How to shrink pores on your face: what actually helps, according to dermatologists

The most realistic way to shrink pores on your face is to make them less noticeable. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), pores look larger when they are clogged, when skin is oily, and when skin loses firmness. The good news is that simple daily care helps with all three.

This article covers what makes pores look large, the steps dermatologists recommend, the habits that make things worse, and a real analysis from Kira.

Why do pores look large?

The AAD explains the main reasons:

• Clogged pores. When pores clog, they expand, which makes them more noticeable.
• Oily skin. An oily complexion makes pores look larger.
• Sun damage. The more sun-damaged your skin, the less firmness it has, and pores become more noticeable.
• Irritating habits. Scrubbing, squeezing, or digging at pores irritates skin and makes pores look larger.

How to make large pores less noticeable

1. 01Cleanse twice a day. According to the AAD, this can unclog pores, prevent clogged pores, and reduce oiliness. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser, warm (not hot) water, and apply it gently.
2. 02Choose non-comedogenic products. It means the product will not clog your pores. This applies to both skin care and makeup.
3. 03Use retinol or retinyl palmitate. It may help if you have oily skin, mild acne, or skin that is less firm. The AAD suggests waiting 30 minutes after cleansing before applying it to reduce irritation.
4. 04Treat acne. A cleanser with salicylic acid may help, as studies show salicylic acid can unclog pores.
5. 05Wear sunscreen every day. Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher, so the sun does not break down your skin’s firmness. See how to apply sunscreen correctly.
6. 06Exfoliate safely. Exfoliating can make pores less noticeable, as long as it is done correctly so your skin is not damaged.

Do not squeeze, dig at, or scrub your pores. The AAD warns that these habits irritate skin and make pores look even larger.

Large pores and oily skin

Large pores often come with oily skin in the T-zone. If that sounds familiar, a routine that controls oil will also help your pores look smaller. See our guide to skincare for oily skin.

A real pore and texture analysis from Kira

Here is Kira’s real answer to the question “my pores are large and my skin is textured, what should I do?”. Kira reads the skin from a selfie, then builds a routine with ingredients to look for and things to avoid.

Kira’s advice to avoid harsh physical scrubs matches the AAD’s warning against scrubbing too hard. If you are new to BHA and retinoids, introduce them one at a time so your skin can adjust.

When to see a dermatologist

If exfoliating makes your skin uncomfortable or you are unsure whether it is right for you, the AAD suggests seeing a dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell whether exfoliating will help your skin, do it in the office, or offer procedures that tighten skin so pores look less noticeable.

Ask Kira about your pores

Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp. Kira reads your pores and skin texture, then builds a morning and night routine with ingredients to look for and avoid. See the pore and texture example.