If there is one skincare concern I hear about daily in my dermatology practice, it is pores. Patients often tell me they feel like their pores are suddenly larger, more noticeable, or impossible to hide no matter what products they use. The truth is that pores are completely normal and essential for healthy skin. That said, there are evidence-based ways to minimize pores and less prominent, without overcomplicating your routine or damaging your skin barrier.
This guide will walk you through what pores actually are, why they can appear larger, and what truly helps minimize their appearance from a dermatologist’s point of view.
What Are Pores and Why Do We Have Them?
Pores are the openings of hair follicles on the skin. Each pore contains a hair and a sebaceous gland, which produces sebum. Sebum is not the enemy. It helps protect the skin, maintain hydration, and support the skin barrier. Without pores, our skin would not function properly.
What most people mean when they say they want to “shrink” their pores is that they want them to look less visible. Pore size itself is largely determined by genetics, but several factors can make pores appear larger over time.
Why Do Pores Look Larger?
There are a few common reasons pores become more noticeable:
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Excess oil production
When sebaceous glands produce more oil, pores stretch to accommodate it. This is why pores are often more visible in oily or acne-prone skin, particularly on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. -
Clogged pores
When oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can form plugs. These plugs make pores look darker and larger, especially in the form of blackheads. -
Loss of collagen and elasticity
As we age, collagen production naturally declines. When the skin around a pore loses firmness, the pore opening can look wider and more oval-shaped. -
Sun damage
Chronic UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, which worsens the appearance of pores over time.
Understanding these factors helps explain why there is no single magic product that permanently shrinks pores. Instead, the goal is to support the skin so pores look tighter, clearer, and more refined.
The Biggest Myth About Pores
One of the most persistent skincare myths is that pores can open and close like doors. They cannot. Pores do not have muscles. Hot water, steam, or ice cubes do not physically open or close pores. What these methods may do temporarily is soften oil or reduce redness, which can give the illusion of smaller pores. Long-term improvement comes from consistent, gentle skincare that addresses oil balance, cell turnover, and skin barrier health.
Gentle Cleansing Is Foundational
Harsh cleansers are one of the fastest ways to make pores look worse. When the skin is stripped, it often responds by producing more oil. This cycle can lead to more congestion and more visible pores.
Choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil without leaving your skin tight or squeaky. Cleansing twice daily is usually sufficient. Over-cleansing or using aggressive scrubs can disrupt the barrier and make pores appear more prominent over time.
Niacinamide: A Gold-Standard Ingredient to Minimize Pores
From a dermatologist’s perspective, niacinamide is one of the most effective and well-tolerated ingredients for minimizing the appearance of pores.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, works in several ways:
• Helps regulate oil production
• Improves skin barrier function
• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Supports collagen production
• Improves overall skin texture
By balancing oil and strengthening the skin around the pore, niacinamide helps pores look smaller and more refined over time.
This is why I often recommend ERLY Daily Soothe. It is formulated with niacinamide at a level that is effective but gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin and daily use. Unlike products that rely on aggressive exfoliation, Daily Soothe supports the skin barrier while improving tone and texture. Consistent use can lead to smoother-looking skin and less noticeable pores without irritation.
Exfoliation: Less Is More
Exfoliation can help prevent clogged pores by removing dead skin cells, but more is not better. Over-exfoliating damages the barrier and can actually worsen pore appearance.
If you exfoliate, keep it gentle and infrequent. Chemical exfoliants can be effective when used sparingly, but they are not necessary for everyone. Many people see improvement in pore appearance simply by cleansing well, moisturizing consistently, and using niacinamide.
If your skin becomes red, stings, or flakes, that is a sign to pull back. Healthy skin always looks smoother and more refined than irritated skin.
Moisturizing Matters Even for Oily Skin
Skipping moisturizer is a common mistake among people concerned about pores. When skin is dehydrated, it can produce more oil to compensate. This often leads to more congestion and larger-looking pores.
A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier intact and balanced. When the barrier is healthy, pores tend to look less obvious. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide support hydration without heaviness.
Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
Sun damage is one of the most overlooked contributors to enlarged pores. UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, which causes pores to lose their surrounding support.
Daily sunscreen use is one of the most powerful tools we have to preserve skin structure and prevent pores from appearing larger over time. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are particularly well tolerated for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Professional Treatments and Realistic Expectations
In-office treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser procedures can improve pore appearance by stimulating collagen and improving texture. These treatments can be helpful, but they are not required for everyone and they are not permanent fixes. At-home skincare is what maintains results long-term.
It is also important to set realistic expectations. No skincare routine will erase pores completely. The goal is healthier skin with smoother texture and more refined-looking pores.
The Bottom Line
Pores are a normal and necessary part of healthy skin. While you cannot eliminate them, you can significantly improve how they look by focusing on barrier health, oil balance, and collagen support.
From a dermatologist’s perspective, the most effective pore-minimizing routines are simple and consistent. Gentle cleansing, daily moisturizing, sun protection, and proven ingredients like niacinamide make the biggest difference over time.
Products like ERLY Daily Soothe fit seamlessly into this approach by calming the skin, supporting the barrier, and helping pores appear smaller without irritation. When skin is healthy, balanced, and protected, pores naturally become less of a focal point.
