How to Shrink Pores, According to Dermatologists

Obsessing over how to shrink pores after staring in your magnifying mirror for too long? You’re certainly not alone. But before you go too far down the skin care rabbit hole, it’s important to remember that pores are a completely natural—and necessary!—part of your complexion.

In fact, according to board-certified dermatologist Hadley C. King, MD, there’s actually no such thing as “big” pores. “Pores are tiny openings in the skin,” says Dr. King. “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.”

There are, however, certain external factors that might be making your pores more noticeable. Ahead, skin experts break down the reasons behind some common pore complaints. Plus, their best methods for how to “shrink” pores.

What’s making my pores look larger?

“When debris, oil, and dead skin cells build up in the pores, this can make pores appear larger,” says Dr. King. “If a pore becomes clogged, that will temporarily stretch the pore and make it appear larger.”

Aging and sun damage come into play. As we age, the skin around pores lose firmness, while sun damage can cause the loss of collagen and elastin. “The pore may appear larger because of the lack of support from the surrounding tissue,” says Dr. King. “Therefore, topical ingredients that help to maintain collagen and elastin, such as retinoids, antiaging peptides, and sun protection, can help to minimize pore size.” This makes it even more important to apply daily SPF.

How to shrink pores, according to dermatologists

1. Use salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid, regular exfoliation, and retinoids can all help remove sebum, which can clog pores. Getting rid of this debris can make pores look smaller. “Salicylic acid is an excellent pore-clearing ingredient because it exfoliates the surface of the skin and penetrates into pores to remove oil,” Dr. King says. “This helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged and can help remove clogs that have already formed.”

Dr. King recommends using Bioelements Pore Thing Daily Cleansing Gel, which contains “1.5% salicylic acid and azelaic acid to target pores, in a hydrating base with gentle surfactants.”

She’s also a fan of Bioelements Daily Meds, a serum with 2% salicylic acid as well as glycolic, lactic, and azelaic acids to gently exfoliate the skin and clear the pores. “It also contains niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone and texture, and thyme extract, which can decrease excess sebum,” she says.

2. Invest in antiaging ingredients and sun protection.

Ingredients that help stimulate collagen production, such as retinoids and antiaging peptides, may help support the skin around pores, helping them appear smaller. And don’t forget to apply SPF daily, which will help protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

3. Try humectants.

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, hydrate and plump the skin, which can help pores temporarily appear smaller.

“Parëva RH5.5 Hydrabond Primer contains light-reflecting pigments and powders to make the skin texture look flawless,” says Dr. King. “Lecithin and silica have a mattifying effect, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin.”

4. Use a toner pad.

Toner pads are a quick and easy addition to your skin care routine that can help you target the areas where your pores are most noticeable. The best part? With so many formulations, you can free your pores and target other skin concerns—dryness, dullness, acne—at the same time.

“An option which is especially good for those looking to control excess oil while calming the skin are the Thayers Pore Refining Pads, which combine salicylic acid, witch hazel, and hyaluronic acid to help balance the skin without overdrying,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD.

4. Don’t overdo it.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see is overcleansing or using harsh, stripping products,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. “When you strip the skin barrier, your oil glands can actually compensate by producing more oil, which can make pores look larger.” She recommends choosing a cleasner that’s gentle on skin but still effective enough to remove oil, sunscreen, and debris.

5. Balance exfoliants with soothing skin care.

Slathering on a rich moisturizer might feel counterintuitive if your goal is to clear your pores, but that’s not the case. In fact, prioritizing this step will help. “After working to keep pores clear, it’s important to follow with a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog the pores,” says Dr. Garshick. “A gel moisturizer like the Skinfix Barrier+ Barrier Restoring Gel Cream replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores, helping maintain a smoother, more refined overall look.”