5 Ways to Minimise the Appearance of Large Pores

It doesn’t seem right to let something so tiny take up so much of your time, but when you’ve found a way to fix all your other skin troubles, your pores can seem larger than life. We get it, you want to master them all because what’s clear, bright, wrinkle-free, plump skin with enlarged pores? Stick around to find out how you can hit beautiful skin bingo once and for all by minimising the appearance of large pores on the face. 

Why Can’t We Get Rid of Pores Altogether?

If you’re wondering why we’re giving you the low down on how to reduce large pores rather than how to be rid of them entirely, it’s because despite how frustrating they may be, we need them. Like, really need them.

Pores are small openings that contain a sweat gland, sebaceous gland, and sometimes hair. Sweat glands allow the body to cool itself and maintain body temperature by letting sweat escape, while the sebaceous glands produce sebum, a natural oil that helps to moisturise the skin. 

Here’s How to Reduce the Appearance of Enlarged Pores 

1. Cleanse Twice A Day, No More No Less

Cleansing twice a day is a simple, yet effective way to prevent large pores on the face by keeping them clear. Makeup, dirt, bacteria, and excess oil will gather and build up in the pores, enhancing their size and appearance if they’re not removed from the skin daily. 

Try: PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil (200ml) - £25.00

Clear our your pores properly with PURITO from Green Cleansing Oil, that's gentle enough for everyday but tough on impurities, excess sebum, and blackheads or whiteheads. Infused with olive, jojoba, and almond oils, it hydrates the skin, without stripping it and leaves it stronger and calmer. You can’t go wrong, only onwards and upwards.

 2. Regularly Exfoliate

Similar to cleansing, exfoliating buffs away impurities, but it also removes dead skin cells that can contribute to enlarged pores. The act of exfoliation is too harsh for every day, no matter which exfoliator you use, so it’s recommended you do this 2-3 times a week. 

Try: COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad (70 Pads) - £24.00

Helping to minimise the size of large pores on the face with a few short swipes, COSRX One Step Original Clear Pads are pre-soaked in willow bark water and betaine salicylate to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells, makeup, dirt, bacteria, and unwanted oil. Oh, and guess what? They’re award-winning too.

3. Clay Masks Draw Out Impurities 

If you’re looking for a reason to justify adding another face mask to your never-ending collection, this is it. Clay is one of the best ingredients for congested skin. It works like a magnet, attracting and drawing out impurities from the skin, minimising the size of large pores on the face. 

Try: INNISFREE Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2x (100ml) - £16.00

Combining the power of clay and AHA, INNISFREE Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask soaks up debris and gently exfoliates the skin, allowing your pores to breathe and minimising their appearance whilst brightening your overall complexion. The non-stripping formula contains mineral-rich, highly absorbent volcanic clusters that won’t leave your skin feeling dry. One word: obsessed.

4. Apply Sunscreen to Prevent UV rays From Destroying Collagen and Elastin  

Over time, UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which causes it to lose volume and elasticity, two things that help to keep pores nice n’ tight. Applying SPF can help to counteract the effects of UV rays and maintain collagen and elastin levels. 

Try: ABIB Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ PA++++ (22g) - £21.00

High in handiness and protection, this SPF 50 sunstick by ABIB means no more excuses when it comes to sun defence. Underneath makeup, over the top of makeup, or no makeup at all, the totally transparent formula glides onto the skin without leaving any white cast. Infused with centella asiatica and aloe leaf juice extracts and acacia peptide and ceramide, consider your skin’s barrier hydrated and strengthened. 

5. Use an Oil-Free, Lightweight Moisturiser 

Oily skin types often struggle with congested skin as their sebaceous glands produce more natural oils than necessary, meaning they have more excess oils on the skin’s surface which is more likely to clog pores.

But you’re not exactly safe if you don’t have overly oily skin either. Heavy moisturisers can also cause enlarged pores by getting their overly thick, gloopy formulas stuck in the small openings.  

Try: COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap (100ml) - £25.00

This lightweight, yet deeply moisturising formula is one of our favourite pore-minimising products as it’s made from 70% birch sap rich in amino acids, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins. You can count on betaine and tea tree leaf oil for protection, fighting acne, and reducing inflammation. Lotion up ladies!