Do pores open and close? It’s one of the most common—and misunderstood—skincare myths out there. From steamy facials to icy rinse routines, many people believe they can open their pores with heat and close them with cold. You’ll even hear this advice from well-meaning friends or see it repeated in beauty tutorials across social media.
But here’s the truth: pores don’t have muscles, so they physically can’t open or close. Their size is largely determined by genetics, skin type, and factors like oil production, sun exposure, and collagen levels. While certain treatments may make pores appear smaller or cleaner, they aren’t changing the pore’s actual structure.
Understanding the real science behind pore behavior can help you care for your skin more effectively—without wasting time (or money) on techniques that don’t work. In this post, we’ll debunk the myth, explain what really impacts pore appearance, and share how to keep your skin looking smooth, clear, and healthy with dermatologist-developed tips and products.
What Are Pores, Really?
Pores are tiny openings in the skin that allow oil (sebum) and sweat to reach the surface. Each pore is connected to a hair follicle and a sebaceous (oil) gland. Pores play an important role in skin health, but they often become the focus of concern—especially when they appear enlarged, clogged, or inflamed.
Enlarged-looking pores are often caused by:
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Excess oil production
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Buildup of dead skin and debris
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Loss of collagen and elasticity with age
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UV exposure
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Improper skincare techniques
Although you can’t permanently shrink your pores, you can take steps to minimize their appearance and keep them clear.
Why the "Open and Close" Myth Persists
The myth that steam opens pores and cold water closes them likely comes from how skin feels after these treatments. Warm steam softens the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum), making it easier to remove debris from the pores. Heat also dilates blood vessels, softens the skin, and temporarily makes the opening of pores more flexible. Cold water, on the other hand, can cause blood vessels to constrict, giving skin a tighter sensation.
But again, pores themselves do not have the ability to open or close because they don't have muscles. What you’re experiencing is a temporary change in skin texture or temperature—not actual pore size modification.
So What Can You Do About Large Pores?
While you can't shrink pores permanently, you can significantly improve their appearance with gentle, consistent skincare. Here’s what dermatologists recommend:
Keep pores clean—but not stripped
Cleansing twice daily helps remove excess oil and debris that can stretch out the pores. Avoid harsh cleansers that over-dry the skin, as this can trigger more oil production.
ERLY Face Foam Gentle Cleanser is formulated to cleanse deeply without disrupting the skin’s barrier. It’s free of fragrance, sulfates, and other irritants, making it ideal for skin that’s sensitive or acne-prone.
Support your skin’s natural balance
Niacinamide is a dermatologist-favorite ingredient that helps regulate oil production, minimize inflammation, and smooth skin texture—all of which contribute to the appearance of more refined pores.
ERLY Daily Soothe contains a balanced concentration of niacinamide alongside phloretin, a potent antioxidant that supports skin barrier function and helps calm irritation.
Use sun protection every single day
Chronic sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, making pores appear larger and skin less firm. Daily sun protection helps maintain the skin’s structure and prevent further enlargement of pores.
ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40 is a mineral sunscreen that blends zinc oxide with peptides and hydrating ingredients. It offers broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.
Don’t pick or over-exfoliate
Trying to extract or “scrub away” blackheads can lead to inflammation and scarring. Over time, this damages the surrounding tissue and can make pores appear even larger.
Instead, focus on gentle, regular exfoliation with non-irritating ingredients—preferably through products recommended by a dermatologist or formulated for sensitive skin.
Common Pore-Related Mistakes
A few habits that may worsen the appearance of pores include:
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Over-washing or using alcohol-based toners
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Using pore strips frequently, which can damage delicate skin
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Skipping moisturizer, which leads to imbalance and more oil
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Sleeping in makeup, which clogs pores and triggers breakouts
Even well-intentioned steps like steaming or using ice cubes on the face don’t affect pore size in the long term and can lead to issues if overdone.
Final Thoughts
There’s no magic fix for “closing” pores—because the idea that you can is based on a myth. Do pores open and close?No, they don’t. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless when it comes to their appearance. The path to healthier-looking skin lies in understanding how pores actually function and following a skincare routine rooted in science, consistency, and care.
At ERLY, we believe skincare should work with your skin, not against it. That’s why our formulas are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, made with dermatologist-approved ingredients to support all skin types—including those dealing with visible pores, oiliness, or sensitivity.
The goal isn’t to eliminate pores—it’s to keep them clean, clear, and supported, so they appear smoother and less noticeable over time. With gentle products and a thoughtful routine, your skin can look and feel its best—no pore myths required.
