Are you tired of dealing with open pores that make your skin appear uneven and dull? Do blackheads and clogged pores frequently disrupt your skincare routine, leaving you wondering how to close pores naturally on your face? Large open pores are a common concern caused by excess oil production, dirt buildup, ageing, and even improper skincare habits. 

While they may seem stubborn, there’s good news: you can minimise their appearance with natural remedies that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals to close pores naturally on the face. From cleansing routines and exfoliation masks, these tried-and-tested solutions tighten pores and nourish your skin, leaving it more radiant.

What Causes Large Open Pores?

Before learning how to reduce pores on face, it’s important to understand why they become noticeable in the first place. Pores are a natural part of the skin’s structure, but certain factors can make them appear bigger, darker, and more visible than they should be. 

Knowing these causes helps you address the problem more effectively and choose the right skincare routine. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Excess oil production: Oily skin types often struggle with enlarged pores on face since sebum stretches the pore walls.

• Clogging and buildup: Dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup can block pores, making them look darker and more visible. Struggling with stubborn blackheads or whiteheads? Don’t miss our blog on How to Remove Stubborn Blackheads and Whiteheads in 5 Simple Steps.

• Ageing: As skin loses collagen and elasticity, pores in the skin may sag and appear larger.

• Sun damage: UV rays weaken skin structure, causing pores to look more prominent over time.

• Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to having larger pores.

In short, large open pores often develop due to a mix of lifestyle factors, environmental stress, and natural skin changes. The good news is that with proper care, their appearance can be significantly reduced.

Types of Pores on Face

Not all pores are the same, and understanding the difference can help you manage your skin more effectively. Each type of pore plays a specific role in maintaining skin health, but they also have different concerns that require tailored care:

• Sebaceous pores: These pores are connected to your oil glands and are responsible for releasing natural oils (sebum) onto the skin’s surface. This is why sebaceous pores are often linked to issues like blackheads, acne, and visible texture on the face.

• Sweat pores: These are linked to your sweat glands and play a vital role in regulating body temperature. Sweat pores are typically much smaller and less noticeable than sebaceous pores, but when they get blocked, they can contribute to conditions like heat rashes.

Understanding the types of pores on face can help you choose the right skincare for your specific needs.

How to Reduce Pores on Face Naturally

If you’ve been wondering how to decrease large pores on face without relying on harsh or expensive treatments, the answer lies in gentle but consistent skincare habits. With the right approach, you can keep pores clean, strengthen your skin barrier, and make them appear smaller over time. 

Here are some of the most effective methods to try:

• Gentle exfoliation: Regular exfoliation with mild scrubs or chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid) prevents buildup that makes pores look bigger.

• Oil control: Use lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers to balance sebum without clogging pores. Need more guidance? Check out our blog on Tips to Manage Excess Sebum for Oily-Skinned Beauties.

• Clay masks: These help absorb excess oil and refine pores, especially in the T-zone.

• Niacinamide: This skincare hero strengthens the skin barrier, improves texture, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. To learn more about how niacinamide pairs with Vitamin C for skin health, check out our blog on Vitamin C vs Niacinamide in 2025: Still a Clash or Perfect Pair?.

• Sun protection: Daily SPF prevents collagen breakdown and pore stretching caused by UV rays.

With steady care and the right products, you may not be able to shrink pores permanently, but you can definitely make them look smaller, cleaner, and more refined.

Open Pores Skin Care Routine

The best way to manage large open pores isn’t through quick fixes—it’s by following a consistent skincare routine that keeps pores clean, unclogged, and supported over time. 

Sticking to the right steps daily not only minimises their appearance but also improves overall skin texture and health. Here’s what your open-pore skincare routine should look like:

1. Double cleansing: Start with an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. For a soothing yet effective option, try the Hydrating Daily Cleanser – Rose, Chamomile & Ceramides, which helps maintain hydration while clearing away impurities without stripping the skin.

   

2. Exfoliate 2–3 times a week: Choose chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to unclog pores effectively.

3. Use pore-refining serums: Look for niacinamide or peptides to strengthen skin structure.

4. Hydrate wisely: Pick lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that won’t clog pores.

5. Weekly masks: Apply clay or charcoal masks once a week for oil absorption and pore tightening.

6. Always wear sunscreen: Sun damage can worsen open pores, so daily SPF is non-negotiable.

When followed consistently, this simple but effective routine can significantly improve the look of open pores and give your skin a smoother, more refined finish.

Can Large Pores Shrink Permanently?

One of the most common questions is whether pores can actually shrink. The truth is—you can’t completely change their size, but you can make them look smaller. With the right skincare, exfoliation, and hydration, enlarged pores on face can appear refined, smoother, and far less noticeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What causes large open pores on the face?

A) Excess oil, clogged debris, ageing, sun damage, and genetics are the most common reasons.

Q2) How can I reduce pores on my face naturally?

A) Exfoliate gently, hydrate with non-comedogenic products, and use clay masks or niacinamide serums.

Q3) Are there different types of pores on the face that need different care?

A) Yes—sebaceous pores secrete oil and are prone to enlargement, while sweat pores are less visible but need gentle cleansing.

Q4) What skincare routine is best for open pores?

A) Double cleansing, weekly exfoliation, oil control, hydrating serums, and sunscreen.

Q5) Can large pores really shrink or just appear smaller?

A) They cannot shrink permanently, but they can appear smaller with proper care and consistency.

Q6) Which ingredients are most effective for managing enlarged pores?

A) Salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, and clay masks are highly effective.

Large open pores don’t have to define your skin’s appearance. By adopting a consistent routine of cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection, you can refine your skin’s texture and make pores look less visible. With the right care and the right products, smoother, healthier-looking skin is absolutely within reach.