How to Minimize Pores

In pursuit of clear, smooth skin, minimizing pores is a goal many share. While pores are a natural — and necessary—part of everyone's complexion, some people get off scot-free in the pore department while others contend with their more pronounced appearance. So what gives? 

Let's start with what pores are and how they work to help our skin health. According to New York-based dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf, pores are small openings throughout the skin that are vital to skin health, excreting gas, sweat, oil, and other substances from the skin. They help keep out dirt, debris, and other things that can damage the skin and control excess oil for those who are acne-prone.

So, what makes reducing the appearance of pores desirable? “Some people want to minimize the appearance of pores because they don’t like the appearance of enlarged pores on the skin,” explains Michael I. Jacobs, MD. “When pores become enlarged, it’s often because they have become clogged, which can lead to acne, ranging from blackheads to cystic acne. Minimizing pores reduces the likelihood of breakouts and keeps skin looking bright and healthy.”

So, if you’ve been looking for ways to minimize pores and smooth out your skin’s texture, you’ve come to the right place. See what the experts have to say below. 

Causes of Enlarged Pores

There are an array of factors that can contribute to enlarged pores. Dr Graf says the first is genetics; some people naturally have larger pores than others. Other causes include increased sebum production, which can clog the pores, and aging, which inherently decreases the skin’s elasticity. Lifestyle factors contributing to large pore sizes include smoking and excessive sun exposure, which can lead to sun damage. 

In-Office Treatments for Enlarged Pores

While it’s not possible to physically shrink pores, you can minimize their appearance. This is where in-office treatments can be especially fruitful. 

Jacobs recommends doing laser treatments such as Clear & Brilliant Perméa, which he says can resurface the skin and improve the appearance of various skin concerns by encouraging collagen production. He’s also a fan of radiofrequency treatments, which he says can help build collagen and potentially reduce pore size. 

Michael Garner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist on the board of advisors on Matter of Fact skin care, agrees and adds that you can also look to microdermabrasion to exfoliate the skin, chemical peels which remove layers of the skin, and microneedling to improve skin texture.