Pore Minimizing
How to minimize pores – what actually works and what's a myth
Let's be honest upfront: you can't shrink your pores. Their size is determined by genetics. But you can absolutely make them look smaller by keeping them clean, supporting skin elasticity, and avoiding what makes them more visible.
Why pores appear larger than they should
Pores are necessary. They release sebum that protects and moisturizes skin, and they help skin breathe. The problem arises when they become unnecessarily visible – and that's almost always due to one of four things: excessive oil production, clogging with dead skin cells and dirt, lost elasticity in surrounding skin, or sun damage.
The skincare industry has earned billions selling "pore-shrinking" products that can't deliver on their promise. Pores have no muscle that can contract. Cold water doesn't close pores. And most astringents simply dry out skin, triggering more oil production and making pores even more visible long-term.
The real strategy is about keeping pores clean from within, supporting collagen production around them, and balancing oil production so they don't stretch. It's less glamorous than a miracle mask, but it actually works.
How to make pores look smaller
Keep pores clean, not empty
Gentle cleansing morning and evening removes what clogs pores. Oil-based cleansing dissolves sebum effectively without stripping skin. Avoid mechanical scrubbing – it damages skin and makes pores redder and more visible.
Balance oil production
Excess sebum stretches pores. Instead of drying out skin, balance production. CBG interacts with sebaceous glands via the endocannabinoid system and helps them normalize without extremes.
Protect collagen around pores
When skin loses collagen it loses firmness around pores, making them more visible. Sunscreen, antioxidants like CBD, and a diet rich in vitamin C support collagen production.
Avoid heavy products
Thick creams and silicone-based makeup can clog pores. Choose light formulations – face oils that absorb quickly are often better than heavy creams for those concerned about pore appearance.
Regular gentle exfoliation
A mild chemical exfoliation once or twice a week helps keep pores free of dead skin cells. Avoid aggressive scrubs. Low-concentration AHA acids or enzymatic exfoliation are gentle alternatives.
CBG and clean pores
CBG has a unique ability to interact with sebaceous glands directly. By binding to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it helps skin normalize oil production – the single most important factor for pore appearance. Less excess oil means pores that don't stretch and skin that looks smoother.
Au Naturel Makeup Remover cleanses pores deeply without irritating. TA-DA Serum with 3 percent CBG then balances oil production while CBD in the DUO TA-DA face oil protects collagen around pores with its antioxidant properties.
The result isn't invisible pores – we don't promise that. The result is skin that looks smooth, balanced, and healthy, with pores that don't attract attention. And that's actually the goal.
Products we recommend
TA-DA Serum
A CBG-powered serum that seals in moisture and adds glow, whatever the season.
Au Naturel Makeup Remover
A cleansing oil with MCT and CBD that removes makeup and buildup without stripping your skin bare.
Save €60DUO kit + TA-DA Serum
The full routine in one: three products that help skin become calmer, stronger and more resilient.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really shrink pores?
No, pore size is determined by genetics and can't be permanently changed. But you can make them look smaller by keeping them clean, balancing oil production, and supporting skin elasticity.
Does cold water close pores?
That's a myth. Pores have no muscle that can open or close. Cold water may temporarily reduce redness and swelling, but it doesn't change pore size.
Does oil-based skincare make pores worse?
Quite the opposite. The right oils help dissolve the sebum clogging pores and signal to skin that it doesn't need to overproduce. CBD and CBG oils are especially good at balancing without blocking.
Sources
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci 2017;19(1):70.
- Meier L, Stange R, Michalsen A, Uehleke B. Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne. Forsch Komplementmed 2012;19(2):75–79.
Article reviewed by Christopher Genberg, founder of 1753 SKINCARE.
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