Account
Enlarged pores: what you can change
/
/
Reading time: 5 minutes
Pores do not open and close, and no product can permanently shrink them. What you can change is how full they are and how the skin around them looks, and that makes a visible difference.
Why pores look bigger
- Excess oil stretches the opening.
- Build-up of dead skin and oil inside the pore catches the light and makes it more visible.
- Loss of firmness with age and sun lets pores sag into an oval shape.
What helps
| What | Why | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid, in Resurfacing Night Liquid | Dissolves in oil and clears inside the pore | One or two nights a week |
| Niacinamide at 10%, in Niacinamide 10 Serum | Reduces shine and makes pores look smaller over time | Daily |
| Clay mask, such as Kaolin Pore Mask | Absorbs excess oil on the T-zone | Once or twice a week |
| Daily sunscreen | Sun damage weakens the skin around pores | Every morning |
A sample week
- Every morning: cleanser, Niacinamide 10 Serum, moisturizer, Daily Sheer Fluid SPF 50.
- Monday night: Resurfacing Night Liquid after cleansing, then moisturizer.
- Thursday night: Kaolin Pore Mask on the T-zone, then your usual routine.
- Other nights: cleanser, serum, moisturizer.
What to avoid
Squeezing, pore strips and harsh scrubs can widen pores and cause marks. A cleansing oil in the evening, such as Soft Oil Cleanser, lifts sunscreen and sebum without any of that.
Tip: massage the cleansing oil over dry skin for a full minute, paying attention to the nose and chin, before rinsing.
How long it takes
Expect visible change after six to eight weeks of consistent use. Shine usually drops sooner, while the look of the pores themselves takes longer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use salicylic acid and niacinamide together?
Yes. On the nights you use Resurfacing Night Liquid, apply it first after cleansing, then follow with niacinamide and moisturizer.
Do pores close with cold water?
No. Pores do not open and close, so water temperature does not change their size. Lukewarm water is the kindest choice for skin.
Should I use a clay mask on my whole face?
Only where you get oily. For most people that is the forehead, nose and chin.
Related posts
Skin Concerns
Why marks linger after a blemish heals, how long they usually take to fade, and what speeds that up.
Skin Concerns
Pore size is mostly set by genetics. How they look is not. A realistic guide to smaller-looking pores.
