Why Your Pores Are So Big — And How To Unclog Them
Dr. Pimple Popper busts the most common myth about pores, and sheds light on what really works.
Published:
5 minute read
It seems like almost everyone is on an endless quest to shrink their pores. With hundreds of products out there marketed toward treating large pores, how do you determine what really works?
Spoiler alert: there’s no magic pore-shrinking bullet. According to SLMD founder and dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), the key is to keep your skin healthy, and your pores will follow. Understanding the causes and effective methods to manage pore size and unclog them can lead to healthier, clearer skin.
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What is a pore?
Simply put, a pore is a teeny tiny opening in your skin — which is covered in thousands of them. Some are sweat pores, which help your body to regulate its temperature, but most are hair follicles, meaning they contain a tiny hair root and a sebaceous gland, which produces your body’s natural oil (or sebum).
Pores play an incredibly important role in keeping our bodies healthy. They work like a tunnel, allowing the body to deliver sebum from the sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin, where it works to moisturize and protect our largest organ — the skin itself. It “waterproofs” our skin essentially, preventing too much water from entering or exiting the body, which keeps us from getting dehydrated or water logged. You might hate on your pores for being so visible, but don’t dislike them too much — they do a lot for you.
What affects your pore size?
Everyone has lots of pores, but some people have more visible pores than others — especially around the nose, apples of the cheeks, and forehead. The size of our pores is dependent on several factors:
- Genetics. Most people with large pores are simply born that way, having inherited their specific skin type.
- Age. As we get older, our skin loses its elasticity, often stretching or sagging. This can cause pores to expand over time, making them more visible.
- Hormones. An overproduction of oil during hormonal fluctuations can make pores appear larger, since excess sebum collects on the skin’s surface and creates a magnifying effect.
- Sun damage. Over time, exposure to UV radiation diminishes collagen and elastin, which can cause the skin around your pores to loosen. If the skin begins to sag, it can exaggerate the appearance of the pore.
- Improper skincare. Not having the right routine can lead to oil buildup inside your pores. This includes both over-washing (which leads to dryness that actually stimulates sebum production) and inadequate cleansing, which also clogs pores. The longer pores remain clogged, the greater chance they have of becoming stretched out.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Large Pore Picks
Can you shrink your pores?
In pursuit of smaller pores, it’s important to understand what you can and can’t expect from treatment. So many products are marketed to help “shrink” pores, and while we hate to be the bearer of bad news, we’re going to be straight with you: this isn’t possible. No matter how much time or money you spend, the size of your pores will never be made smaller with a product, treatment, or home remedy. The good news? Their appearance can be minimized with various tips, tricks, and good skincare habits.
Dr. Pimple Popper’s tips for minimizing pores
Tip #1: Cleanse properly
The best way to reduce the appearance of pores is to keep your skin clean without over-washing and over-drying your complexion. Over-washing can strip too much oil away, triggering your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum to compensate. Opt for a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that you can use daily without leaving your face feeling tight. Avoid stripping too much oil away by over-washing, as this can trigger your skin to produce more sebum, leading to larger pores.
Try: Dr. Lee’s favorite SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser, with pore-penetrating beta hydroxy acid.
Tip #2: Wear sunscreen
Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. Daily use of a lightweight moisturizer with SPF helps reduce damage to your skin’s collagen. UV exposure can lead to collagen breakdown, causing your pores to appear larger as the skin sags. Consistent sunscreen use can help prevent this damage.
Try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15, a moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen formulated for all skin types.
Tip #3: Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating helps keep pores clear by removing dead, dry skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores and causing acne. Chemical exfoliants like beta or alpha hydroxy acids are effective and gentler than physical scrubs. Exfoliate regularly but not excessively to avoid irritation.
Try: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes, pre-soaked pads with salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids to exfoliate and clean pores in one, simple step.
Tip #4: Incorporate retinol
Using a topical retinoid helps to regulate cell turnover, preventing dead cell buildup inside your pores. Retinol at is best used at night to take advantage of your skin’s natural rejuvenation process and because retinoids can break down in sunlight. Avoid using multiple exfoliating products simultaneously to prevent irritation. Stick to a balanced exfoliation routine.
Try: SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum with added hyaluronic acid and a time-released formula to minimize potential irritation.
Tip #5: Hydrate and moisturize
Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized is essential. Use non-comedogenic moisturizers to maintain the skin barrier and hydration levels. Proper hydration can help prevent excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores.
Advanced treatments for large pores
For those seeking more intensive solutions, advanced treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of large pores and improve overall skin texture.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin around pores. This procedure, typically performed by dermatologists, can require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments, such as fractional CO2 lasers, resurface the skin and boost collagen production, which helps reduce pore size and improve skin texture. These treatments can address additional skin concerns like fine lines and hyperpigmentation, with noticeable improvements after a few sessions.
Prescription Medications
Dermatologists may prescribe stronger treatments like prescription-strength retinoids or oral medications to control sebum production and enhance cell turnover. These medications are particularly effective for severe acne and persistently large pores.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
I get so many questions from people wanting to shrink their pores — which unfortunately just isn’t possible. But you definitely can work on unclogging them, which can make them appear smaller. Following a good skincare routine and keeping your skin healthy by wearing sunscreen every day will go a long way toward minimizing your pores.
