Why Pores Look Bigger

Pores are tiny openings through which sebum reaches the skin's surface. Their size is largely genetic. They look bigger mainly when they're filled with sebum, dead skin cells and impurities, or when the skin loses firmness over time.

That's the good news: even though you can't change actual pore size, you can significantly refine their appearance by keeping them clean and keeping the skin firm and healthy.

Can You Really Shrink Pores?

Honestly: pores can't be permanently shrunk. Anyone who promises that is exaggerating. What does work is emptying them, smoothing them and making them visually less noticeable. Regular, gentle exfoliation and good cleansing are decisive for that.

Hydration also plays a role: well-hydrated skin looks plumper, which makes pores appear less visible. Drying the skin out, on the other hand, risks it producing more sebum, and that's exactly what ends up making pores look bigger.

The Role of Sebum and BHA

Sebum, the skin's own oil, isn't the enemy. It protects the skin. It only becomes a problem when too much is produced or when it builds up with dead cells inside the pores. This is where BHA (salicylic acid) comes in.

BHA is oil-soluble and can therefore penetrate into the pore to dissolve sebum and build-up from within. That makes it the most important ingredient against blackheads and clogged pores. Combined with mild cleansing and hydration, the result is a visibly clearer, more refined complexion.

How to Build Your Pore Routine

Start with a thorough but gentle cleanse, ideally with a cleansing oil that dissolves sebum from the pores. Add a BHA exfoliation two to three times a week, for example in the form of toner pads, to remove dead cells and build-up.

A clarifying mask once or twice a week rounds off the routine. Hydration afterwards always stays important, so the skin doesn't compensate by producing more sebum. That keeps the complexion balanced rather than oily or dry.

What to Avoid

Less is often more: exfoliating too often or too aggressively irritates the skin and can even stimulate sebum production. Squeezing blackheads also does more harm than good, as it can widen pores and cause inflammation.

Also skip heavily drying products and harsh alcohol. They promise an instant matte feel but weaken the skin barrier in the long run. Balanced, well-cared-for skin is the best path to finer-looking pores.

Our Pore Care Picks

These three products from our range cover cleansing, exfoliation and clarifying care.