Let’s set the record straight: your pores are not doors you can slam shut whenever you feel like it. They don’t open, they don’t close, and sadly, there is no magic wand (or filter) that makes them disappear. But before you throw in the towel, here’s the good news—while you can’t shrink pores, you can make them look a whole lot smaller and keep them from stealing the spotlight.

First Things First: What Even Are Pores?

Pores are tiny openings in your skin that allow sweat and oil to escape (basically your skin’s natural ventilation system). They’re totally normal, totally natural, and everyone has them. Yes, even that influencer with “poreless” skin—you’re just seeing good lighting, good angles, and maybe a bit of Photoshop.

Why Do Pores Look Big?

A few things can make pores more noticeable:

• Excess oil production – Oil sitting in pores can stretch them out.

• Clogged pores – Dirt, dead skin, and makeup make them appear larger.

• Loss of elasticity – As we age, skin gets less firm, making pores look wider.

• Sun damage – UV rays break down collagen, which also affects pore appearance.

So while your pore size is mostly genetic, lifestyle and skincare play a big role in how noticeable they are.

How to Minimise the Look of Pores

1. Keep Them Clean (But Don’t Overdo It)

A gentle cleanser keeps oil and dirt from settling in, but avoid harsh scrubbing. Over-cleansing just makes your skin produce more oil (thanks, biology).

2. Exfoliate Like a Pro

Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) are your best friends here. They dissolve dead skin and keep pores clear without the scratchy scrub routine.

3. Try Niacinamide

This multitasking ingredient helps regulate oil, reduce redness, and tighten the look of pores—basically skincare’s overachiever.

4. Stay Moisturised

Skipping moisturiser makes your skin overcompensate with excess oil, which only makes pores look bigger. Keep your skin hydrated and balanced.

5. Wear Sunscreen (Always)

Sun damage = less collagen = bigger-looking pores. SPF isn’t just about wrinkles; it’s about keeping your skin structure strong.

The Hard Truth (and the Good News)

No cream, serum, or pore strip is going to erase your pores. They’re part of your skin, and they’re here to stay. The goal isn’t to shrink them but to keep them clear, supported, and less noticeable.

Think of it like tidying up your house before guests arrive. You can’t make the walls closer together, but you can make everything look neat, smooth, and presentable.

Final Thoughts

Pores are not your enemy—they’re just doing their job. With the right skincare habits (cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and protecting), you can stop obsessing over them and start enjoying the skin you’re in.

Because honestly? Nobody else is zooming in on your face the way you are.