Pores are openings in the skin that release sweat and sebum (the oil secreted by skin). Pores can become enlarged from excess oil or as a result of normal skin aging, making them appear more visible.

While there are several aggressors (including UV exposure) which can cause enlarged pores, the main factors are:

• Clogged Pores: When pores become clogged with excess oil and debris, they expand which causes them to appear more noticeable.
• Aging Process: Over time, pores lose elasticity and become enlarged.
• Skin Type: Oily skin types often have more visible pores and may be more prone to clogged pores from excess sebum.
• Gender: Men generally have oilier skin and are more likely to have visibly enlarged pores than women.

While you cannot tighten or shrink pores, you can help visibly reduce their appearance with products that minimize pores like a pore minimizing cream. Exfoliating and cleansing skin can help remove excess oil and dirt which may clog pores. Using a clay mask can also help detoxify skin and visibly minimize pores. Discover smoother skin with our skin care products to minimize pores.

To help prevent pores from clogging and looking more noticeable, cleanse skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser that respects skin’s barrier. Exfoliating skin with a facial scrub or other exfoliant is also essential to help remove dirt and oil. When cleansing, be careful not to scrub your face harshly which can cause irritation (and may cause pores to appear more visible). Hot water can irritate skin so cleanse your face with warm water instead. Always cleanse skin at night to rinse away dirt and impurities from the day and avoid sleeping in your makeup which can cause clogged pores and even breakouts.

Since skin on the nose tends to be oilier, pores on the nose often appear more visible. These enlarged pores are often mistaken for blackheads but they may actually be caused by increased oil production in the t-zone. If you have enlarged pores on your nose, cleanse skin morning and night with a pore minimizing face wash and use a facial toner to help sweep away dirt and oil. For a targeted approach, apply products to minimize pores, like our powerful pore-minimizing serum to help lift and refine skin.

To help visibly minimize pores, look for skin care for enlarged pores, like a gentle cleanser or exfoliating scrub to help remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Formulas with Vitamin C or Salicylic Acid can also help reduce the appearance of pores. Using a clay face mask several times a week can help visibly minimize pores and even reduce skin’s oil production. Look for formulas for your skincare routine that are non-comedogenic—meaning that they won’t clog pores. Our pore-minimizing Rare Earth Collection, formulated with Amazonian White Clay, helps detoxify skin with a deep pore cleanser, pore-minimizing toner, clay face mask, facial lotion, and more minimizing pores products.