How to Manage Large Pores: Causes, Treatments & Daily Tips

Large pores are a common skin concern, especially for those with oily or combination skin. While you can’t shrink pores permanently (spoiler: that’s a myth!), you can make them appear smaller and keep them clean and refined with the right routine.

Here’s everything you need to know about what causes large pores — and how to manage them effectively.

🔍 What Causes Large Pores?

Pores are tiny openings on your skin that release sweat and oil (sebum). Several factors influence their size:

• Genetics: If your parents have larger pores, chances are you will too.
• Excess oil production: More oil = more noticeable pores.
• Aging and sun damage: Loss of collagen can stretch pores over time.
• Clogged pores: Buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can enlarge pores.

🧴 Step-by-Step Routine to Minimize Large Pores

1. Cleanse Twice Daily (Without Stripping Your Skin)

Keeping pores clean is the first step to making them look smaller. Choose a gentle, foaming cleanser that removes oil and impurities without over-drying.

Ingredients to look for:

• Green Tea Extract – penetrates deep into pores
• Tea tree oil – helps reduce oil and bacteria

Try RESART Green Tea, Honey, and Licorice Face Wash

💡 Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based cleansers that can trigger more oil production.

2. Exfoliate Regularly (But Gently)

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that clog pores and stretches them out. But overdoing it can cause irritation, so balance is the key.

Best exfoliants for large pores:

• Chemical exfoliants (2–3 times a week):
• AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) for surface smoothing
• BHAs (salicylic acid) for deep pore cleansing
• Enzyme exfoliants: A gentler option for sensitive skin

🧼 Avoid physical scrubs with large grains, which can damage the skin barrier.

3. Add a Clay Mask Weekly

Clay masks absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from deep within the pores.

Best clays for oily or combination skin:

• Kaolin
• Bentonite

Try RESART Green Tea and Neem Face Pack for Oily Skin.

⏳ Use 1–2 times per week, especially in the T-zone where pores tend to be larger.

5. Keep Skin Hydrated

Dehydrated skin can produce more oil, leading to larger-looking pores. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to balance oil and water levels.

Look for:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide (also helps tighten pores and control oil)

☀️ Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Sun damage breaks down collagen, which keeps your pores tight and elastic. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Choose:

• Oil-free, matte-finish SPF
• Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin

💡 Bonus Tips for Pore Care

• Blotting papers can help absorb midday shine without disrupting your makeup or skincare.
• Avoid pore-clogging makeup and always remove makeup thoroughly at night.