The Most Effective Ways to Reduce Open Pores on Face, According to Experts

Large or visible pores are one of the most common skincare concerns. Many people wonder how to reduce open pores on the face or if there is a way to get rid of pores on the face safely. While it’s impossible to “erase” pores, as they are essential openings for sweat and sebum, there is a science-backed way to minimise their appearance, improve skin texture and strengthen the skin barrier

This is an expert-backed guide which  down the cause for open pores on face, the most effective treatments, the skincare routines, and dermatologist-approved ingredients that help you manage and minimize open pores with consistent care.

Understanding Open Pores: What They Are and Why They Look Enlarged

Before delving into the ways to shrink large pores on the face, it is important to know what pores actually do. Pores are tiny openings connected to oil glands and hair follicles. They allow your skin to breathe, release sweat, and regulate oil.
However, pores start looking larger due to these common reasons:

1. Excess Sebum Production

Oily and combination skin types naturally produce more sebum. When oil builds up inside the pores, they stretch and look more apparent.

2. Loss of Collagen

Ageing and sun exposure reduce collagen and elastin, the support structure that keeps pores tight. With compromised elasticity, pores appear larger.

3. Accumulation of Debris

Dead skin cells, oil, pollution, and makeup can gather inside pores, making them more visible.

4. Genetics

Some people are genetically predisposed to having more noticeable pores. While you cannot completely change this, you can manage it effectively with targeted skincare.

5. Incorrect Skincare Routine

Over-exfoliating, using heavy creams, or inadequate cleansing can worsen large pores on the face over time.

Can You Really Close Pores on the Face? Experts Explain

A common question is, “How to close pores on face permanently?” The honest, dermatologist-approved answer is: You cannot permanently close pores, because pores do not have muscles.What you can do is shrink their appearance, refine skin texture, and prevent further enlargement through consistency and expert-recommended ingredients.

So while “closing pores on face” isn’t scientifically possible, reducing open pores absolutely is, with the right approach.

The Most Effective Ways to Reduce Open Pores on the Face

Below are expert-approved methods on how to get rid of pores on face and maintain healthier, smoother-looking skin.

1. Use a Proper Cleanser Twice Daily

Cleansing removes oil, dirt, and debris, stopping pores from stretching further. Gel-based or mild exfoliating cleansers are ideal for those dealing with open pores.

Look for a cream-based formula with salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide, which helps deeply cleanse without stripping the skin. This type of cleanser helps unclog pores, regulate oil, and support smoother texture, perfect for anyone looking to minimise open pores.

2. Include BHAs (Salicylic Acid) for Deep Pore Cleansing

Salicylic acid is the gold-standard ingredient when exploring ways to get rid of large pores. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to travel inside pores and dissolve sebum, visibly reducing congestion.

How it helps:

• Clears blackheads and whiteheads

• Reduces pore-clogging oil

• Smooths texture

• Helps in reducing open pores over time

Look for an exfoliating serum containing 2% salicylic acid blended with lactic acid, PHA, and soothing botanicals like cica and aloe, which provides gentle exfoliation without irritation, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

3. Add Niacinamide to Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Niacinamide is one of the most researched and dermatologist-loved actives for reducing pores.

Benefits include:

• Regulates excess sebum

• Improves elasticity

• Reduces inflammation

• Brightens skin tone

• Refines the appearance of large pores on face
  

A well-formulated niacinamide serum with zinc PCA, alpha arbutin, and soothing ingredients works exceptionally well to reinforce pore structure and brighten the skin simultaneously.

4. Exfoliate Regularly but Gently

A balanced exfoliation routine is one of the most effective answers for how to shrink large pores on face. Use AHAs (like lactic or glycolic acid) 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin, making the pore openings look tighter.

Over-exfoliation can damage the barrier and increase pore visibility, so consistency matters more than intensity.

5. Use Retinol for Collagen Support

If you’re looking for a long-term solution for reducing open pores on face, retinol is one of the best ingredients. Retinol increases cell turnover and boosts collagen, helping pores look smaller and skin look firmer.

A gentle, encapsulated retinol serum with peptides, squalane, and cica helps refine texture, smooth fine lines, and strengthen pore walls with regular use.

6. Choose Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers

Skipping non-comedogenic moisturizer is a mistake; skin that lacks hydration produces more oil, which stretches pores even more. Opt for gel-based & light-weight formulas to maintain balance.

A moisturizer containing zinc PCA, natural betaine, or fucogel helps maintain hydration without clogging pores.

7. Apply Sunscreen Every Single Day

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. UV exposure breaks down collagen, making pores look more pronounced over time. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. Gel-based formulas keep oily and combination skin balanced without heaviness.

Look for a gel sunscreen enriched with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and pollution defence that keeps skin matte, protected, and less prone to increased pore visibility.

8. Avoid Heavy Makeup and Improper Cleansing

Sleeping with makeup on or using thick foundations traps oil and debris inside pores. Double cleansing on days you wear makeup helps prevent buildup.

9. Professional Treatments for Large Pores

If you’re dealing with extremely visible pores and want faster results, dermatologists may suggest:

• Chemical peels

• Microneedling

• Laser resurfacing

• Microdermabrasion
  

These treatments help build collagen and reduce pore size gradually.

Best Skincare Routine for Reducing Open Pores

Here’s a simple open pores skincare routine proven to work:

Morning Routine

1. Gentle exfoliating cleanser

2. Niacinamide serum

3. Lightweight moisturizer

4. Gel-based sunscreen

Night Routine

1. Cleanser

2. AHA BHA PHA Exfoliator (alternate nights) or Retinol (2-3 times a week)

3. Hydrating moisturizer
   

This balanced routine helps with reducing open pores, managing excess oil, and improving overall skin texture.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to reduce open pores on face is not about permanently changing your skin’s anatomy; it’s about managing oil balance, supporting collagen, and maintaining a consistent routine. With the right combination of exfoliation, barrier-supporting ingredients, sun protection, and smart product choices, you can effectively minimise open pores and achieve smoother, more refined skin. If you maintain patience and follow a structured routine, visible pores can become one of the easiest concerns to manage.

FAQs for the most effective ways to Reduce Open Pores on Face

1. How to get rid of large pores effectively?

Ans. You cannot get rid of pores completely, but you can reduce their visibility using salicylic acid, niacinamide, retinol, gentle exfoliation, and daily sunscreen.

2. How to close open pores on face permanently?

Ans. Pores cannot be closed permanently, but consistent skincare can significantly refine them. Retinol, AHAs, niacinamide, and sun protection help maintain tighter-looking pores.

3. What causes open pores on the face?

Ans. Excess oil, genetics, sun damage, aging, buildup of dead skin, and incorrect products are the biggest contributors.

4. What is the best way to reduce open pores on face at home?

Ans. Using a salicylic acid cleanser, niacinamide serum, gentle chemical exfoliant, and lightweight sunscreen works best.

5. Do ice cubes help in closing pores on face?

Ans. Ice offers only temporary tightening. It does not close pores but may reduce redness or swelling briefly.

6. Can moisturizers clog pores?

Ans. Heavy moisturizers can. Choose non-comedogenic, lightweight formulas to prevent congestion.