You can't physically shrink your pores, but you can make them look noticeably smaller by keeping them clear and the skin around them smooth. Pores look larger when they are stretched by trapped oil and dead skin, or when skin loses a little firmness. The good news: a few consistent habits — gentle cleansing, salicylic acid, a weekly clay mask and daily SPF — can genuinely soften their appearance. Here is how.
Why pores look bigger than you'd like
Pore size is largely down to genetics and skin type — oilier skin tends to have more visible pores. But two things make any pore look bigger than it is: getting clogged with oil and dead skin (which stretches the opening), and a loss of firmness in the surrounding skin with age. That is why the goal is "reduce the appearance" rather than "remove" — you are keeping pores clear and the skin taut and smooth, not changing their fundamental size.
It is worth saying what this is not: it is different from clearing out blackheads, which are pores plugged with hardened oil. The two overlap, so if blackheads are your main issue, read this alongside how to get rid of blackheads at home.
How to reduce the appearance of large pores
1. Cleanse thoroughly but gently, twice a day
Oil and make-up left sitting in pores make them look bigger, so cleanse morning and night. Just don't overdo harsh, stripping washes — that can trigger more oil and make things worse. Gentle and regular wins.
2. Use salicylic acid to keep pores clear
Because it is oil-soluble, salicylic acid works inside the pore to clear the build-up that stretches it. Regular use helps pores look tighter and skin smoother. Glimify's Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment (£12.50) can be swept across the T-zone, where enlarged-looking pores usually cluster. There's more on the ingredient in salicylic acid for spots.
3. Draw out oil with a weekly clay mask
A clay mask once or twice a week gives a deeper clean, drawing out the excess oil and debris that make pores look larger. Glimify's Revitalising Clay Mask Pods (£11.99) are single-use kaolin pods aimed at oily, congested skin. If you're weighing up mask types, our guide on how to choose a face mask helps.
4. Hydrate and wear SPF
Plump, well-hydrated skin makes pores look smaller, so don't skip moisturiser even if your skin is oily. And wear SPF every day: sun exposure breaks down the collagen that keeps skin firm, and slacker skin makes pores look more open over time. Daily sun protection is one of the most effective long-term pore habits there is — and one of our top skincare tips for glowing skin.
What won't help (and can hurt)
Squeezing or aggressively scrubbing at pores tends to irritate skin and can make openings look worse, not better. Very harsh, drying products backfire the same way. There is also no product that permanently closes pores — be wary of anything promising to. Consistency with gentle, pore-clearing steps is what actually shifts the appearance.
Glimify picks for clearer-looking pores
| Step | Glimify pick | Why | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treat | Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment | Clears the build-up that stretches pores | £12.50 |
| Weekly mask | Revitalising Clay Mask Pods | Draws out oil for a smoother look | £11.99 |
| Blackheads & pores | Salicylic Blackhead & Pore Minimising Set | Targeted purifying set (limited stock) | £13.99 |
All vegan and cruelty-free — see more in the Acne & Blemish Care collection.
Key takeaways
- You can't shrink pores, but keeping them clear and skin smooth makes them look much smaller.
- Cleanse gently twice a day; use salicylic acid to clear the build-up that stretches pores.
- A weekly clay mask draws out excess oil; moisturiser and daily SPF keep skin plump and firm.
- Skip the squeezing and harsh scrubs — they make pores look worse.
- Be sceptical of anything promising to close pores permanently.
Frequently asked questions
Can you permanently shrink your pores?
No — pore size is mostly genetic. What you can do is reduce their appearance by keeping them clear of oil and debris and keeping the surrounding skin smooth and firm.
What ingredient is best for large-looking pores?
Salicylic acid is a strong choice because it clears the build-up inside pores. Pair it with a weekly clay mask and daily SPF.
Does moisturiser make pores look bigger?
No — well-hydrated skin actually makes pores look smaller. Choose a lightweight formula if your skin is oily.
Is this the same as removing blackheads?
Related but not identical. Blackheads are pores plugged with hardened oil; enlarged-looking pores are more about overall congestion and firmness. The same gentle, clearing routine helps both.
Want smoother-looking skin? Browse the vegan, cruelty-free Acne & Blemish Care collection at Glimify.
