If you’ve ever wondered how to shrink pores, there’s one thing dermatologists want you to know: you can’t actually change their size. Pores are a completely natural part of the skin and their size is largely determined by genetics. What you can do, however, is minimise their appearance – and keeping them clear is a good place to start.
In fact, according to board-certified dermatologist Hadley C. King, MD, MD, there’s no such thing as “big” pores. “Pores are tiny openings in the skin,” she tells us. “They don’t have doors that open and close, and they don’t have muscles that contract and relax to make them smaller and bigger. Pore size is largely genetically determined, and there’s no way to truly change the size of your pores.”
Instead, it mostly comes down to the condition of your skin. “When debris, oil, and dead skin cells build up in the pores, this can make them appear larger,” says Dr. King. In other words, keeping congestion and blackheads at bay can help pores appear less noticeable.
Another factor? Ageing and sun damage. As we age, the skin surrounding pores loses firmness, while UV exposure can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. “The pore may appear larger because of the lack of the support from the surrounding tissue,” says Dr. King. “Therefore, topical ingredients that help to maintain collagen and elastin, such as retinol, anti-ageing peptides, and sun protection, can help to minimise pore size.” All the more reason to apply a broad-spectrum SPF every day.
So, while you can’t technically shrink your pores, there are ways to make them appear smaller. Ahead, Dr. King shares the superstar ingredients that can help minimise the appearance of pores and keep them clear.
Featured in this article
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum 30ml
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Salicylic acid
Search ‘how to shrink pores’ and salicylic acid is one of the first ingredients you’ll come across – and for good reason.“Salicylic acid is an excellent pore-clearing ingredient because it exfoliates the surface of the skin and penetrates into pores to remove oil,” explains Dr. King. “This helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged and can help remove clogs that have already formed.”
The INKEY List’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser is an affordable but effective cleanser that combines salicylic acid with a zinc compound to help unclog pores and remove excess oil.