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Is There Any Way to Shrink my Pores?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 28,660
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People are often concerned about the size of their pores. Larger one can become blocked more easily with shed skin, which can cause blackheads, or with bacteria that can create pimples. Many women in Western cultures feel that large pores are an undesirable feature, making them less attractive. As much as it would be nice to shrink large pores to achieve that airbrushed “model” look, it really is not possible. With appropriate skin care, you can minimize the look of pores, but their size is a matter of chance and genetics. Keeping the skin clean, gentle exfoliation, and using specific topical treatments can reduce how big pores look, however.

Several factors can make pores appear larger. Sun damage thickens the individual skin cells around pores and creates a rim-like effect. Therefore, good skin protection from the sun is valuable in minimizing how big they look. Oily skin can also cause shed skin cells to collect inside pores, making them look bigger. Blackheads and pimples can make pores larger, so should be cleared through skin exfoliation.

Also, if you examine your skin very closely, pores may appear larger than they actually are. This is especially true if you use a magnifying mirror. Other people are generally not going to be that close to your face, and will notice pores less.

Simple methods of skin care can reduce the look of pores. Using a daily exfoliant will help get rid of excess skin cells. Mild astringents are excellent for use on oily skin, which tends to retain excess skin cells. For those with frequent acne flare-ups, astringents containing salicylic acid (also called beta hydroxy acid) tend to be most helpful in reducing both whitehead pimples and blackheads. Occasional facials from either a dermatologist or a good esthetician can also help clear matter collecting in pores as well.

Some people find that over-the-counter skin treatments are not sufficient in reducing the look of pores. They may benefit from prescription topical treatments to treat pores that become stubbornly blocked. Others find that the over-the-counter products that contain retinol, a weaker formulation of a prescription medication, are adequate and less irritating to the skin.

Many doctors recommend that stubborn blackheads not be removed at home, and squeezing pimples can result in scarring. If pimples or blackheads simply won’t go away, consider seeing a dermatologist to have them removed. At the dermatologists office, you can also discuss the best prescription pore or over-the-counter treatments for reducing the look of large pores.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments
By love2learn — On Jun 04, 2010

I agree with the article when it said that sun exposure increases the size and appearance of pores. I have oily skin and a pore problem, but I've noticed that since I have cut back on my sun exposure, my pores have really decreased in size. Good tip!

By mom0103 — On Jun 04, 2010

I'm in my 40s and I still have oily skin. Pores are a source of frustration for me. I have two things I use that help me minimize their appearance. I use a good face wash scrub (like an apricot scrub) with salicyclic acid content. And once a week (if I'm good) I use a mint julep mud mask. Both of these products can be bought over the counter. They have really kept my skin under control over the years.

By bigmetal — On Feb 21, 2008

oily skin can be so annoying! the benefits are that typically, people with oily skin have fewer wrinkles. i inherited my mom's oily skin, but she has few wrinkles, even close to 60 years old. i hope i inherited that benefit as well! what's frustrating though, is still worrying about breakouts in your 30s, and then having to worry about wrinkles around the corner!

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
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