Symptom
Large pores – when skin looks rougher than it is
You look closer and it feels like your pores suddenly took over your face. It’s annoying, but you’re not imagining it. Most of the time, it’s not that pores have truly “grown” overnight—it’s oil, texture, elasticity, and the way light hits the skin.
Are the pores really the problem?
Pore size is largely genetic, but how visible pores look depends on a lot more than DNA. When sebum collects at the opening, when sebaceous filaments become more noticeable, or when skin loses elasticity with age, pores can look larger even if the actual opening hasn’t changed much.
That’s why harsh cleansing and over-exfoliating usually miss the point. They may give a temporary “clean” feeling, but they can weaken the barrier, increase irritation, and even push the skin to produce more oil. Research on retinoids shows they can improve skin texture over time, but the payoff comes from consistency, not from scrubbing harder.
So no, the goal usually isn’t to “close” pores—you can’t. The goal is to reduce what makes them visually obvious: excess oil, uneven texture, and loss of elasticity. If pores suddenly change a lot, become inflamed, or come with pain or a rash, it’s worth getting the skin checked by a clinician.
What to do, practically
Cleanse gently
Choose a cleanser that removes sunscreen and dirt without leaving skin tight. Au Naturel Makeup Remover with MCT oil is made to lift the day off without putting skin on the defensive.
Stop over-exfoliating
If you already use acids or retinol, ease off anything that stings or burns. Pores often look better when skin gets calm enough to repair its barrier.
Work on elasticity
When skin loses firmness, pore openings become more visible, especially around the nose and cheeks. Think long term: support texture and structure, not just short-lived mattifying.
Let oil behave
Sebaceous filaments are not dirt. They’re part of normal sebum flow and can’t be permanently erased. A steady, low-drama routine can make them far less noticeable.
Zoom out
Skin reactivity is also shaped by sleep, stress, and overall health. Fungtastic Mushroom Extract is a simple way to support the immune system and gut from the inside.
How to make pores look smaller
The most effective fix is usually not more actives, but a face that stops looking irritated. The DUO kit with The ONE and I LOVE helps the skin feel calmer and more balanced, which often makes pores and texture look less loud.
For cleansing, Au Naturel Makeup Remover is the sensible choice when you want to take off the day without starting a fight with your skin. Gentle cleansing lowers the chance of barrier irritation, and irritation is often what makes pores look bigger and more defined.
If you’re thinking long term, build a routine your skin can actually tolerate. The ONE can help keep the surface softer, I LOVE brings a calming touch, and for those who want to support the body from within, Fungtastic Mushroom Extract can be a simple add-on for immune and gut support. Not magic. Just less noise, more balance—and skin that tends to look smoother.
Products we recommend
Save €34DUO kit
Two face oils, one for morning and one for evening. Simple skincare that works with your skin, not against it.
Au Naturel Makeup Remover
A cleansing oil with MCT and CBD that removes makeup and buildup without stripping your skin bare.
Fungtastic Mushroom Extract
Four mushrooms in one formula to support immunity, focus, energy and sleep from within.
Frequently asked questions
Can pores be permanently shrunk?
Not in the way people usually mean. Genetics play a big role in pore size, but visibility can absolutely be reduced by keeping oil, irritation, and loss of elasticity in check.
Are sebaceous filaments the same as blackheads?
No. Sebaceous filaments are normal structures that help move sebum through the pore, while blackheads are clogged pores. They can look similar, but they shouldn’t be treated as the same thing.
Does retinol help large pores?
Retinol can help skin look smoother over time by supporting cell turnover and texture. It works best as part of a patient, skin-friendly routine—not as a quick fix.
Why do pores look bigger with age?
As skin loses collagen and elasticity, pore openings become more visible. That doesn’t mean your skin is failing—it just means the structure has changed and needs gentler support.
Sources
- Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol 2018;16(3):143–155.
- Salem I, Ramser A, Isham N, Ghannoum MA. The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis. Front Microbiol 2018;9:1459.
- Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets 2014;13(3):177–190.
Article reviewed by Christopher Genberg, founder of 1753 SKINCARE.
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