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How To Minimise the Look of Large Pores — Your Step-By-Step Guide

Smooth texture, balance oil and keep pores clear with clean, effective formulas

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In This Guide

Why Pores Look Larger

Pore size is mostly genetic — but congestion, excess oil and loss of elasticity can make them look more noticeable. A balanced routine keeps pores clear, supports firmness and gives a smoother, refined look.

  • Excess Sebum + Build-Up

    Oil mixes with dead skin cells and sits in pores, making them appear darker and larger.

  • Loss of Elasticity

    Sun exposure and time reduce skin support around the pore, so it looks more open.

  • Dehydration

    When the surface is dry and rough, texture looks amplified and pores show more.

  • Harsh or Heavy Products

    Stripping cleansers trigger rebound oil; heavy occlusives can sit in pores and feel congesting.

Hero Ingredients For a Smoother Look

Choose actives that clear inside the pore and support a healthy barrier.

  • Salicylic Acid (BHA)

    Oil-soluble exfoliant that helps decongest inside pores and smooth texture.

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

    Helps balance oil and visibly refine the look of pores with daily use.

  • Lightweight Hydrators

    Hyaluronic acid and glycerin plump the surface without heaviness.

  • Clays & Fruit Enzymes

    Help lift surface debris and mattify without stripping.

  • Daily Mineral SPF

    Protects collagen to maintain firmness around the pore.

The Clean Beauty Difference

We prioritise gentle, effective formulas that minimise congestion while respecting the barrier.

What We Avoid

  • Sulphates that over-cleanse and trigger rebound oil
  • Heavy waxes/occlusives that feel pore-smothering
  • High fragrance that may irritate

What We Include

  • pH-balanced cleansers that leave skin fresh, not tight
  • BHA + niacinamide to keep pores clear and balanced
  • Light gel creams and mineral SPF

Lifestyle Tips For Pore Care

Small daily habits improve texture over time.

  • Cleanse After Exercise

    Sweat + sunscreen can sit in pores — a quick rinse helps prevent build-up.

  • Hands Off

    Avoid squeezing; it stretches the pore lining and can worsen the look over time.

  • Fresh Fabrics

    Change pillowcases and clean phone screens regularly to reduce surface debris.

  • Consistency + SPF

    Expect a more refined look in 4–8 weeks with steady use and daily sun protection.

Your Simple Step Ritual For Acne

  1. Cleanse - Fresh, Not Stripped

    A gentle BHA gel cleanse lifts excess oil and sunscreen without the tight feel. The lightweight foaming gel dissolves impurities and helps remove pore-clogging debris. Infused with blue tansy, it calms visible redness while soothing stressed skin. Salicylic acid works at the surface to gently refine texture, preventing congestion before it starts. Unlike harsh cleansers, this formula balances skin without leaving it dry or uncomfortable. With daily use, skin looks smoother, fresher, and more balanced, making it the perfect start to a pore-refining routine. Over time, it creates a clearer canvas for the treatments that follow.

  2. Treat (PM) - BHA Decongest

    Salicylic acid works inside the pore to smooth texture and minimise the look of blackheads. As an oil-soluble acid, it penetrates deep into pores to loosen buildup of sebum and dead skin cells. This makes it an ideal treatment for those struggling with congestion, roughness, or stubborn breakouts. The addition of hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated, ensuring that the treatment is effective without causing excessive dryness. Over time, consistent use refines the look of enlarged pores and helps prevent new ones from forming. It also improves overall clarity, leaving skin smoother and more even. With patience, this PM treatment becomes a game-changer for maintaining clear, refined skin.

  3. Treat (AM) - Niacinamide

    Daily B3 supports a healthier barrier and helps rebalance visible shine. Niacinamide is a multi-tasking powerhouse, working to regulate oil production while visibly tightening pores. It also reduces the look of redness and supports even skin tone. Consistent use strengthens the skin barrier, improving resilience against environmental stress. This lightweight formula layers easily under moisturisers and SPF without any stickiness. With continued use, skin appears more refined, balanced, and less prone to midday greasiness. It is a cornerstone ingredient for long-term pore care and overall complexion improvement.

  4. Moisturise - Lightweight Gel-Cream

    Hydrates without heaviness, leaving a fresh, satin finish that wears well under makeup. This gel-cream is formulated specifically for oily or combination skin, ensuring hydration without clogging pores. It provides weightless moisture while actively supporting balance in the skin. Antioxidant-rich ingredients help defend against environmental stress that can enlarge pores. The formula absorbs quickly, making it a perfect base for sunscreen and makeup. With regular use, skin feels smoother, softer, and less greasy throughout the day. This essential step keeps your pore-refining treatments locked in and supported for maximum results.

  5. Optional - Weekly Pore Refiner

    A blue-tansy clarifying mask helps refine the look of pores and boost overall clarity. The mineral-rich clay gently absorbs excess oil while removing impurities lodged deep within pores. Blue tansy helps calm the skin, reducing visible redness often associated with congested complexions. This mask provides an instant refreshed feel, making it perfect before special events or busy weeks. Used weekly, it supports a smoother, more even complexion with less visible texture. Unlike overly drying masks, it maintains comfort while still being effective. Over time, this optional step enhances the results of your daily pore-refining ritual.

  6. Protect (AM) - Sheer Mineral SPF

    Lightweight mineral drops defend skin without a greasy feel - essential for long-term pore support. This SPF provides broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block both UVA and UVB rays. Its sheer finish blends easily into skin without leaving residue, making it ideal for oily or pore-prone complexions. Antioxidants in the formula add an extra shield against daily environmental stressors. By preventing sun damage, SPF also reduces the risk of enlarged pores and uneven tone. It layers effortlessly over your moisturiser and under makeup without disrupting texture. Daily use ensures your skin remains protected, refined, and balanced over time.

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently shrink pores?

Pore size is largely genetic, but you can noticeably minimise their appearance by keeping pores clear (BHA), supporting elasticity (SPF every day) and using textures that hydrate without heaviness.

How long until I see results?

Most people notice a smoother, more refined look within 4–8 weeks of consistent BHA + niacinamide and strict sun protection.

Should I exfoliate daily?

Not at first. Start BHA 2 nights per week and increase slowly if skin stays comfortable. Avoid using on nights you’re sensitised or freshly shaved.

Will moisturiser make pores look bigger?

Skipping moisturiser can push more oil production. Choose lightweight gels or gel-creams that hydrate without occluding.

What’s the best order to layer?

AM: cleanse → niacinamide → moisturiser → SPF. PM: cleanse → BHA (on chosen nights) → moisturiser. Add a weekly clarifying mask when you want extra refinement.

About The Author

Erin Norden

Erin Norden

Certified Dermatologist & Clean Beauty Expert

Erin is a professional Makeup Artist with over 15 years’ experience and the founder of Clean Beauty Market, Australia’s leading destination for luxury clean beauty. Since 2017, she has curated and tested hundreds of high-performing, cruelty-free brands, setting the standard for clean beauty nationwide. Featured in publications like Marie Claire, Elle, and Cosmopolitan, and on Channel 7’s Kochie’s Business Builders, Erin is widely recognised as a trusted voice and advocate in the clean beauty space.

  • 15+ years as a professional Makeup Artist (establishes deep, hands-on industry knowledge).
  • Founder of Clean Beauty Market (est. 2017), Australia’s leading clean beauty retailer.
  • Transitioned her entire professional and personal beauty kit to clean, sustainable alternatives, proving she lives what she teaches.