How to reduce the appearance of pores on your face

Pores do not open or close, and it is not possible to get rid of them. They are natural structures of the skin, essential for the release of sebum and sweat. Even so, when they seem more noticeable in the mirror, it’s understandable to want to know how to minimise the appearance of pores without complicating your routine or resorting to unrealistic promises.

The good news is that clean, moisturised and protected skin tends to have a more even texture. The aim isn’t to achieve pore-free skin, but to support its balance and visibly improve the way your skin feels and looks.

Key points

• Pores can appear larger due to excess oil, a build-up of dead skin cells, dehydration and sun exposure.
• Gentle, consistent cleansing helps to prevent the build-up that makes pores more noticeable.
• Niacinamide, salicylic acid and cosmetic retinoids can be helpful, provided they are introduced gradually.
• Moisturising is important for all skin types, including oily skin.
• Daily use of sun cream helps to maintain a more even skin texture over time.

In this article

1. Why do pores appear larger
? 2. How to minimise the appearance of pores with a simple
routine 3. Ingredients that can help
4. Mistakes that can worsen skin
texture 5. When to simplify your routine

Why do pores appear larger?

Pore size is influenced, in part, by genetics. Those with oilier skin may have naturally more visible pores, particularly in the T-zone: the forehead, nose and chin. This doesn’t mean the skin is dirty or poorly cared for. It’s simply one of its characteristics.

Even so, there are factors that can accentuate their appearance. Excess sebum, dead skin cells on the surface and product residue can build up at the pore’s opening, creating a more pronounced texture. Dehydration can also make the skin appear less smooth, whilst unprotected sun exposure can affect firmness and make pores more noticeable over time.

Hormonal changes, heat and products that are too rich for your skin type can also contribute to increased shine or a feeling of congestion. Therefore, the solution rarely lies in a single product. It comes down to consistent choices that are suited to your skin.

How to minimise the appearance of pores in a daily routine

An effective routine doesn’t need to involve many steps. Rather, it needs to cleanse gently, maintain hydration and include active ingredients that make sense for your skin’s needs.

Start with gentle cleansing

Washing your face in the morning and at night removes sebum, sun cream, make-up and accumulated impurities. However, over-cleansing or using formulas that are too harsh can leave the skin feeling uncomfortable and, for some people, increase the sensation of rebound oiliness.

Opt for a gentle cleansing gel or cream, suitable for your skin type, and use lukewarm water rather than very hot water. Massage gently and pat your face dry without rubbing it with a towel. If you wear heavy make-up or long-lasting sun cream, it may be helpful to remove make-up with a make-up remover before using the cleansing gel.

Moisturise, even if your skin is oily

The idea that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser is one of the most common misconceptions. When skin is dehydrated, it can appear more uneven, tight or shiny all at the same time. A lightweight formula, with a gel or emulsion texture, can provide comfort without feeling heavy.

Look for ingredients such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and ceramides. These help to retain moisture and support the skin barrier – in other words, the skin’s natural protective layer. A balanced barrier responds better to the rest of your skincare routine and tends to have a more even texture.

Use sun cream every day

Sun protection is one of the most important steps for anyone wanting to improve the overall appearance of their skin. Exposure to UV rays contributes to changes in texture and firmness, factors that can make pores more noticeable.

Apply broad-spectrum sun cream every morning, as the final step in your routine. Choose a texture you genuinely enjoy using: fluid, gel-cream or cream. The texture is more important than searching for a ‘perfect’ formula that ends up forgotten in the cupboard.

Ingredients that can help minimise visible pores

There is no single ingredient that closes pores. However, there are active cosmetic ingredients that help improve factors related to their appearance, such as excess sebum, uneven texture and the build-up of dead skin cells.

| Ingredient | How it can help | How to incorporate it into your routine |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide | Helps balance the appearance of oiliness and support the skin barrier | Can be used daily, in the morning or at night |
| Salicylic acid | Exfoliates inside the pore and helps improve texture | Start 1 to 2 times a week, preferably in the evening |
| Retinol and derivatives | Support skin renewal and a smoother appearance over time | Introduce gradually, in the evening, and use daily sun protection |
| Hyaluronic acid and glycerine | Promote hydration and a plumper texture | Can be used daily |

Niacinamide for a balanced routine

Niacinamide is a versatile choice for anyone looking to improve the appearance of pores without immediately resorting to more frequent exfoliation. It is particularly useful where there is shine, uneven texture or signs of dehydration. It can be found in serums and moisturisers, and is generally easy to incorporate into a short skincare routine.

A higher concentration does not always mean better results. A well-tolerated formula used regularly is a more sensible choice than a very potent product that causes discomfort.

Salicylic acid: useful, but don’t overdo it

Salicylic acid is a fat-soluble beta-hydroxy acid, which means it has an affinity for sebum. It can therefore help to unclog the appearance of pores and smooth the skin’s texture, particularly on skin prone to shine and occasional blemishes.

Balance is key. If you experience persistent stinging, flaking or tightness, reduce the frequency or take a break. There is no need to use physical exfoliants, acid toners and exfoliating serums on the same night. Combining too many active ingredients can weaken the skin barrier and leave the skin looking even more uneven.

Retinol: gradual results and good tolerance

Cosmetic retinoids, such as retinol, are known to support skin renewal. When used gradually, they can help achieve a smoother, more even complexion. However, they aren’t essential for everyone or for every skincare routine.

If you decide to give them a go, start with one or two nights a week and apply a small amount to dry skin, followed by moisturiser. Avoid combining it with salicylic acid on the same night whilst your skin is adjusting. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek advice from a healthcare professional before using retinoids.

Mistakes that can make pores more visible

Scrubbing your face with coarse-grained exfoliants, overusing purifying masks or washing your skin several times a day may seem like a quick way to control oiliness. In practice, these habits can cause discomfort and upset the skin’s balance.

It’s also best to avoid constantly switching between products. Your skin needs time to adapt, especially when introducing active ingredients. Give any change a few weeks to take effect, provided there is no irritation, rather than expecting overnight results.

Finally, don’t forget to clean your make-up brushes, change your pillowcase regularly and remove your sun cream at the end of the day. These aren’t miracle cures, but they help reduce the build-up of residue on your skin.

When keeping it simple is the best choice

If your skin is sensitive, uncomfortable or reactive, the first step isn’t to add more acids. Go back to the basics for a few days: gentle cleansing, moisturiser and sun cream. Then, reintroduce just one active ingredient at a time.

A simple routine, using vegan products formulated to support hydration and the skin’s barrier, may be enough to gradually improve texture. Observing how your skin responds is more useful than following trends or copying a routine that works for someone else.

Pores are a natural part of healthy skin. By taking care of your daily cleansing, moisturising and sun protection, you can make them less noticeable and feel that your skin is more balanced, without striving for a perfection that doesn’t exist.