If you’re constantly battling large pores and wondering why your skin doesn’t look as smooth as you’d like, you’re not alone. Large pores are a common concern for many people, especially those with oily or combination skin types. While you can’t eliminate pores entirely (nor should you — they serve an important function!), there are proven ways to minimize their appearance and keep your skin looking radiant and refined.
Let’s dive into the causes of large pores, the best skincare routine to manage them, and expert tips to improve your skin texture over time.
What Causes Large Pores?
To effectively treat large pores, you need to understand what causes them in the first place. Some of the most common culprits include:
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Excess Oil Production: When your skin produces too much sebum, the oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog your pores, stretching them out over time.
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Loss of Skin Elasticity: As you age, your skin loses collagen and firmness, which can cause pores to appear larger.
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Clogged Pores: Dirt, makeup, and dead skin can build up inside your pores, enlarging them and giving your skin a rougher texture.
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Sun Damage: UV rays break down collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to sagging and stretched pores.
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Genetics: Sometimes, large pores simply run in the family.
The key is not to “erase” pores (you can’t), but to keep them clean, tight, and less noticeable.
Your Daily Skincare Routine for Minimizing Pores
Building a consistent, pore-friendly skincare routine can dramatically improve how your skin looks and feels. Here’s a step-by-step regimen to get you started:
1. Cleanse Twice Daily (But Gently)
A clean canvas is essential. Washing your face morning and night removes oil, dirt, and leftover product that can clog and stretch out your pores.
What to Use:
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Foaming or gel cleanser for oily/combination skin
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An oil cleanser- to remove dirt and makeup that can clog pores
2. Exfoliate 2–3 Times a Week
Exfoliating helps to slough off dead skin cells that can get trapped in pores and cause them to stretch.
Types of Exfoliants:
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Chemical exfoliants (AHAs & BHAs): AHA’s and willow bark extract work beneath the surface
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Avoid harsh scrubs: Physical exfoliants can create microtears and worsen pore issues
- Try gentle cranberry face polish with jojoba beads and cranberry fibre
Don’t overdo it — excessive exfoliation can damage your skin barrier and cause irritation.
3. Apply a Toner with Pore-Tightening Ingredients
A toner balances your skin’s pH and preps it for the next steps in your routine. Look for ingredients that help tighten and calm the skin.
Top Ingredients:
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Strawberry: A natural source of salicylic acid which sloughs dead skin and purifies pores
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Chamomile hydrosol: an astringent that helps refine pores and control sebum production
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Green tea extract: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich
4. Use Non-comedogenic skincare that has pore tightening ingredients
Serums are lightweight but potent. Choose one that targets pore size and texture.
Best Ingredients for Pores:
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Tamarind: Has anti-inflammatory properties and exfoliating acids that can unclog pores.
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Watermelon Oil: non-comedogenic and helps dissolve sebum buildup which in turn reduces pore size
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Willow bark extract: acts a a natural exfoliant helping to clear out pores.
- Try Dainty Skin’s Tamarind and Oat Hydra boost serum
- Dainty skin’s day cream and night cream both contain willow bark extract
5. Hydrate with a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer
Yes — even oily skin types need moisturizer! When your skin is dehydrated, it may overproduce oil, worsening the appearance of large pores.
Look for: “non-comedogenic” such as Dainty Skin’s moisturizers
6. Always Use Sunscreen (Seriously!)
Sunscreen is one of the most important — yet most overlooked — steps in any skincare routine. UV rays break down collagen and elasticity, making pores look bigger and skin appear older.
Opt for SPF 30+, broad-spectrum protection. Mineral sunscreens are great for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Weekly Extras to Supercharge Your Routine
In addition to your daily routine, incorporating a few weekly treatments can help clear pores and reduce their visibility:
Clay Masks (1–2x/week)
Clay pulls out impurities and absorbs excess oil.
Chemical Peels
At-home or in-office peels with glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid can refine skin texture and clear blocked pores.
Always patch test and follow instructions to avoid irritation.
Professional Treatments for Stubborn Pores
If over-the-counter products aren’t giving you the results you want, professional treatments can offer a more dramatic improvement:
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Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production and tightens skin
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Chemical Peels: Stronger than at-home versions; great for resurfacing
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Laser Resurfacing: Targets texture, tone, and pore size
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HydraFacial: Deep cleans, exfoliates, and hydrates
Consult a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician before starting professional treatments.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Pores are a natural and necessary part of your skin — don’t fall for marketing promises that claim to “erase” them. The goal is healthier skin and minimized appearance, not perfection. With a consistent, targeted routine and a little patience, you’ll start to see real improvement.