One of the most common skincare myths out there is that you can shrink the size of your pores. But can you actually reduce pore size? To find out, we consulted board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Foad, and the answer might surprise you.

“This is one of the most common questions I get,” she said “and the honest answer is that you can’t actually ‘shrink’ your pores permanently.”

However, not all hope is lost if you’re struggling with the look of your pores. With the right skincare, Dr. Foad says that you can minimize the appearance of pores.

Why Do My Pores Look So Large?

Before you can start looking for treatments, it’s first important to understand why your pores appear “enlarged.”

Dr. Foad explains that “enlarged pores usually mean your skin is producing more oil.” That may lead to clogged pores and it’s this “repeated congestion or buildup [that] can stretch the pore over time, making it appear larger.”

Age is also a factor in the appearance of pores “because collagen loss makes the skin less firm, and with less volume, there is less support around and under the pores” causing them to look larger, according to Dr. Foad. 

Persistent sun damage is the final factor, as it breaks down the skin’s structure, potentially exaggerating pore visibility.