Enlarged pores are a common skin concern, particularly around the nose, cheeks and forehead. When pores are more noticeable, they can contribute to the appearance of uneven or textured skin, which is why some people look for ways to minimise their appearance.
There are many skincare products and treatments marketed for enlarged pores. However, pores are a normal feature of the skin, and while some treatments may improve their appearance, the degree of improvement can be limited.
Understanding what influences the appearance of pores — and looking at the overall quality of the skin rather than pore size alone — can help set more realistic expectations.
What are pores?
Pores are small openings in the skin associated with hair follicles and sebaceous glands. They allow sebum (the skin’s natural oil) to reach the surface and are a normal part of healthy skin.
Everyone has pores, but how visible they are varies from person to person.
Why do some pores appear larger?
Several factors can influence how noticeable pores appear.
Genetics plays an important role, while higher levels of sebum production are also associated with more visible pores, particularly through oilier areas of the face.
Ageing can influence their appearance as well. As collagen, elasticity and the structural support of the skin change over time, pores may become more noticeable alongside other changes in skin texture. Cumulative sun exposure can also contribute to these changes.
Congestion and excess oil may further influence how noticeable pores appear.
Can you actually shrink pores?
Despite common claims about “opening”, “closing” or shrinking pores, there is no simple treatment that can make enlarged pores disappear.
Some treatments may improve the appearance of enlarged pores, but the degree of improvement can be minimal and results vary between individuals. This is an area where it is particularly important to have realistic expectations about what treatment can achieve.
Looking beyond pore size
When someone is concerned about enlarged pores, pore size may be only one aspect of what they are seeing in their skin.
Uneven texture, pigmentation, congestion, fine lines, sun damage and age-related changes can all affect the overall appearance of the skin.
For this reason, rather than focusing exclusively on pore size, it may be more useful to consider the skin as a whole. Improving other aspects of skin texture and quality may help create a smoother, more even overall appearance and make enlarged pores less of a visual focus.
Treatments for overall skin quality
Treatment will depend on the individual and the other skin concerns that are present.
For example, Tixel may be considered where skin texture and age-related skin changes are a concern, while Revlite may be used to address pigmentation and sun-related changes. Juvasonic may also be considered where congestion or overall skin quality is part of the concern.
These treatments are not being suggested as a way to significantly reduce pore size. Instead, the aim is to address other aspects of the skin that may be contributing to an uneven or textured appearance.
A consultation with a qualified practitioner can help determine which concerns are contributing to the overall appearance of the skin and whether treatment is appropriate.
What about skincare?
Skincare can also play a role in maintaining overall skin quality.
Appropriate cleansing and management of excess oil and congestion may help improve the appearance of the skin, while daily sun protection can help minimise further UV-related changes.
Products claiming to permanently “close” or dramatically shrink pores should be approached with realistic expectations.
A realistic approach to enlarged pores
Enlarged pores are a normal feature of the skin. While their appearance may be improved to some degree, current treatments have limitations when it comes to pore size specifically.
For some people, focusing on the overall texture and quality of the skin may be a more useful approach.
At LookFresh, treatment recommendations are based on an individual assessment of the skin and realistic expectations about what can be achieved.
