Pores are natural, microscopic openings in the skin that release oil (sebum) and sweat. When these pores appear larger or more prominent, they are commonly referred to as enlarged pores. They are most visible in areas with a higher density of sebaceous glands, such as the nose, forehead, and cheeks [1]. While you cannot permanently eliminate or “close” pores—as they are a permanent part of your skin structure—certain consistent skincare routines and professional treatments can significantly reduce their appearance.
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
Several factors contribute to the prominent appearance of pores on the face. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective management [2].
- Genetics: Hereditary factors often determine your innate pore size and skin type, which influences how prominent your pores appear.
- Excess Sebum Production (Oily Skin): The sebaceous glands may produce an excess amount of oil (sebum). When this oil flows out, it can spread over a larger area of the follicular opening, making the pore appear larger [2].
- Aging and Loss of Elasticity: As the skin matures, it naturally experiences a reduction in collagen and elastin production. This loss of structural support can cause the skin surrounding the pores to sag, which elongates the pore opening and makes it appear significantly larger [1].
- Sun Damage (Photoaging): Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the collagen framework in the skin. This not only increases the size of pores by reducing elasticity but can also thicken the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum), further contributing to a dilated appearance [2].
- Clogged Pores: The accumulation of excess sebum, dead skin cells, and makeup debris can form a plug within the pore opening. This blockage causes the pore to stretch and distend, making it appear noticeably bigger. This process is often a precursor to acne lesions [1].
- Acne and Scarring: Past or current severe acne can lead to tissue damage and scarring, such as ice-pick scars. These scars can structurally distort the pore unit, making it appear deeper and more pronounced [3].
Clinical Signs Associated with Enlarged Pores
Identifying these signs helps in choosing the most appropriate treatment, be it a tailored skincare routine or professional intervention.
- Prominent/Enlarged Appearance: The most obvious sign is the visually prominent or dilated appearance of the pores, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), which are areas of high oil production.
- Presence of Blackheads and Whiteheads: Enlarged pores are more prone to becoming blocked. This clogging results in the formation of blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones), which makes the pores appear more conspicuous and gives the skin a bumpy or uneven texture.
- Dull or Congested Skin Tone: When dead skin cells and oil build up in the pores and on the skin’s surface, the skin’s ability to reflect light is diminished. This can contribute to a dull-looking complexion as the natural process of cell shedding is impaired [4].
- Increased Frequency of Acne Breakouts: Enlarged and clogged pores create a conducive environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, leading to a higher incidence of inflammatory acne breakouts [4].
- Skin Texture Changes and Roughness: The underlying loss of skin elasticity associated with ageing and photoaging can make the skin feel less supple and rougher to the touch, which exacerbates the visible appearance of pore enlargement.
Adjunctive Home Remedies and Safe Skincare Practices
While no home remedy can permanently change the structure of a pore, some practices can temporarily tighten the skin or manage oil production, thereby reducing the visibility of pores. Always use these with caution and perform a patch test.
|
Remedy |
Mechanism & Application |
Evidence-Based Note |
| Cold Compress/Ice Cubes | Cold temperature causes temporary vasoconstriction (blood vessel tightening) and skin contraction, which can momentarily make pores appear smaller [5]. | Effect is purely temporary; apply an ice cube wrapped in a clean, soft cloth for no more than 15 seconds. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) | Contains acetic acid, which may act as a mild astringent, temporarily tightening the skin. | High risk of irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Must be diluted heavily (e.g., 1 part ACV to 3-4 parts water). Limit use to a few times a week and monitor for redness. |
| Clay Masks (e.g., Multani Mitti/Fuller’s Earth) | Clays absorb excess oil (sebum) and impurities from the skin’s surface and potentially from the pore opening, which can make the pores appear less noticeable [6]. | Generally considered safe for oily skin. Ensure the clay is not left on until fully dehydrated, as this can cause excessive dryness and irritation. |
| Egg White Mask | Provides a temporary physical tightening effect as the protein dries on the skin. | The effect is short-lived. It is a low-risk, cosmetic measure but does not offer long-term pore reduction. |
Professional and Advanced Treatment Options for Enlarged Pores
A consistent, professional-grade skincare routine is the foundation for managing pore size. For more significant improvement, dermatological treatments are necessary [2].
Daily Skincare Essentials for Pore Management
- Gentle and Consistent Cleansing: Use a mild, pH-balanced, sulphate-free cleanser twice daily. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as physical irritation can stimulate more oil production and inflammation.
- Targeted Chemical Exfoliation: Incorporate products with Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) like Salicylic Acid (typically 0.5%–2%) or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like Glycolic Acid. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and is particularly effective at penetrating the pore lining to dissolve the oil and dead cell buildup, thereby reducing pore size and congestion [7].
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Serums containing Niacinamide (concentrations between 2%–10%) can help reduce sebum excretion rate and improve the barrier function of the skin, leading to a visible reduction in pore appearance over time [2].
- Sun Protection: Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is non-negotiable. It is the single most important step to prevent the collagen degradation and skin thickening that leads to pore enlargement [2].
Dermatologist-Recommended Treatment Procedures
For persistent or severe pore enlargement, in-office procedures provide the most significant results [8].
- Chemical Peels: Medically supervised peels using high concentrations of acids (Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, or Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)) can remove damaged layers of the skin, stimulate collagen production, and refine the pore architecture [9].
- Microdermabrasion/Hydrafacial: These procedures mechanically and/or chemically exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin, immediately clearing congestion and promoting a smoother skin texture, which makes pores less visible.
- Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy): This technique creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. The resulting firmer, thicker skin provides more support around the pore opening, significantly reducing its perceived size, particularly for droplet-shaped pores [8].
- Laser and Light Therapy: Various lasers (e.g., Non-ablative fractionated lasers, Q-switched Nd:YAG) target the dermal layer to induce controlled thermal injury. This stimulation leads to collagen remodeling and skin tightening, which effectively shrinks the appearance of enlarged pores [8].
Key Takeaways
While you can’t permanently eliminate pores, a consistent, evidence-based skincare routine using proven ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide is critical for management.
- Foundation First: Commit to daily cleansing and non-negotiable sun protection to prevent pore-stretching damage.
- Targeted Treatment: Incorporate chemical exfoliants and sebum-reducing ingredients for ongoing refinement.
- When to See a Professional: If over-the-counter products or home care aren’t yielding satisfactory results, or if your pore size is accompanied by significant acne or scarring, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is essential to explore advanced in-office treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I permanently close my open pores?
You cannot permanently close or eliminate pores as they are necessary structures for skin function. However, their appearance can be significantly and long-lastingly reduced with consistent use of ingredients like salicylic acid and retinoids and professional treatments such as lasers or microneedling [8].
Does Multani Mitti remove open pores?
Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) does not remove pores. It can help absorb excess surface oil and debris, which temporarily makes the pores look cleaner and less noticeable [6].
Does ice close pores?
No, ice does not close pores. Applying a cold compress can cause the skin to temporarily contract (tighten), which makes the pore opening appear smaller for a short period [5].
Is besan (gram flour) effective for treating open pores?
Besan acts as a gentle physical exfoliant and absorbent when used in a mask. It can help remove surface oil and dead skin cells, which may temporarily improve the appearance of clogged pores, but it is not a treatment for pore size itself [10].
Can cold water help tighten pores?
Yes, cold water can temporarily help tighten the skin, making pores appear smaller due to the contraction of the skin’s surface. This effect is not permanent and does not impact the structural size of the pore [5].
References
[1] Lee, S. J., Seok, J., Jeong, S. Y., Park, K. Y., Li, K., & Seo, S. J. (2016). Facial pores: Definition, causes, and treatment options. Dermatologic Surgery, 42(3), 277–285. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000657
[2] Parvar, S. Y., Amani, M., Shafiei, M., Rastaghi, F., Hosseini, S. A., & Ahramiyanpour, N. (2022). The efficacy and adverse effects of treatment options for facial pores: A review article. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(3), 763–775. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15502
[3] Chilicka, K., Gold, M. H., & Nowicka, D. (2023). Acne vulgaris and the most popular and new cosmetological treatments. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(7), 1946–1950. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15757
[4] Lalchand, T. C., & Joseph, J. (2023). “Beakers versus botanicals” – Analyzing the efficacy of homemade skincare in comparison to manufactured skincare products. Cosmoderma, 3(164), 164. https://doi.org/10.25259/csdm_202_2023
[5] Sundriyal, A., Syan, J., Bhatt, B., Bahuguna, Y., & Tailor, C. S. (2022). Herbal Cosmetics: A Review on Herbal Face Pack. Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 0976-0997. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bhawana-Bhatt-4/publication/371293615_Herbal_Cosmetics_A_Review_on_Herbal_Face_Pack/links/647dcd1179a7223765134b06/Herbal-Cosmetics-A-Review-on-Herbal-Face-Pack.pdf
[6] Bhosale, A., Mahajan, S., Dange, N., & More, Y. (2025). Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Pack. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, ISSN: 2250-1177. Retrieved from https://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/download/6961/6549
[7] Măgerușan, Șoimița E., Hancu, G., & Rusu, A. (2023). A comprehensive bibliographic review concerning the efficacy of organic acids for chemical peels treating acne vulgaris. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(20), 7219. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207219
[8] Parvar, S. Y., Amani, M., Shafiei, M., Rastaghi, F., Hosseini, S. A., & Ahramiyanpour, N. (2022b). The efficacy and adverse effects of treatment options for facial pores: A review article. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(3), 763–775. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15502
[9] Camilia, A., Ap, G., Dwiputri, M. F., Arief, S. F. I., & Setyadi, Y. P. (2025). The role of Salmon DNA in Skin Regeneration and Anti-Aging. Journal Medical Informatics Technology, 79–86. https://doi.org/10.37034/medinftech.v3i2.95
[10] Lalchand, T. C., & Joseph, J. (2023). “Beakers versus botanicals” – Analyzing the efficacy of homemade skincare in comparison to manufactured skincare products. Cosmoderma, 3(164), 164. https://doi.org/10.25259/csdm_202_2023