How to reduce pore size

Everything you need to know about pore size and which NIVEA products can help

How to reduce pore size

Pores. We all have them, in all shapes and sizes, and whichever way, they’re all-natural. For those with pores on the larger side, some may wonder how to get rid of large pores, or if there are products you can apply to them.

Larger pores can increase the likelihood of blackheads and makeup might sit differently on your skin than if you had smaller pores.

There are several things you can do to help reduce the appearance of large pores on face. Read on to discover tips and tricks from NIVEA to suit your skin’s needs.

woman holding a packet of Nivea face wipes

How to get rid of large pores: what causes them?

LARGE PORES ON FACE: ALL SHAPES & SIZES

Pore size is determined by the amount of sebum your body produces, and this can differ greatly from person to person. Sebum is oil produced by the sebaceous glands found in the skin, and its role is to lubricate the skin and hair on our bodies. Some of us produce more sebum than others, and our pores need to be able to accommodate the amount we are producing. Therefore, the more sebum you produce, the bigger your pores will be.

PORE SIZE CHANGES AS YOU AGE

Sun damage and other environmental factors can cause your pore size to increase as you get older, this is because your skin becomes less elasticated and bouncy, so your pores become less able to hold their shape, causing them to grow larger and more dilated.

That’s why it's so important to use sun protection on your body in the spring and summer months, and facial SPF year-round. This not only helps your skin stay healthy but also if you want to reduce the amount your pores grow over time.

Discover NIVEA Face Sunscreen

USE TONER

Using a toner before you apply moisturiser effectively cleans and closes pores before applying any heavier products to your face, while giving your skin an essential hydration boost to keep it looking healthy. Read our guide on what toner does for more information.

OIL-FREE MOISTURISERS

Oil Free Moisturiser will provide your skin with the hydration it needs without adding excess oils to your face that later clog your pores, causing them to become enlarged. This is particularly useful for people with oily skin, so why not try the NIVEA Oil Free Moisturising Day Cream.

STEAM YOUR FACE

Steam treatment opens your pores and allows you to deeply clean them to remove dirt. Steaming can be done at home. Place a bowl of boiling water on a level surface in front of you.

Drape a towel over your head and place your face above the steaming water and hold for 5 minutes. After you have cleansed, you could apply a cold compress to your face to close the pores to prevent dirt getting stuck in them again.

Please ensure you’re comfortable with the temperatures. Very hot or very cold temperatures can be damaging to some skin types.

GET A FACIAL FROM A PROFESSIONAL

Excess oil on your skin comes from many places. It can be caused by factors like under or over-hydration, genetic predisposition, or what you’ve eaten recently. A good cleanser won't always guarantee reduced pores but cleansing remains important. Avoid drying formulas, as these can lead to even more excess sebum. Instead, try NIVEA MicellAIR Water Sensitive Skin, designed to leave no residue on the skin.

REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP BEFORE BED

Makeup tip 101: remove your makeup with a gentle face cleanse before bed to prevent build up. Try to focus on the known problem areas and this will help to reduce pore size on your nose and chin, often two of the main areas where pores become clogged.

CLAY MASKS

Using a clay mask means that excess oil is absorbed from the skin while also drawing out dirt from large, congested pores. The NIVEA Pore Purifying Wash Scrub Mask is perfect for this. Read more about Clay Masks here.

AVOID PRODUCTS THAT STIMULATE YOUR SKIN TO PRODUCE MORE OIL

Products designed to dry out your skin will only increase the amount of oil produced by your skin as it tries to counteract this and re-lubricate the skin, so you should stay away from any products that might cause this to happen. The more oil you produce, the bigger your pores will look.

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera contains natural pore-tightening properties, and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that might irritate the skin. It also has excellent soothing qualities that make your skin feel rejuvenated and makes it perfect for people prone to sensitive skin too.