How to Close Your Pores

You can lessen the visible size of your pores through consistent skin care habits, such as daily cleansing, regular moisturizing, and periodic exfoliation.

Pores are present all over your skin — on your face, neck, arms, legs, and the rest of your body.

They serve a vital role by allowing sweat and oil to pass through the skin, helping cool you and maintain skin health.

Pores are also the openings for hair follicles. Although pores are useful, many people dislike how they look, especially in prominent areas like the nose and forehead.

There’s no method — nor any need — to fully shut your pores. However, you can take steps to make them seem less noticeable.

Read on to learn safe, practical strategies to care for your pores so your complexion appears smoother. Your skin will appreciate it.

Beauty routines are personal, whether it’s a dependable skincare plan, how frequently you shampoo, or which cosmetics you prefer.

That’s why we consult a broad mix of writers, educators, and subject-matter professionals to share guidance on everything from product application nuances to the best sheet mask for your unique needs.

We only point to items we truly stand behind, so when you see a shopping link for a specific product or brand, understand it has been well-researched by our team.

There are numerous strategies to reduce the look of pores. Try these suggestions!

1. Cleanse up to twice daily

Skin that tends to be oily or prone to clogged pores can benefit from a daily cleansing routine.

A 2006 clinical trial found that using a cleanser helped reduce some acne symptoms and kept pores clearer.

Begin with a mild over-the-counter cleanser labeled for normal to oily skin.

Wash once in the morning and once at night; washing more often can irritate and damage the skin.

2. Pick water- or gel-based formulations

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises choosing water-based products, including makeup.

For cleansers, gel textures are a solid choice. They help remove oil from pores, making them seem smaller, and are particularly effective for oily skin types.

Glycolic acid is a useful ingredient to consider (study). Cleanse your face nightly, taking care not to over-cleanse, which can dry out skin.

Whatever you pick, ensure over-the-counter items are non-comedogenic.

Shop for Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser or Garnier’s Shine Control Cleansing Gel.

3. Steer clear of oil- and alcohol-based items

Avoid oil-based or alcohol-containing cleansers when possible. Oils can aggravate the skin and trigger breakouts, while alcohol can cause dryness and redness (AAD).

Products promoted as moisturizing cleansers may leave behind residue and increase surface oiliness, so avoid them if your skin is oily.

4. Moisturize every day

Using a moisturizer regularly helps your skin produce less sebum because it doesn’t need to compensate for dryness.

Opt for an oil-free moisturizer and apply it after washing and gently drying your skin. This helps sebaceous gland oil to distribute more evenly and prevents pore blockage.

Shop for Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream or Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer.

5. Consider topical retinoids

Retinoid-containing products — derivatives of vitamin A — have been shown to reduce how noticeable pores are. Over-the-counter options to look for include retinol, retinaldehyde, or retinyl esters (key ingredients).

Use cautiously. These products are usually applied once daily. Excessive use can irritate the skin — causing redness, dryness, flaking — and increase sunburn risk. Avoid while pregnant or trying to conceive.

Shop for RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream or Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Facial Moisturizer.

6. Exfoliate periodically

Removing surface grime and buildup of dead skin cells helps smooth the skin, firm its appearance, and can make pores look smaller.

Use a gentle exfoliant like glycolic acid, and be cautious when combining exfoliants with retinoids, since retinoids heighten sensitivity. Exfoliating once or twice weekly is sufficient.

Shop for Drunk Elephant Juju Bar or Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub.

7. Try a clay mask

Clay masks can quickly reduce inflammation and improve the look of acne scarring.

In a 2012 clinical trial, acne lesion appearance was reduced by 54 percent when participants used a clay mask blended with jojoba oil twice weekly.

Clay masks help minimize pore appearance by absorbing sebum beneath the surface and adhering to impurities, pulling them out as the mask dries. Use a clay mask two to three times a week as part of your cleansing routine.

Shop for Beekman 1802 Milk Mud Warming Clay Mask or Acure Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Mask.

8. Consider essential oils

Essential oils are trendy as home remedies, and some evidence suggests they may help with pore appearance.

Anti-inflammatory oils like clove and cinnamon bark oil have shown antibacterial effects. They may help balance the skin and possibly make pores look smaller.

Blend the active essential oil with a gentle carrier (for example almond or jojoba oil) before applying. Don’t leave the mixture on longer than a few minutes, and blot skin dry afterward.

Keep in mind the FDA does not regulate essential oil quality or purity. Consult a healthcare professional before starting use and research brand quality.

Always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil, and dilute it with a carrier to prevent irritation or burning.

9. Opt for a chemical peel

If enlarged pores are due to excess sebum, a chemical peel might help.

Peels containing hyaluronic acid can assist in regulating oil production, while those with salicylic acid encourage new skin cell turnover to replace damaged cells.

Use chemical peels sparingly, since repeated use can increase sensitivity to sun exposure.

Shop for Perfect Image LLC Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel or YEOUTH Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel.

10. Don’t skip sunscreen

Protect your skin from sun damage. Daily sunscreen use is essential, even in winter or while indoors.

Sun exposure can dry skin, make pores more noticeable, and reduce elasticity.

Apply an SPF 30 or higher every day. You can also use a moisturizer that contains SPF. Other sun-protection strategies include wearing a wide-brimmed hat, choosing UPF-rated clothing, and staying in the shade when the sun is strong.

Shop for Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70 or Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen, SPF 30 (Medium/Dark) or Light/Medium.

11. Always remove makeup before sleeping

Even after a long night, don’t skip removing makeup. Sleeping with makeup on invites clogged pores from accumulated product, oil, and bacteria.

Using a makeup-removing wipe is better than nothing, but ideally you should cleanse with water and follow with toner to remove any remaining residue before bed.

Shop for Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water and Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads.

The bottom line

Many treatments and home remedies claim to make pores look smaller. Finding the right approach often depends on identifying what’s making your pores appear enlarged.

Is it excess oil? Sweat? Built-up dead skin that needs exfoliation? Or simply genetics? Some solutions will be more effective than others, so try different options until you discover what suits you.

Remember that having pores and producing sweat are normal, healthy processes necessary for your body to function properly.

They indicate your body is doing its job. Whether your pores are very noticeable or just larger than you’d like, they’re part of your skin — the body’s largest organ — and play essential roles in keeping you healthy.