The Pore Size Myth: What Actually Works And What Doesn’t

Achieving clear skin can feel like a major win. Whether you’ve tackled acne, managed eczema flare-ups, or just refined your skincare routine, getting to that point of clarity takes dedication and consistency. But for many people, once the breakouts disappear and the redness fades, another concern comes into focus: pores.

Pores aren’t something you suddenly notice because they weren’t there before. They were always there, just less visible. Once your skin is no longer inflamed or congested, the texture becomes more noticeable. This leads many to chase after smooth, “poreless” skin, a concept heavily promoted by beauty brands, but not exactly grounded in reality. So, can you actually shrink your pores? Let’s dive into the facts and bust a few myths.

What are pores, really?

Pores are tiny openings on the surface of the skin that allow it to breathe, sweat, and release sebum, your skin’s natural oil. They’re also connected to your hair follicles. While they serve essential functions, they’ve become one of the most misunderstood features in skincare.

The size of your pores is largely determined by genetics¹. Some people naturally have smaller, less noticeable pores, while others are predisposed to having larger ones. Factors like age, sun exposure, and excess oil production can make them appear even larger over time.

The myth of “shrinking” pores

Here’s the truth that might disappoint some: you can’t permanently shrink your pores. Pore size isn’t like the width of a rubber band that you can stretch or contract at will. What you can do is make them appear smaller through certain treatments and habits.

When pores are clogged with oil, dirt, or dead skin cells, they expand, making them more visible. Regular exfoliation and cleansing can help remove these impurities and reduce the appearance of large pores. However, this doesn’t mean the pore has physically shrunk, it’s just cleaner and less stretched.

What actually helps with pore appearance

1. Retinoids

Retinoids are a go-to for improving skin texture. They speed up cell turnover and help unclog pores, reducing their stretched appearance over time². Prescription-strength options tend to deliver faster results, but over-the-counter retinols can be effective too, with regular use.

2. Chemical peels

Peels that include ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid can exfoliate the skin at a deeper level. This helps remove the buildup that causes pore congestion and gives the skin a smoother appearance.

3. Laser treatments

Non-ablative lasers, such as fractional lasers, can help with collagen production and overall skin texture improvement. They don’t shrink pores directly but remodel collagen around them, helping to tighten skin surrounding the pores which can make them look smaller.

4. Professional extractions and facials

While you shouldn’t try to squeeze your pores at home, seeing a skin dermatologist in Singapore for safe extractions can be part of an effective skincare routine. Dermatologists use sterile tools and techniques to minimise trauma and prevent scarring or worsening inflammation.

What doesn’t work (but is still popular)

1. Pore strips

Pore strips may give that satisfying moment when you peel them off and see residue, but they often only remove surface debris. They don’t clean pores deeply or provide any lasting effect. In some cases, they can even irritate the skin.

2. Steaming

Steam opens up pores temporarily, but it doesn’t affect their actual size. While it can help soften debris inside pores before cleansing, overdoing it can strip your skin and lead to dryness or increased oil production.

3. Ice or cold water

Splashing your face with cold water may give a temporary tightening sensation, but it won’t make your pores smaller. It’s more about the sensation than actual pore size change.

Are enlarged pores a health concern?

Not at all. Enlarged pores are a cosmetic concern, not a medical issue. However, if you have other skin conditions like acne or eczema that contribute to clogged pores or inflammation, it’s worth consulting a specialist. A dermatologist in Singapore can guide you on how to balance treating your skin condition while also managing pore concerns.

This is particularly important because some treatments aimed at reducing pore visibility, such as chemical peels or certain active ingredients, can exacerbate sensitive skin conditions. Personalised advice from a qualified dermatologist ensures you won’t be worsening your skin in an effort to make it look better.

Prevention and maintenance

While you can’t change your pore size, you can take steps to keep your skin healthy and reduce the chances of your pores becoming clogged or more visible:

Use sunscreen daily: UV damage breaks down collagen and elastin, which support the skin and keep pores looking tight.
Cleanse properly: Especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen, ensure you’re removing everything thoroughly each night.
Hydrate and moisturise: Oily skin doesn’t mean your skin is hydrated. Dehydrated skin can overproduce oil, worsening pore appearance.
Stick to products suited to your skin type: Whether it’s natural or clinical skincare, consistency matters more than trendiness.

Conclusion

While the idea of shrinking your pores may be more myth than reality, there are plenty of ways to improve their appearance and achieve smoother skin. From tried-and-tested ingredients like retinoids to professional laser treatments, real improvement lies in understanding how your skin works and treating it with care.

For those looking to go beyond home skincare and seek targeted, personalised treatments, Angeline Yong Dermatology offers cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatological care in Singapore. Whether it’s for pore concerns, chronic skin conditions, or aesthetic goals, expert support can help you feel confident in your skin again.

References

7 Dermatologist Approved Tips to Shrink Your Pores. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 7). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-shrink-pores

Mukherjee, S., Date, A., Patravale, V., Korting, H. C., Roeder, A., & Weindl, G. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical interventions in aging, 1(4), 327–348. https://doi.org/10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327

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The Pore Size Myth: What Actually Works And What Doesn’t