How to Close Pores

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Last Updated: October 9, 2022 Approved

Minimizing your pores can improve the appearance of your skin, and there are actually quite a few skincare tricks you can try at home to make your pores look smaller. By taking steps to unclog your pores and keep them clear, you can really reduce their appearance and get a smooth, gorgeous complexion. To help you out, we've put together some pro skincare tips that are proven to unclog and minimize pores.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleansing Your Face

1
Wash your face before you go to bed each night. According to dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, face washing should be an important part of your daily routine. ^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Going to bed still wearing makeup, as well as any dirt and debris that may have collected on your face during the day, is a sure way to clog your pores. Get into the habit of cleansing your face each and every night so your pores will be less likely to get clogged.
- Cleanse your face with warm water to avoid irritating your skin.
- After cleansing, splash your face with cold water. This will make your pores appear smaller, although the effect is only temporary.
- Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
2
Use a cleanser that doesn't irritate your skin. Many cleansers contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin, making your pores look wider and more "open." In order to keep them closed, it's best to use a gentle cleanser that washes away dirt without causing your skin to dry out.
- Choose a cleanser that's sulfate free. Sulfates are harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it dry and itchy.
- Avoid using a cleanser with scrubbing beads on a daily basis. The beads could be irritating to your skin, and should only be used 2-3 times a week.
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3
Try the oil cleansing method. It's becoming increasingly popular to replace soap with oil as a facial cleanser. It might sound counterintuitive to use oil to wash your face, but it's actually quite effective. The oil binds with your skin's natural oils and gently washes away dirt, sweat, and makeup without the need for harsh chemicals. Just smooth it over your skin and use a wet washcloth to wipe it off using a circular motion. Here are a few oil combinations to try out: ^{[2]
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- For oily skin: Mix 1 teaspoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons jojoba oil.
- For combination skin: Mix 1/2 teaspoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons olive oil.
- For dry skin: Mix 1/4 teaspoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons coconut or olive oil.
4
Wash your face in the morning. Splash your skin with warm water and use a gentle daily cleanser. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
- It's especially important to wash your face in the morning if you're going to wear makeup. Oily, unwashed skin can prevent your makeup from adhering correctly.
5
Exfoliate every few days. Dead skin builds up on the surface of your skin, mixes with sweat and dirt, and ends up clogging pores. According to dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, exfoliation clears the dead skin cells away, which helps your skin feel smoother. ^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Plus, exfoliating your skin regularly will prevent your pores from getting clogged so quickly. The result will be closed, small-looking pores as opposed to clogged pores that look big and open.
- One of the best ways to exfoliate is by simply using a washcloth. Wet your face and scrub it gently using circular motions.
- You could also use a facial loofah pad, which digs slightly deeper to remove dead skin.
- Facial scrubs are also good. Try a mixture of ground almonds and honey.
- If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, using a physical exfoliant like a washcloth or loofah might irritate your skin. Instead, try using a chemical exfoliant, like an alpha or beta hydroxy acid.
- Pierre-Louis advises against using a physical exfoliant if you're using salicylic acid, an alpha or beta hydroxy acid, a retinoid cream, or a chemical exfoliant. ^{[4]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Unclogging Pores

1
Do a steam treatment. This is a great way to open your pores so you can get rid of the small plugs of dead skin and dirt that are making them appear large and open. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and dirt (otherwise, the steam will push them deeper into your pores). Heat a small pot of water until it begins to steam, then hold your face over it and drape a towel over your head. Let the steam bathe your face for three to five minutes, then rinse your face with cool water.
- Steaming your face opens up your pores, allowing them to become unclogged.
- Rinsing afterward gets rid of the debris, leaving your pores fresh and clean. Use cool water to close your pores.
2
Use a clay mask if you have oily skin. Clay is a natural element that draws impurities out of the skin as it dries. When you do a clay mask, dry clay is mixed with water to form a paste, which you smooth over your face. Let it dry completely, then rinse it away with cool water.
- Store-bought clay masks are available in most beauty supply stores. Look for a mask designed to unclog pores.
- You can make your own clay mask by mixing a tablespoon of clay cosmetic powder (white or green), a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of water.
A seaweed mask, like a clay mask, will draw impurities from your pores as well as helping them close back up. Buy a seaweed mask from the beauty supply store, or have one done next time you go to the spa.
According to dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, squeezing or picking at acne can cause skin trauma and scarring. ^{[5]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} It can even widen the pore permanently. It may be tempting to pop a stubborn zit, but letting it be for a few days will be better for your pores and your skin in the long run. ^{[6]
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5
Visit a dermatologist for stronger solutions, especially if you have acne. People with oily or acne-prone skin often have larger and more visible pores that are harder to get rid of. If at-home solutions aren't working for you, make an appointment with your dermatologist and ask about treatments. Give them a budget estimate, as some solutions can be expensive. Your doctor might recommend: ^{[7]
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- A prescribed exfoliant, like Retin-A Micro.
- An in-office salicylic or glycolic acid peel, which cost about $100 per treatment.
- A nonablative laser treatment to tighten pores by increasing collagen. This costs about $500 per treatment, and most people need 2-3.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Toning and Moisturizing

Whether you steam or use a mask, always remember to rinse away the dirt when you're finished. Follow up by using a toner on your face. Toner helps restore your skin's pH balance after cleansing, giving it a youthful, glowing appearance and helping to close pores.
2
Avoid toners with chemicals that could inflame your skin. Beauty supply stores carry many different toners. Look for one that works with your skin type, but avoid toners with excess chemicals, perfumes, and dyes that could irritate or dry out your skin. These toners will do more harm than good, and your pores will end up looking larger instead of smaller. ^{[8]
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- Avoid toners that contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin.
- Avoid toners that contain glycerin and fragrances, since these can cause allergic reactions.
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples, and is a gentle, natural toner for any type of skin. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of water, then use a cotton ball to apply it to your skin after rinsing. Let your skin dry, then moisturize it. ^{[9]
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Plain, raw honey is an excellent toner for skin. Simply spread some on your face and let it sit for about ten minutes, then rinse it away with warm water. Your pores will tighten up and your face will feel fresh and youthful.
Using a good face moisturizer is key to keeping your pores closed. Choose an alcohol-free moisturizer that doesn't contain perfumes and excess chemicals so you make sure you don't irritate your skin.
6
Choose makeup that won't clog your pores. Look for products that are labeled as non-pore clogging, or “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.” You can also products with a non-irritating mineral formula. Wash your hands before applying your makeup so you don't get extra oil or dirt on your face, and apply in small amounts to reduce buildup. ^{[10]
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Research source} Make sure that your makeup isn't making your blemishes worse—Margareth Pierre-Louis agrees that it's important to find makeup that isn't irritating to your skin. ^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Applying a primer before you put on makeup can reduce the appearance of your pores.
- Always remember to take your makeup off at the end of the day!
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Question

How do you minimize pores?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can reduce the appearance of pores by tightening the skin with toner or a splash of cool water. Make sure skin is clean and oil-free before tightening pores.

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Do toners close pores?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Toners tighten pores and rebalance the pH of the skin. Using one daily will reduce your chance of breakouts and clogged pores.

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Question

How can I reduce pores on my face?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Pore size is genetic and cannot be permanently reduced. However, keeping your face clean, using toner, and rinsing with cool water will tighten and reduce the visibility of pores.

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Tips

Change your pillowcase at least once a week. Often, dead skin is kept in them.

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Roll ice all over your face for a quick way to close pores.

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Open pores on your nose may mean that you have a tendency to develop blackheads. If this is the case, get your blackheads removed regularly with the help of blackhead removal strips.

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Toner
Facial wash
Facial mask

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How to Close Pores

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Cleansing Your Face

Unclogging Pores

Toning and Moisturizing

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