Everything you need to know about enlarged pores

Dealing with enlarged pores ain’t easy, and it can be pretty disheartening to hear there isn’t a genius lotion out there that can just airbrush them away for good. BUT, it’s not all doom and gloom. If you arm yourself with some seriously good skin care products, some great habits and a little patience, you can be on your way to smoother-looking skin.
We chat to Skin Expert for NeoStrata, Karen Varker, who explains everything you need to know about enlarged pores and just how to deal with them (no magic wand required)...
Why can pores become enlarged?
“Pore size is genetically determined and often related to skin type,” explains Karen. “Oily and olive skin types tend to have a larger pore size, while fair or dry skin types tend to have [a] smaller pore size. However, environmental, lifestyle and skin care factors can also contribute to enlarged or congested pores.”
But it’s not only your skin type that can lead to larger pores, the condition of your skin and how you care for it are also contributing factors. “Dead skin cells and increased or clogged sebum in the pores can lead to an enlarged appearance as this stretches out the pores. This can also lead to pimples or blemishes,” says Karen. “Also, ageing and UV exposure can weaken collagen, causing the skin to sag and stretch out pores, too.”
RELATED: Everything you need to know about clogged pores
RELATED: How-to: Deep clean your pores
Can you actually reduce the size of your pores?
While you can’t permanently get rid of your enlarged pores or make them smaller - skin care Gods, please hear our prayers! - some products can actually help to minimise their appearance over time. “You cannot really reduce the size of your pores, but you can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores caused by congestion, blackheads or whiteheads,” she explains. “By using pore-clearing products over time, you can help to reduce the congestion in the pores which, in turn, can help to reduce their appearance.”
RELATED: How to get rid of blackheads
RELATED: 7 of the best pore-reducing products
Karen’s top tips for minimising the appearance of enlarged pores
Cleanse and exfoliate daily to lift away dead skin cells
If you’re in the habit of only cleansing your skin in the morning then slacking off at night, it’s time to clean up your routine. “The key is to keep your skin and pores clean and clear with twice-daily cleansing,” says Karen. “Change your cleanser to [one that] includes an exfoliating action. Cleansers with poly or alpha hydroxy acids naturally exfoliate the dead skin cells by stimulating normal skin cell renewal and ungluing the dead cells from the skin's surface. Use PHAs for sensitive or younger skin and AHAs for normal or oily skin types.” Karen likes NeoStrata Facial Cleanser as it works by gently cleansing and exfoliating daily.
Choose serums and moisturisers that hydrate and exfoliate
When it comes to targeting your pore size, any old serum or moisturiser won’t cut it. “Look for active ingredients in your serums and moisturisers such as glycolic acid, AHAs/PHAs, bionic PHAs or mandelic acids that normalise the skin. These types of products can help to smooth, hydrate and soften the skin creating its own natural primer, making them the ultimate multitasking products. Drinking plenty of water can help to maintain plump, smooth skin [and in turn] reduce the appearance of pores, too!”
bh loves: Pelactiv Vita C+ Rapid Serum + AHA, asap Radiance Serum
Choose non-comedogenic moisturisers and cosmetics
“Non-comedogenic products are non pore-clogging, which can help to reduce [the] appearance of pore size. Also, avoid very heavy creams, oils and serums, particularly if you have oily skin.”
Remove make-up at night and thoroughly cleanse your skin
We’ve all been guilty of skipping this vital step, but by upping your cleansing game, super smooth skin could be yours. “This will help keep the pores clear and decongested, but also allows your skin to naturally exfoliate, shed and renew overnight as it would normally,” explains Karen. “Opt for cleansers and moisturisers with hydroxy acids which can help to normalise the skin exfoliation process, helping to cleanse, smooth and brighten the skin.”
bh loves: Skin Doctors Accelerating Cleanser, Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser
Wear sunscreen daily
To protect your refreshed and revived skin from the sun's harsh rays, Karen emphasises the importance of wearing SPF sunscreen every day. “By introducing daily exfoliation to your regimen you are normalising the skin renewal process, allowing new skin cells to come to the surface, so make sure you use an SPF15 moisturiser or make-up every day and boost this to SPF30+ if you are out in the sun.” Also SPF protection can help protect against collagen breakdown caused by the sun, which can make the skin sag and stretch out pores.
bh loves: Elucent Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Melt-in Cream SPF50
Do you suffer from enlarged pores? How do you help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
121 Member Comments
Never ever go to bed with makeup on always religiously clean it off and my face before moisturising. My pores on my nose are larger will definitely try a Pore Minimiser.
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my moisturiser has none of those ingredients might have to switch my moisturiser!
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it becomes a genitic thing too
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It;s crazy how many products say that they can get rid of pores! I'd like to find something that works for me to reduce the appearance
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I wish someone would great something to get rid of them!!
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I actually never really noticed my pores but have so lately. Maybe as im getting older they are becoming more noticeable ? I have tried a clay mask , can't remember the name and it really reduced the size of my pores.
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As I am ageing, my pores are getting more noticeable on my cheeks. I have always had very oily skin but it is only in the last couple of years that my pores have become larger. I try to keep my skin as clean as possible by cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day and applying a clay mask twice a week. I also use a konjac sponge at night and have found that it does clean better than my fingers.
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Don't cake the makeup this just makes them worse
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So annoying aren't they, just never go away
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A good clay mask is good once a week
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I tend to get pretty big pores - exfoliation helps occasionally though
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Helpful article, I find exfoliating is the best thing for me. I love the Sukin scrub (plain one in the white/beige tube - can't remember exact colour) as it's perfect and gentle enough to exfoliate once a day!
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Mine are definitely getting bigger as I get older
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Never knew pore size was determined by genetics!! Thank you mum I guess!!
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I find that enlarged pores are one of those things that the more you look at them, the more you see them. Distract the eye with good makeup, treat your skin nicely, and enjoy what you have!
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I actually have a pore strip stuck on my nose as I am reading this article! Love Biore pore strips - they are my favourite!
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So funny you wrote this, because I just finished a box of Biore nose strips!
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And that was the last one of that box too, TUD! :)
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I find skin needling really helpful for reducing the appearance of enlarged pores when used at a depth of 0.5mm. It also helps to reduce oil flow of those who have oily skin with enlarged pores.
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I have enlarged pores and use and do all of the above, it must take some time, as I am not seeing any fantastic results as yet.
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My skin is on the drier side so I don't worry as much about enlarged pores (I have a few on my nose). Chemical exfoliation has made a huge difference but I have to follow up with a moisturiser to rehydrate my skin.
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I'm so over my enlarged pores
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Great advice thank you
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I use chemical exfoliants to keep the pores clean and have seen a difference.
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I didn't know you can't shrink pores, learn something new every day. I won't get suckered anymore into those brands that claim they do
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