How to Minimise Pores (and Why "Poreless" Is a Myth)

Have you ever spotted your pores and tried methods to "get rid" of them? Whether it's a new pore-minimising skincare product or a different primer, here's the truth: pores cannot be removed. They play a fundamental role in the skin, which means that "minimising" is really about knowing how to reduce their appearance, not eliminate them entirely.

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So, What Are Pores Exactly?

Before exploring why pores can't be removed, it's worth establishing what they are and the role they play. Pores are tiny openings scattered across the skin that allow hair follicles and oil to reach the surface. The size of each pore varies based on its location on the body, your genetics, and your overall oil gland activity.

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What Causes Enlarged Pores?

If you're wondering why pores appear larger on the skin, you're not alone. Identifying the root cause can be challenging, but there are some key contributors worth knowing about.

• Genetics: This is the leading cause of larger pores. Many people are genetically predisposed to excess oil production, which causes sebum to stretch the pore lining over time.
• Sun damage: Prolonged UV exposure breaks down the proteins collagen and elastin. As the skin loses its firmness, pores begin to appear larger on the surface.
• Hormonal changes: Sudden hormonal shifts throughout your lifetime, including during pregnancy, puberty or the menstrual cycle, can cause an increase in excess oil production, widening the pore opening.
• Ageing process: From around the age of 25, your skin's collagen and elastin gradually decline each year. This breakdown can make pores increasingly visible on the surface over time.
• Skin congestion: A poor skincare routine, or a lack of basic habits such as exfoliating, leads to congestion. Persistent blackheads, whiteheads or other forms of acne stretch the pore lining over time, making pores appear wider.

*Please note that the above is a general overview of the main causes behind enlarged pores. A PubMed review notes that since there are several potential causes, it is "useful to identify the underlying causes" for each individual.

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How to Minimise Pores Naturally with Skincare Products

If pores feel particularly visible, your routine doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive. A structured approach, using the right products in the right order, can make a real difference over time. Like any skin goal, consistency is what pays off.

Cleanse Your Skin Daily

To prevent the build-up of dirt, pollutants and other impurities, use a non-comedogenic cleanser daily. In the morning, wash with a gentle foaming cleanser. At night, especially if you wear makeup, take the time to double-cleanse. Begin with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, then follow with a water-based cleansing gel.

Exfoliate Skin Regularly

Without regular exfoliation, impurities and dead skin cells slowly build up. Depending on your skin type, exfoliating one to three times a week is recommended. You can use either a mechanical or chemical exfoliant. A mechanical product delivers an immediate result, while chemical exfoliants work more gradually to target dead cells beneath the surface.

Use a Serum Daily

Apply a daily serum that targets sebum production. By choosing a formula containing active ingredients, you can address the oil glands that clog pores. These are often referred to as "cell renewing agents" as they encourage new cell growth and help remove the dead cells that block pores.

Moisturise Daily

If your skin is oily, you might think you can skip moisturiser. But preserving your skin's protective barrier requires moisture. Active ingredients can dry the skin out further when there's insufficient hydration beneath them. Use a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturiser during the day, then follow with a deeper nourishing cream at night.

SPF 50+ Sunscreen Application (Throughout the Day)

As you age, your skin's collagen and elastin decline, making enlarged pores appear far more visible on the surface. To potentially slow this process, apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen with the highest available sun protection factor (SPF 50+). Reapply every two hours throughout the day and immediately after swimming.

*Please note that the above is a general skincare guideline. Results aren't guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

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Considering a Professional Pore Treatment? Here's Where to Start

If you have long-term skin goals, SDL Australia can assist. Our specialist skin services take a clinical approach to pores through our four-phase SDL pathway framework, tailored to each individual. It begins with skin preparation, then moves through correction and refinement, before reaching retention.

ECO2

This laser treatment targets the water inside your skin cells. ECO2 can temporarily reduce the appearance of oil on the face by creating microscopic channels that stimulate new collagen production, which in turn can make pores appear smaller. This is achieved by activating the skin's natural healing process.

AviClear

The AviClear treatment delivers radiofrequency energy at a specific wavelength (1726 nm) that targets the oil-producing glands directly. By regulating sebum secretion, it prevents the combination of excess oil and other impurities that stretch and congest pores, helping to clear them and reduce the appearance of wider pores on the skin's surface.

*The clinical treatments at SDL Australia do not promise a guaranteed outcome. Unsure which pore treatment may be right for you? Our team can support you through a skin consultation to determine the appropriate pathway.

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How to Decrease Pores: Maintain a Structured Skin Protocol

When it comes to managing excessive sebum production, there's no single right answer. Instead, take a multi-tiered approach: incorporate active ingredients into your routine, exfoliate regularly, and avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. For something more potent and clinically targeted, see our cosmetic nurses at SDL Australia.

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FAQs

Does Age Affect Your Pore Size?

Pores don't technically become larger during the ageing process. Instead, as the skin's proteins collagen and elastin decline over time, pores become more visible on the surface. This is why large pores on the cheeks can become more obvious as the skin on the midface grows thinner.

Does Oily Skin Cause Large Pores?

When an individual has an oily skin type, the skin is more likely to produce excessive sebum. This, combined with dead skin cells, can expand the pores and make them appear wider over time.

Which Parts of the Face Are Large Pores Most Common On?

Many people find that the lower portion of the face shows more visible pores. Large pores on the cheeks, jawline and near the mouth are often more noticeable, partly because the skin in these areas, particularly around the mouth, is much thinner.

What Could Be Behind Large Pores on the Nose?

While there are fewer oil glands on the nose than on the chin, several factors contribute to the nose being oilier. The oil glands on the nose have a much higher activity level than other parts of the face. The combination of gland concentration and activity makes the nose more susceptible to congestion and enlarged pores.