to maintaining a balanced and hydrated complexion.
While it’s impossible to eliminate pores altogether, understanding and utilising the right skin care ingredients can minimise their appearance, and by maintaining a consistent routine tailored to your skin type, you can achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin over time. Incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine is a powerful way to minimise the appearance of pores and achieve more refined skin. Explore Medik8's favourite form of vitamin A - our innovative retinaldehyde collection and experience a new level of skincare designed to transform your complexion while being gentle on your skin.
FAQ's
Incorporating ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide, salicylic acid and clay, as well as maintaining a consistent skincare routine can help tighten pores.
Yes, using niacinamide does reduce pore size thanks to the fact it helps regulate oil production and improves skin elasticity.
At Medik8 we believe the best product is something that contains retinoids or salicylic acid – which both promote skin cell turnover and unclog pores.
Yes, retinol is great for your pores! It works by speeding up cell turnover, which helps prevent pores from clogging with dead skin cells and oil. Retinol also boosts collagen production, which can tighten the skin around your pores, making them appear smaller and more refined.
Unfortunately yes, pores do get larger with age due to the loss of collagen and elastin.
Salicylic acid can minimise the size of your pores by dissolving any dirt and debris that has built up inside them, as well as exfoliating them from within.
You cannot permanently reverse large pores, but you can significantly improve their appearance with the right skincare.
As with all skincare, it can take several weeks or months, with consistent use and a targeted routine to see a visible difference in pore size.
Yes, a toner can help minimise the appearance of pores, but it cannot physically change the size of your pores. We recommend looking for exfoliating toners formulated with BHAs or AHAs to gently remove dead skin cells that build up around the pores, which can make them look larger.
Lucy Partington
Lucy Partington has been a beauty editor for over a decade and has written for titles including Stylist, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, British Vogue and GQ Middle East. She loves trying new sunscreens, cleansing her face at the end of a long day and is on a constant quest for glowing skin.
[1]G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
[2]Proven via independent clinical study on Press & Glow. Tested on 31 participants over 4 weeks.