How to Minimise the Appearance of Pores
Hi everyone!
I’ve had quite a few people ask me about enlarged or open pores, particularly around the nose, so I thought I’d share some practical advice. If you’ve been wondering how to minimise the appearance of pores, the good news is that a gentle, consistent skincare routine can make a difference.
First, there’s something important to understand: pores don’t actually open and close like little doors. They’re natural openings in our skin that allow oil and sweat to reach the surface. We all have them, and they’re essential for healthy skin.
Why Do Some Pores Look Larger?
The appearance of pores varies from person to person. Genetics, natural oil production, clogged pores and changes in skin firmness as we age can all influence how noticeable they look.
Pores often appear more prominent around the nose and forehead, where the skin tends to produce more oil. You might also notice that they become more visible when excess oil and dead skin cells build up.
How to Minimise the Appearance of Pores
Although we can’t permanently change our natural pore size with home remedies, there are several ways to help pores look less noticeable and keep skin feeling comfortable.
1. Cleanse Your Skin Gently
Start with a gentle facial cleanser suited to your skin type. Cleansing helps remove excess oil, sunscreen, makeup and everyday impurities that can contribute to clogged pores.
There’s no need to scrub vigorously or wash your face repeatedly throughout the day. Over-cleansing can irritate your skin and leave it feeling dry or uncomfortable.
2. Choose Suitable Exfoliation
Exfoliation can help remove built-up dead skin cells. For some people, a carefully chosen product containing salicylic acid may help keep pores clearer, particularly if they’re prone to blackheads or oily skin.
However, more exfoliation isn’t always better. Start slowly, follow the product directions and avoid combining multiple strong exfoliating products. If your skin becomes irritated, stop using the product.
3. Keep Your Skin Moisturised
Even oily skin needs moisture. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser can help maintain your skin’s protective barrier without feeling excessively heavy.
Choose products that suit your skin rather than trying to remove every trace of natural oil.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun exposure contributes to changes in the skin’s collagen and elasticity over time, which can make pores appear more noticeable.
In Australia, remember to protect your skin when the UV Index is 3 or above. Use suitable sun-protective clothing, shade and broad-spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen as part of your routine.
5. Be Careful with Homemade Pore Treatments
Over the years, I’ve come across plenty of homemade skincare ideas involving ingredients such as tea tree oil, baking soda, rose water and tomato. While these might sound appealing because they’re natural, that doesn’t automatically mean they’re suitable for facial skin.
Tea tree oil can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially when used in homemade mixtures. Baking soda is alkaline and can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. Tomato and fragranced preparations may also irritate sensitive skin.
Rather than repeatedly applying homemade toners or scrubs, I’d recommend choosing gentle, properly formulated skincare products and introducing them one at a time.
What About Blackheads Around the Nose?
Blackheads develop when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. You may also notice tiny, evenly spaced dots on your nose called sebaceous filaments. These are normal structures that help move oil to the skin’s surface and don’t need to be removed.
Try to avoid squeezing or aggressively scrubbing your nose, as this can lead to irritation and sometimes damage the skin. If blackheads or acne are persistent, a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can help you choose appropriate treatment.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
My advice is to focus on healthy, comfortable skin rather than trying to make every pore disappear. A gentle cleanser, suitable moisturiser, sensible exfoliation when needed and daily sun protection are a much better starting point than harsh treatments.
If you’re looking for products to complement your routine, you can browse our Beauty and Skincare collection for options suited to different skincare needs.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different. What works beautifully for one person might not suit another, so take your time and pay attention to how your skin responds.
I hope these tips help! If there’s another skincare topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know.
Thanks,
Michelle