The Best Facial for Large Pores – Your 7-Step Routine!

In this post, you’ll learn the best facial for large pores with a fool-proof 7-step routine, product recommendations and more!

Concerned about your pore size? You are not alone!

Large pores are one of the trickiest skin concerns to tackle, mostly because there are several possible causes.

The good news is that for every problem, there’s a solution. Today, I’m sharing the very best facial for large pores. 

While you can get regular facials to help with pore size, you will actually get the best results with a consistent home routine. 

I’ve developed a 7-step effective treatment that will shrink your pores and benefit your overall skin health. Discover my favorite skincare products and helpful tips for reducing the appearance of large pores. 

Before we start treating large pores, let’s take a look at what causes them!

What causes large pores?

Large pores refer to any visible pores on the surface of your skin. They look like little dots and can range in both size and color. 

There is no “one cause” for larger pores, so you’ll need to do a little investigating before you treat your skin. 

High Oil Production

Often, your body’s natural oil, also called sebum, is at fault for the appearance of pores. 

Those with oily skin tend to have larger pores; their sebaceous glands (oil glands) produce too much oil that can stretch your pores. 

This can happen to all skin types, especially with improper cleansing and moisturizing. Make sure you follow these cleansing tips. 

Aging Skin

As we get older, our skin loses elasticity, producing less collagen and elastin. Simply put, our skin sags and our pores appear larger. Clinique have great moisturizers for older skin. 

Clogged Pores

Without proper skin care, our pores can easily become clogged. Dirt and dead skin cells clog our pores, making them appear larger and darker. 

Acne-Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, you may be prone to whiteheads and blackheads. These appear when your pores are clogged with dead cells or excess oil. I love these cleansing balms for a deep and gentle cleanse. 

Sun Damage 

Prolonged sun exposure damages your skin’s surface, pore size included!

Harmful UV rays damage your skin’s elastin and collagen, leading to less-elastic skin and larger pores.

Always include a good SPF in your daily routine to protect the surface of your skin! There are easy ways to ensure your sunscreen does not clog your pores. 

Genetics 

When it comes down to it, pore size is often genetic. If your parents have larger pores, there is a good chance that you will as well. 

This doesn’t mean, however, that you just need to live with it! There are still treatment options that can help cleanse your pores and reduce their appearance. It is also easy to treat daily at home yourself without regular expensive trips to get facials.

Best Facial for Large Pores – 7 Steps to Smaller Pores

Think you know what’s causing your pores to appear larger? Let’s fix it!

Follow my system outlining the best at-home facial for large pores. 

Step One – Deep Cleanser (Every Day)

The best treatment for larger pores is super clean skin! 

Apply a gel-based cleaner 1-2 times daily. Use warm water before and after washing your face. The warm temperature will help open up your pores, allowing the active ingredients to do their work! 

I use cleanser at night only. Depending on your skin type, you may need it in the morning too if you find you have excess oil or are prone to breakouts. 

For more cleansing tips, check out my post on how to cleanse your face properly. 

One of my very favorite cleaners is the Green Clean Cleansing Balm from Farmacy. It melts away your makeup at the end of the day, ensuring squeaky-clean pores. I have the full review here!

If you want to try it out, use my Farmacy discount code to save! 

I also love The Deep Cleanse from TATCHA for an ultra-soothing clean. If you’re noticing a lot of clogged pores in your complexion, you need to try this cleanser. 

Not sure which cleanser to pick? I have a post that will help you choose the best cleanser for your skin. 

Step Two – Exfoliate (1-2 Times Per Week)

Next up, it’s time to exfoliate!

Exfoliating a couple of times a week is the best way to assist cell turnover, clearing out dead skin cells that can clog your pores and increase their size. 

Regular exfoliation is a non-invasive treatment that can also treat a variety of skin concerns, including the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, acne-prone skin, and uneven skin tone. 

I recommend using a chemical exfoliant 1-2 times a week, applying at night to give your skin proper recovery time before sun exposure. Certain skincare ingredients can make your skin super sun-sensitive!

Exfoliating treatment options include ingredients like:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
  • Lactic acid
  • Glycolic acid
  • Mandelic acid
• Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)
  • Salicylic acid

Here are a few of my favorite exfoliants that will help reduce the appearance of pores and have your skin super bright and glowy:

• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 
• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Step Three – Cleansing Mask (Once a Week)

A good mask is an essential step in the best facial for large pores. I recommend you try a deep cleansing mask once a week to help clean your pores. 

A clay mask is a great choice because it offers a deep cleanse, can help reduce excessive oil production, and can tighten the appearance of enlarged pores. 

My favorite mask treatments for large pores include:

• Ri na Mara Face Mask – Gives a deep cleanse for super clean pores. 
• Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque – White Amazonian clay will shrink your pores. 
• Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant – Exfoliates and hydrates for smoother skin texture and smaller pores. 

Interested in the Ri na Mara Face Mask? Use code LORNA22 for 10% off your purchase. And make sure to read my full Ri na Mara product review here. 

Step Four – Use Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer (Every Day)

Finish off your best facial for large pores with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Non-comedogenic means that it only includes ingredients that won’t clog your pores. 

Using quality skincare ingredients in your everyday routine is one of the most effective ways to prevent clogged pores. 

It’s equally important to regularly use moisturizer because dehydrated skin actually produces more oil, resulting in clogged pores. 

Use a moisturizer twice a day with skincare powerhouses like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone to improve skin texture and reduce pore size. 

Here are some of my favorite moisturizers:

Hydrating sheet masks are also a good weekly skin care ritual that can give you that extra hydration.

Step Five – Try a Topical Retinoid (Alternating with Skin Treatments)

Using a topical retinoid in your daily skincare routine can help improve collagen production. 

Increased collagen means better skin elasticity and smaller pores!

Use retinol every other night you aren’t using a skin treatment (including masks and exfoliants). Begin at a small percentage, working yourself up as your skin adjusts. Start by using retinol once per week to make sure your skin likes it. Always do a patch test for 24 hours prior to applying all over your face.

Note that retinol should only be applied at night because it makes your skin extra sun-sensitive. 

I like using retinol from Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum because it’s perfect for all ages and fights lines and deep wrinkles, while visibly boosting radiance in as little as two weeks. For a more affordable option, the Inkey List offers a best selling retinol serum. 

Step Six – Sun Protection (Every Morning)

Sun damage enlarges the size of your pores, damaging your collagen production and skin elasticity. Plus, it’s just dangerous!

Use SPF in your daily skincare routine by applying it as a final step in your routine before makeup. 

Sunscreen is especially important to use when using treatments with chemical exfoliants and retinoids. Both make your skin extra sensitive to the sun. 

My favorite sunscreen is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It applies incredibly sheer without any white cast, making it perfect for everyday wear. 

Step Seven – Blurring Makeup (When Needed)

No matter how much time you invest in skin care, sometimes you need a little extra help! In this case, blurring makeup is a great step to help the appearance of large pores. 

This is especially useful for those with genetically large pores. 

Some of my favorite pore minimizers:

• Benefit PoreFessional Setting Spray – Sets makeup and blurs your pores. 
• Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer – Long-wearing primer with a matte finish. 
• One/Size by Patrick Starr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder – Sets, mattifies, and blurs –  all in one!

More Tips for Smaller-Looking Pores

When it comes to perfecting the surface of the skin, every effort counts. Here are a few more tips for maintaining smaller pores. 

• Never pick at skin or squeeze pores – This can create deep, permanently large pores, especially as you age and your collagen production dwindles. It can also cause scars, inflammation and broken blood vessels. 
• Live a healthy lifestyle – Regular hydration, a healthy diet limiting alcohol and abstaining from smoking all contribute to good skin health.
• Never sleep in your makeup – Your skin needs to breathe! Sleeping in your makeup disrupts cell turnover, clogs pores, and makes them appear larger. 

Find more top tips for healthy, glowing skin here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions I get asked most about skincare, pore size, and the best facial for large pores.

Those are all of my recommendations on the best facial for large pores. If you have any more questions about reducing the appearance of large pores, skincare, or all things beauty, please reach out via Instagram or my contact page. I would love to help!