You Can’t Shrink Your Pores: What to do Instead

When it comes to achieving clear and glowing skin, the size of your pores does matter. Smaller-looking pores, first off, can give your complexion a smoother and clearer appearance. They also mean less oiliness and shine, resulting in a more even skin tone and an overall youthful look.

Bigger or enlarged pores have the opposite effect. As they can be clogged with dirt, sebum, and comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), you may have an uneven texture, with a dull and tired-looking complexion. Large pores can also mean more oil or sebum production, resulting in shiny skin and an older-looking appearance.

Having enlarged pores is not necessarily a health concern, but it is understandable why people want to treat or improve them. If you have the same goal, you may be wondering if it is possible to shrink your pores and what products/treatments can make them happen. Continue reading as we dive in deeper. 

Can you shrink your pores?

Unfortunately, you cannot. The size of your pores is genetically determined and there are a number of factors that can affect their visibility. Plus, pores have an important purpose. These small openings on the skin release oil and sweat to protect your body from overheating. 

And while it is true that you cannot permanently shrink them, there are ways to minimize their appearance. Good skincare habits, along with certain aesthetic treatments can make them appear smaller or less noticeable.

Do you have large pores?

As previously mentioned, certain things can make the pores in your face larger. If they are noticeably bigger than desired, your genes might be the culprit. But there are also other factors that can contribute to their less desirable appearance. These include: 

• • Sun exposure – UV rays can cause cellular damage, as well as break down collagen and elastin. This reduces the elasticity of the skin, which can make the pores look more dilated. Overexposure to the sun also speeds up the aging process, contributing to lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and enlarged pores. 
  • Acne – Frequent acne or breakouts can lead to saggy or expanded pores over time. They can also appear more prominent if they become clogged with dirt, excess oil, and other impurities. 

• Sebum (oil) production – Bigger pores are oftentimes associated with having naturally oily skin. This is because you have an overactive sebaceous gland that can contribute to the buildup of excess oil and bacteria, as well as acne.

• Aging – The natural aging process causes the skin to lose elasticity, which can make your pores look bigger. It can also cause saggy or loose skin and lead to the formation of wrinkles, jowls, and other signs of aging, 

• Large hair follicles – Each hair has a hair follicle, which sits under a pore. Basically, pores are the opening of hair follicles. So, when you have large hair follicles, you can also expect your pores to be enlarged.

What can you do to minimize pore appearance?

It all starts with good skincare habits. These involve properly cleansing your skin and using quality products that can protect your skin and help remove dead skin cells. Below are a few things that can help: 

Prioritize sun protection – Protect your skin from the sun; apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever going out. Also, limit or avoid sun exposure during peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm. Use an umbrella or accessorize with a hat and sunglasses when you have to.

Treat acne – To prevent acne from progressing, which can lead to marks and scarring, be sure to treat them. Use products that can kill acne-causing bacteria, or ask your doctor for safe and effective ways to treat your breakouts.

Control excess oil – Use products that can regulate or balance oil levels. Oil-blotting papers absorb excess oil from the surface, while mineral makeup helps you stay shine-free without clogging your pores. Serums with niacinamide are also a good choice because this ingredient has the ability to reduce oil and visibly minimize pore appearance. 

Use toner after washing your face – Apart from removing the last traces of dirt, toners can also tighten the appearance of enlarged pores. Dr. Sylvia’s Refreshing Toner with Herbal Astringent helps reduce oil and dirt buildup, balances the skin’s pH levels, and has pore-reducing benefits.

Moisturize daily – After cleansing and toning, don’t forget to apply moisturizer. It can help regulate sebum production, as well as protect the skin’s barrier from free radicals. If you have naturally oily skin, use a lightweight and water-based formula that won’t clog your pores. 

Treat your skin right – This means being gentle with your skin and avoiding harsh exfoliants and products that can irritate it. You should also avoid touching your face or picking blemishes, as this can prolong their healing process and increase your risk of having larger pores and scarring. 

Consider aesthetic treatments – At Cutis, we have a number of aesthetic treatments that can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. These include:

• Dermapen 4 microneedling – Using an automated skin needling device, our microneedling procedure vertically pierces the skin to promote its natural healing process. Dermapen 4 also stimulates the growth of new tissues and provides a healthier foundation for good skin. It can help treat enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and scarring, with visible improvements in just a single procedure. 
• Laser genesis – This uses a device that gently heats the skin’s deeper layer to boost collagen formation. This can then tighten and plump up the skin, which results in a reduction of pore size. Laser genesis promotes vibrant and healthy skin by effectively treating uneven texture, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and facial redness.
• VI Peel – This medical-grade chemical peel can improve the tone, texture, and quality of your skin. It gently removes damaged layers, as well as stimulates the production of new skin cells for firmer and smoother skin. VI Peel can effectively treat and improve large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
• Pearl procedure – This laser skin resurfacing treatment heats the deeper layers of the skin, promoting long-term benefits. The skin then forms a protective dressing that will peel off after three to four days, revealing healthy skin with a pearly glow. It can help tackle enlarged pores, wrinkles, uneven texture, age spots, and sun damage. 

Schedule a consultation today

If enlarged pores bother you or make you feel self-conscious, get in touch with us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore at +65 6801 4000 to schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.