Pores can look larger with time, especially on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. For people with oily skin or aging skin, it's a common frustration. The more they clog with oil, dirt, and dead skin, the more noticeable they become. Makeup cakes around them. Skin looks textured. And nothing seems to work.
But there are ways to change that. With the right skin care routine, ingredients that target oil and congestion, and non-invasive skin treatments, you can make your pores look smaller and your skin look smoother.
At Michele Finley MD Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel, we specialize in helping patients reduce the appearance of large facial pores using science-backed treatments and the right products for different skin types.
Why Do Face Pores Happen?
Pores are small openings in the skin that release oil and sweat. Each pore is connected to a hair follicle and an oil gland. When these glands produce too much oil, or when dead skin cells build up, pores become clogged and stretched.
Some factors that make your pores look more noticeable:
- Oily skin: People with oily skin may have larger pores due to overactive oil glands.
- Age and sun damage: As your skin loses collagen and elasticity, pores appear bigger.
- Clogged pores: Dirt, makeup, and dead skin enlarge the pore by stretching its opening.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have more visible pores.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can't permanently shrink your pores, but you can reduce their appearance with the right skincare and treatments.
The Best Daily Habits to Shrink Your Face Pores
Simple changes in your skin care routine can make a real difference.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser Twice a Day
Start with the basics. Gently wash your face morning and night to keep your pores clean. Use a cleanser that won’t clog your pores (look for “non-comedogenic” on the label). People with oily skin or larger pores benefit most from a salicylic acid cleanser, which helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Avoid hot water and harsh scrubs because they can irritate your skin and make pores appear larger.
2. Stick With Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Products
Heavy, oil-based products can block your pores and make them look bigger. Choose moisturizers and sunscreens that say “non-comedogenic” so they won’t clog your pores. If you have oily skin, try gel or water-based formulas.
3. Use Sunscreen Every Single Day
Sun exposure breaks down collagen, making pores look more noticeable over time. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily. It protects your skin, slows signs of aging, and helps keep your pores from stretching.
4. Gently Exfoliate 2–3 Times a Week
Exfoliating removes dead skin and helps prevent clogged pores. Use chemical exfoliants with salicylic acid, mandelic acid, or polyhydroxy acids. These dissolve debris inside the pore and keep them looking clean and tight.
Ingredients That Help Minimize the Appearance of Face Pores
These proven skin care ingredients target pore size, oil, and skin texture.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol | Boosts cell turnover and tightens skin | Aging skin, clogged pores |
| Salicylic Acid | Unclogs pores and reduces oil | Oily, acne-prone skin |
| Niacinamide | Balances oil and reduces redness | All skin types |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hydrates and plumps skin | Dry or combination skin |
| Witch Hazel | Temporarily tightens skin | Occasional oil control |
- Retinol: Helps with long-term pore size reduction by increasing skin cell turnover. Use it at night and always follow with sunscreen during the day.
- Salicylic Acid: Penetrates oily skin and unclogs pores deep down. A must-have if you get blackheads or acne.
- Niacinamide: Strengthens your skin barrier, reduces oil, and helps minimize the appearance of large pores.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps skin hydrated so your pores don’t collapse and stretch.
- Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that can help make your pores look smaller, but don’t overuse because it can dry out the skin.
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In-Clinic Treatments for Large Pores That Actually Work
When at-home care isn’t enough, advanced treatments can help you get results faster. At Michele Finley MD Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel, we offer treatments that go beyond surface-level care to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and improve overall skin health.
5. Clear + Brilliant Laser
This gentle, fractional laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones on the skin’s surface, encouraging cell renewal and collagen production. It refines skin texture, reduces pore size, and brightens dull skin, All with minimal downtime. Ideal for those looking for early intervention against signs of aging or acne scarring.
6. Secret RF Microneedling
A powerful combo of microneedling and radiofrequency energy, this treatment remodels collagen in the deeper layers of skin. It tightens and firms skin, shrinks the appearance of large pores, and reduces excess oil production, making it especially beneficial for acne-prone or aging skin.
7. Exion Fractional RF
A revolutionary no-needle RF treatment that delivers thermal energy deep into the skin without breaking the surface. It’s ideal for sensitive skin or those seeking non-invasive pore refining. By stimulating fibroblasts, it enhances collagen and elastin production, leading to tighter skin and minimized pores over time.
8. JetPeel
This high-tech, needle-free system uses a powerful jet stream of oxygen and saline to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. It unclogs pores, removes impurities, and delivers nourishing serums directly into the skin, leaving it smoother, clearer, and visibly refreshed.
9. Diamond Glow
A 3-in-1 dermabrasion treatment that exfoliates, extracts, and infuses medical-grade serums in one session. It gently removes dead skin cells while deeply cleansing pores and reducing oil buildup. Perfect for oily or congested skin, it leaves your complexion clearer, smoother, and more radiant.
10. PRX Peel
Unlike traditional peels, this treatment stimulates skin regeneration without causing visible peeling or downtime. Using a unique combination of TCA and hydrogen peroxide, PRX Peel penetrates deep into the dermis to improve skin texture, tighten pores, and restore a youthful glow.
11. Dermaplaning
This manual exfoliation treatment gently removes dead skin and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and instantly brighter. It also enhances product absorption and can help reduce the visibility of pores, especially when paired with other in-clinic treatments.
Your Custom Face Pores Treatment Plan: What to Do First
The best results come from combining a consistent at-home routine with targeted professional care.

Here’s how to get started:
Start with At-Home Care (8–12 weeks)
Begin by prepping your skin with proven pore-refining ingredients:
- Gentle Cleanser to remove excess oil and debris
- Broad-Spectrum SPF to protect and prevent enlarged pores from UV damage
- Retinol to boost cell turnover and smooth texture
- Niacinamide to regulate oil and visibly shrink pore appearance
Consistent home care builds a healthy foundation and amplifies your in-clinic results.
Choose the Right Treatment
Schedule a consultation to find the best procedure for your skin type, lifestyle, and pore concerns. Whether you need collagen stimulation, resurfacing, or deep exfoliation, our team will create a personalized plan just for you.
Stick to a Maintenance Plan
Maintain your results with regular professional care every 1–3 months. Options may include:
- Monthly facials for deep cleansing and hydration
- Periodic laser treatments or microneedling to support collagen renewal
- Staying consistent prevents pore congestion and keeps your skin smooth and radiant year-round.
Other Treatments That Can Support Skin Texture
While not designed specifically for pore size, these treatments still enhance skin tone, glow, and elasticity; further improving the appearance of your skin.
- Intraceuticals Facial - Delivers oxygen and hydration to plump skin, temporarily making pores appear smaller while boosting overall radiance.
- Glass Facial - A customized micro-infusion of skin-boosting serums that refine texture, even tone, and leave skin glowing and refreshed.
- Exion Face - Stimulates natural hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin production for long-term improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.
When to See a Professional For Your Face Pores
If you're using the right skin care products and still dealing with large pores, it's time to get help. You might have clogged pores that need extraction, early signs of acne scarring, or just need better tools than what's available over the counter.
At our Carmel clinic, we create custom care routines and recommend treatments based on your exact skin concerns. No guesswork, just clear guidance and real results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What causes large pores on face?
Large pores are often caused by excess oil, sun damage, and loss of elasticity. Genetics also play a role. When pores become clogged, they stretch and appear larger.
2. What is the best way to get rid of large face pores?
While you can't get rid of them completely, you can make them look smaller with consistent skincare, salicylic acid, retinol, SPF, and professional treatments like microneedling or laser.
3. Can ice close pores on face?
Ice may temporarily tighten your skin, but it doesn’t close or shrink pores. Long-term improvement comes from good skincare and collagen-boosting treatments.
4. How do I choose the right products for my skin type?
Look for products labeled non-comedogenic or “won’t clog pores.” Oily skin types benefit from gel-based moisturizers and exfoliating acids. Dry skin may need more hydration with hyaluronic acid.
5. Do certain foods affect face pore size?
Yes. High-sugar and high-fat diets can lead to excess oil production, which can stretch pores. Low-glycemic foods, leafy greens, and water-rich fruits support healthy skin.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to live with large facial pores. Whether your pores are caused by oil, age, or buildup, there are real ways to reduce the appearance of pores and smooth your skin.
A consistent skincare routine and the right treatments can help shrink your pores, unclog congestion, and boost skin texture. If you’re ready to see the difference, book a consultation at Michele Finley MD Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel.

Let’s help make your pores look smaller and your skin look its best.
Dr. Michele Finley
Meet Michele Finley, MD, a renowned expert in cosmetic treatments, dedicated to enhancing your beauty and confidence with personalized care and precision.