Ask A Dermatologist: Can I Shrink My Pores?

Everyone has pores, but some pores are more notable than others. Fixating on your pores under bright bathroom lights and magnifying mirrors can make the scale of the issue (and your pores!) seem much bigger to you than they look to other people. 

That said, asking “Why are my pores so big?” is a legitimate question. Clogged pores can appear to be bigger, and luckily that’s something you can work on fixing. Other factors that influence how visible your pores are – such as age and genetics – can be harder to tackle.

We asked Skin + Me Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Malvina Cunningham more about the truth behind pores, their relationship to healthy skin and how we can get rid of blocked pores, which often exacerbate the issue.

Skin + Me: What are pores?

Dr Malvina Cunningham: Pores are the small openings where hair follicles and oil-producing glands open onto the skin surface. They’re a natural part of our skin structure and their size is determined by genetics – however you feel about them, you can’t get rid of them. The good news is that you can make them less visible!

Skin + Me: Why are some people’s pores more visible than others?

Dr Malvina Cunningham: P

Pores can appear enlarged when clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Makeup can be another culprit. Oily skin types and combination skin are particularly prone to enlarged pores – especially across the ‘T-zone’. Skin ageing (and the loss of skin elasticity), or sun exposure can be a contributing factor too – so keep using your broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

Skin + Me: Tell us more about the relationship between visible pores and healthy skin

Dr Malvina Cunningham: Pores are an essential part of the normal structure of our skin. These small openings where hair follicles and oil-producing glands open onto the skin surface allow sweat and oil to escape. Not only are they a natural element of our skin but they have an essential function for the skin to remain healthy.

Skin + Me: How do I make my pores less visible?

Dr Malvina Cunningham: You can only make pores appear less visible but you can’t get rid of them completely. 

Any cleansing process you use on clogged pores needs to be repeated and maintained as pores inadvertently will fill up again – making them more visible again. The speed this happens depends on your skin type and other factors. 

Skin + Me: How do I get rid of clogged pores?

+ Use non-comedogenic skincare products. These are products don’t block pores and are usually oil-free.

+ Cleanse your skin twice daily with gentle face wash, particularly if you have combination or oily skin.

+ Introduce active ingredients that are known to help with clearing pores to your skincare regime – for example, retinoids (like tretinoin), salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

+ As a preventative measure against enlarged pores in general, use a daily sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage and associated premature skin ageing.

Skin + Me: What’s the relationship between pores and acne?

Dr Malvina Cunningham: Pores that are blocked by dead skin cells and an accumulation of oil triggers the initial process of comedone formation. This is the main lesion found in acne – your typical whitehead and blackhead. 

Working to keep pores clear of excess oil and dead skin (while still protecting your skin barrier) is one way to tackle acne. Remember that acne causes can be complex and triggers range from blocked pores to acne bacteria, hormonal changes, stress, some medications, poor cell turnover and other health and lifestyle factors. 

And, if you need advice, speak to a dermatology expert (like those at Skin + Me) who can recommend the right blend of active ingredients to minimise the appearance of your pores.

Medical facts checked by Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Malvina Cunningham.