How to Make Your Pores Look Smaller

"How can I make my pores look smaller?  Is there any skincare that actually works?"  I get messages like this all the time. Spoiler alert: You can’t actually shrink your pores, but there are steps you can take to make them appear smaller. Here's the skinny:

Why Do Pores Look Big Anyway?

Pores are essential—they allow your skin to breathe, release sweat, and secrete sebum (that’s oil). But sometimes, they can look larger due to factors like genetics, aging, excess oil production, or even sun damage. The good news? With the right skincare routine, you can minimize their appearance.

1. Cleanse Like You Mean It

The first step to making your pores appear smaller is keeping them clean. Think of your pores like tiny windows—if they’re clogged with dirt and oil, they can be distracting. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove grime and excess oil. Look for ingredients like charcoal, tea tree or glycolic acid, which help to deep-clean pores and keep them clear.  Our Clarifying Charcoal Cleanser is a great option.

2. Exfoliate Regularly, But Tread Lightly

Exfoliation is key to sloughing off dead skin cells that can make your pores look larger. Aim for 1-2 times a week using a chemical exfoliant (chemical exfoliants use acids instead of scrubbies). Physical exfoliants (scrubs) can be a little harsh, so use them sparingly. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, making pores look even more noticeable—so be gentle!  If you're looking for a chemical exfoliant check out our Pumpkin Enzyme Peel which has alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids.

3. Treat Yourself to a Clay Mask

Clay masks are your skin’s best friend when it comes to minimizing pores. They work by drawing out impurities and absorbing excess oil, which can make pores less visible. Try using a clay mask 1-2 times a week.  Our Clarifying Green Clay Mask is perfect for pores.

4. Keep It Light

If you have oily skin, your pores might appear larger because they’re working overtime to keep up with the oil production. Incorporate either a lightweight serum or moisturizer for hydration, ideally with purifying ingredients.  We use Tea Tree Oil in our Clarifying Serum for this reason.

5. SPF is Non-Negotiable

Sun damage can make your pores appear larger over time as it breaks down collagen and elastin in your skin. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily is crucial to prevent this. Bonus: It also keeps wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Check out our Peptide Protection SPF 30.

6. Consider a Retinoid

Retinoids (or retinol, if you’re going the over-the-counter route) are a powerhouse ingredient for promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen production. They help to keep your pores unclogged and reduce their appearance over time. Start slow—retinoids can be potent—and always pair with sunscreen.  Our favorites are the Gentle Retinol Night Serum from Marie Veronique for sensitive skin or The Straight A from Maya Chia for combo skin.

7. Professional Treatments Can Help

If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy can help reduce the appearance of pores. Consult with a dermatologist or aesthetician to see what’s best for your skin.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Pore Perfection

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that pores are a natural part of your skin’s anatomy—they’re not the enemy! With these tips, you can keep them in check and rock a smooth, glowing complexion. So, the next time you catch a glimpse of your pores, just remember—they’re working hard for you, and with a little TLC, they can look fabulous too.