How to minimize large pores for clearer skin

Contrary to popular belief, pores can’t be opened, closed or shrunk. However, they can be cleared and decongested to reduce their apparent size. Read on to discover exactly what pores are, why they can look enlarged, and how to minimize their appearance.

What are pores?

Pores are small openings on the skin’s surface at the top of hair follicles from which sebum or sweat are released to help lubricate or cool the skin. There are two types of pores:

Oil pores sit at the top of hair follicles that are linked to sebaceous glands. They release sebum to keep skin naturally moisturized, and can become clogged and look enlarged
Sweat pores sit at the top of hair follicles that are linked to sweat glands. Much smaller than oil pores, they can’t be seen by the naked eye

When discussing how to minimise the appearance of pores, we are referring to oil pores.

What causes large pores?

Pore size is often determined by genetics, but external factors can affect the visibility of your pores too.

Skin debris: If pores are clogged by dead skin cells, dirt and sebum, they may appear larger
Dehydration: Dehydrated skin often produces excess sebum to lubricate the skin and compensate for the lack of water, causing pores to swell
Pollutants: When pollutants settle on the skin, they can congest and stretch pores, enhancing their appearance
Sun damage: Overexposure to the sun can cause skin to lose elasticity, resulting in dilated pores
Ageing: As we age, skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for skin’s plumpness and firmness. As such, skin loses its elasticity and pores appear less tight. Cell turnover also slows with age, potentially causing a build-up of dead skin cells that can congest pores

How to minimise the appearance of pores

1. Cleanse regularly

Throughout the day, environmental aggressors like pollutants and dirt settle onto the skin, potentially clogging pores and enhancing their appearance. Cleansing twice a day will wash away these impurities, helping to keep skin and pores clear.

Cleanser for pores

No7 Radiant Results Purifying Clay Cleanser is formulated with 10% kaolin clay to absorb oil and impurities, helping to deeply cleanse and mattify the skin, while reducing the appearance of pores. Use twice daily to reveal a shine-free and clear-looking complexion.

No7 Derm Solutions™ Comforting Cream Cleanser gently cleanses & hydrates. This formula has been designed to remove impurities and make-up, without leaving skin feeling more sensitive. After use, skin is left clean, feeling softer and comfortable.

No7 Derm Solutions™ Calming Gel Cleanser deeply cleanses & hydrates removing impurities, excess oil and make-up, without drying. Leaving skin clean, feeling softer, supple and hydrated.

2. Tone after cleansing

Often overlooked, toning is an important step in your skincare routine – particularly when it comes to minimising pores. A toner can help to remove remaining traces of dirt and rebalance the skin, revealing clearer-looking pores and a more even-looking complexion.

Pore minimising toner

Our No7 Radiant Results Purifying Toning Water is specifically formulated to help protect the skin’s natural balance and reduce the appearance of pores. Apply after cleansing morning and night to lend the skin a fresh, toned and clarified appearance.

3. Incorporate retinol into your skincare routine

Incorporating retinol into your nighttime skincare routine supports surface skin’s natural renewal process, preventing dead cells from accumulating and congesting pores. With continued use, skin feels smoother and pores appear visibly reduced.

Retinol for pores

Pure Retinol 0.3% Retinol Night Concentrate combines our anti-wrinkle peptide technology, Matrixyl 3000 Plus™, with a unique Retinol Complex to support surface skin’s renewal process and reveal visibly younger-looking skin from the very first application. Skin feels smoother and firmer, while fine lines and pores look less prominent.

4. Invest in acids

Acids and chemical exfoliants, including AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid), can help to minimise the appearance of pores by smoothing, tightening and unclogging the skin.

Salicylic acid for clogged pores

Also known as a BHA, salicylic acid is a powerful, oil-soluble exfoliant that can penetrate pores, exfoliating both the skin’s surface and its deeper layers. It helps to unblock clogged pores and exfoliate dead cells to reduce the risk of future congestion.

No7 Laboratories Clearing Skin Paste helps to unblock clogged pores, exfoliate away dirt and impurities, and prevent new blemishes. Skin looks healthy and clear, while pores appear minimised.

Glycolic acid to reduce the look of pores

A chemical exfoliant known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid works to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin, supporting its natural renewal process. Skin appears clear, refined and even in tone, while pores look visibly reduced.

No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Peel 15% Glycolic Acid is a gentle yet powerful 5-minute wash-off treatment formulated with 15% pure glycolic acid and gluconolactone. It helps to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface to reveal a renewed, youthful-looking radiance. Skin feels softer and smoother, and pores appear clarified and refined.

Ascorbic acid for large pores

Also known as Vitamin C, ascorbic acid may help to protect skin and delay visible signs of aging, including the appearance of enlarged pores.

No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum infuses the skin with Vitamin C, that supports the natural skin renewal process. In just two weeks, skin’s tone and texture look more even, lending the complexion a radiant appearance.

5. Exfoliate

A physical exfoliator not only helps to remove surface debris, scrubbing away dry and dead cells that settle into pores and cause congestion, but can also help keep the skin looking plump, tight, and youthful.

Best exfoliator for clogged pores

No7 Radiance+ Daily Energising Exfoliating Cleanser blends natural apricot seed and fruit extracts with skin-brightening Vitamin C to help clean, unblock and refine pores by removing dirt, dead skin cells and impurities. From the first use, skin feels firm and smooth, and looks radiant and more even.

6. Keep skin hydrated

If skin is dehydrated and lacking in water, it’s likely to produce excess sebum to lubricate the skin. As the oil glands become more active, pores dilate to release these larger quantities of sebum. Consequently, keeping skin healthy and hydrated will help regulate sebum production and prevent pores from expanding.

Pore minimising serum

No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate is powered by pure hyaluronic acid and our HydraDrench Complex to provide an instant burst of moisture, while ablend of mulberry and Vitamins C and E helps shield skin from environmental damage.

Alternatively, No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum blends hyaluronic acid with No7’s powerful anti-wrinkle peptide based technology technology, Matrixyl 3000+, to help replenish skin with moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.

7. Wear SPF

As sun damage can emphasise signs of aging (including enlarged pores, wrinkles and dullness), consider applying an SPF as part of your morning routine to shield skin from potential damage.

Best SPF face cream

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Day Cream, No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream, No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Day Cream, and No7 Early Defence Day Cream are all formulated with SPF 30 and our Double Defence Technology to protect skin from the sun and environmental stressors.

8. Use a face mask for pores

A purifying face mask formulated with exfoliating acids or particles provides a highly concentrated dose of the key ingredients needed to effectively tighten and cleanse pores.