How to get rid of pores

If you’ve ever found yourself peering closely into a magnifying mirror, wondering how to get rid of enlarged pores, you’re not alone. It seems we’ve all had an obsession with our skin texture at some point, attempting to exfoliate large pores into extinction or smooth them into submission with endless layers of primer.

Pressure to achieve a completely unrealistic skin texture is nothing new – think back to the 00's reign of Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse – yet social media has undoubtedly amplified the message that 'good' skin should appear as smooth and poreless as a doll's. Instagram's airbrushed version of reality may have held us in a grip for some time, but now we are thankfully starting to strive for a more realistic standard.

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When it comes to getting rid of pores, the reality is that you can’t – and nor should you feel compelled to. As dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross explains, they’re on your face for a good reason. “Pores are tiny hair follicles which contain an oil-secreting sebaceous gland. You have them all over your body, with the exception of your palms and bottom of your feet. The purpose of a pore is to allow the oil generated by the sebaceous glands to travel up the hair follicle and reach the surface of the skin, lubricating it. This natural oil is called sebum and keeps the skin moisturised and healthy.”

While it’s true that some days your pores may appear larger than others, the idea that you can ‘open’ and ‘close’ them is false: largely, it's the product of dubious industry marketing, created to help sell 'pore-minimising' products. Any bottle that claims to 'get rid' of pores should be approached with a dose of scepticism.

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“Your pores have no muscles attached to them, so they are unable to move or shift shape” confirms Andrea Pfeffer, founder of facial clinic Pfeffer Sal. “However, their appearance and size is affected by many factors including skin condition, genetics and lifestyle. Pores can appear to grow in size as we age, due to depletion of collagen and elastin in the skin making it a little less tight.”

So while you can’t get rid of pores permanently, or shrink them past their natural size, you can do a lot to prevent any texture from becoming overly pronounced. Here, see all your options for keeping large pores in check – no miracles required…

6 ways to refine large pores

Consider your cleanser

Cleansing thoroughly is an essential first step in keeping pores at their natural size. Make-up, daily grime and city pollution all sit on the skin throughout the day, and need to be completely swept away to prevent pores becoming clogged and therefore enlarged. A double cleanse is your secret weapon here: first, melt make-up with an oil or balm, then try a gel to really treat the skin.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

With glycolic and salicylic acids, this active treatment cleanser will gently exfoliate congested, acne-prone skin.

Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense

A pore-cleansing cocktail of acids makes this a powerhouse formula for treating oil and congestion.

Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser

Gentle yet effective, this cleansing gel foams lightly to leave all skin types feeling clean and hydrated.

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser

Salicylic acid means this deep-cleansing face wash is especially suited to oily skins.

Refine with a peel

According to Dr. Gross, chemical exfoliation is a great way to keep pores clean and clear. “Incorporating a daily exfoliator into your routine can work wonders. It speeds cellular turnover and reduces blockage to prevent congested pores, which look bigger.”

A pre-soaked pad containing an alpha hydroxy acid is your best option for a quick, easy exfoliation, while seasoned acid users can graduate to Dr. Dennis Gross’s potent Resurfacing Liquid Peel – it’s as close to a professional monthly treatment you’ll get without leaving your bathroom.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel

New to acid exfoliation? Start with these swipe-on pads.

Dr Dennis Gross Professional Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel

For seasoned users only, this high-strength acid peel refines, resurfaces and brightens with remarkable results.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Now 25% Off

This cult-favourite toner combines a duo of acids that work to clear congested pores and resurface the outermost layer of skin.

Medik8 Press & Glow

Formulated with moisture-grabbing poly-hydroxy-acid, this exfoliating toner is ideal for dehydrated and sensitive skins.

Use a retinol

According to Pfeffer, retinol can also be a useful ally with it comes to shrinking pores – but correct usage is crucial. “Retinol helps to minimise oil production and congestion build-up in the pores that can potentially be a reason for enlargement." However, as with most active ingredients, too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect. When using a retinol, Pfeffer recommends three months on, two months off for a maximum period of 18 months.

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Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Start with Medik8's celebrated Crystal Retinal 1, before working up the strengths: 3, 6, and 10.

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

One of Sunday Riley's most acclaimed formulas, this milky serum combines retinol with moisture-grabbing algae.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Retinol Night Serum

The retinol inside these biodegradable pods stays as potent as possible until the moment it reaches the skin.

La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol Night Moisturiser

Use this trusted retinol cream for two months to see brighter, smoother skin – and smaller pores.

Try microneedling

If you’re considering professional treatment to help refine enlarged pores, a course of microneedling could be the answer.

“Needling can be a fantastic treatment to minimise the appearance of pore size” suggests Pfeffer. “It works by delivering micro-injuries into the skin, triggering a controlled, precise healing process. This results in accelerated, more structured collagen production. The increased levels of collagen and elastin thicken the skin, so our pores appear smaller.”

However, this is a treatment best left to the experts, warns Pfeffer. “It needs to be done by an experienced, qualified therapist in a sterile environment. At-home derma rollers and lighter needling treatments are more focused on product penetration and will not reach deep enough into the skin to stimulate the collagen and elastin production required” she explains.

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Veil with a primer

Patience might be a virtue, but when it comes to quick fixes, there's one in particular that works brilliantly at concealing pores. The best way to instantly veil uneven skin texture and ensure a smooth foundation for make-up is with a specially formulated primer for large pores.

“Pore-minimising primers like Smashbox's Pore Minimizing Photo Finish Primer and Benefit's The Porefessional contain spherical silicone particles and powder pigments that fill in and blur the appearance of the skin surface before you apply make-up on top,” explains make-up artist Hannah Martin. “Both of these are oil-free and non-comedogenic too.”

MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer

If reducing excess oil is your focus, try MAC's airy silicone primer, which creates a smooth canvas with staying power.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer

This creamy primer will transform your foundation, ensuring a completely smooth, airbrushed finish without looking dull or powdery.

Benefit The POREfessional Primer

Now 20% Off

Lightweight and creamy, this cult classic skims over pores and prevents shine from creeping through.

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer

Smashbox is known for creating flawless primers – and when it comes to veiling pores, this one doesn't disappoint.

Re-think foundation

Finally, pairing a pore-minimising primer with the right foundation is the key to a smooth make-up finish. “Avoid anything with too much oil or moisture on the areas you may be concerned about, as this will undo the good work of your primer” advises Martin. “By all means wear a dewy-finish foundation where you want a glow, but stick to long-wearing, oil-free formulas in the areas you want to conceal open pores.”

And your secret weapon for on-the-go touch-ups? Sometimes the simplest products are the most effective. “Throughout the day, use blotting papers (DHC's are affordable and effective) to absorb any excess oil on the skin before make-up touch ups” says Martin. “This will help minimise the appearance of pores and reduce the risk of them becoming clogged.”

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet

For a velvety-matte finish that doesn't look heavy, try Chanel's classic pore-blurring foundation.

Dior Backstage Face & Body Powder-No-Powder

Dior's pigmented powder is ultra finely milled, balancing oiliness while creating radiant, unified skin. Use it alone, or over a liquid foundation for higher coverage.

Armani Power Fabric SPF 25 Foundation

Now 45% Off

For full coverage that doesn't budge, opt for this stellar foundation.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick

A mineral-based formula, this easy stick can be swiped onto skin throughout the day, delivering high coverage without the dryness.

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