How to reduce large pores: what actually helps
TL;DR
You can't permanently shrink pores, but you can make them look much smaller. Learning how to reduce large pores comes down to keeping them clear, protecting collagen and smoothing the skin's surface. Chemical peels, microneedling and SKINSTORM facials can all help, alongside gentle daily cleansing, retinol and SPF.
Knowing how to reduce large pores is one of the most common things clients ask us about, especially around the nose, cheeks and forehead. The honest answer is that pore size is largely set by genetics, but there's a lot you can do to make them look smaller and smoother.
This guide explains why pores look bigger, what you can and can't change, which salon treatments help and the daily habits that make a real difference. Gina has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry and specialises in skincare, so this is honest advice from our Sutton Coldfield salon.
Quick facts
- The concern
- pores that look large or stretched, often on the nose, cheeks and forehead
- What causes it
- genetics, oil, congestion, ageing and sun damage
- Can pores shrink?
- not permanently, but they can look much smaller
- Treatments that can help
- chemical peels, microneedling and SKINSTORM facials
- Daily habits
- gentle cleansing, a regular exfoliant, retinol and SPF
- Price
- peels from £40, microneedling from £100, SKINSTORM from £175
- First step
- a free skin consultation to find the right treatment
Why do pores look large?
Pores look larger when they're filled with oil and dead skin, when skin is oily, or when the skin around them loses firmness. Genetics sets the basic size of your pores, which is why some people have visible pores from their teens. Over time, sun damage and the natural loss of collagen can make pores look more stretched.
- Oily skin: more oil means pores are more likely to look open and congested.
- Congestion: blackheads and trapped dead skin stretch the pore and make it more visible.
- Ageing: as collagen declines, the skin around pores loosens, so they look larger.
- Sun damage: UV breaks down collagen, which can make pores look bigger over time.
Can you actually shrink your pores?
No, you can't permanently change the size of your pores, and they don't open or close. But you can make them look significantly smaller by keeping them clear and improving the firmness and texture of the skin around them. That's what any guide on how to reduce large pores is really about.
The American Academy of Dermatology's advice on treating large pores recommends a similar approach: gentle cleansing, the right exfoliating ingredients and daily sun protection.
How to reduce large pores: which treatments help?
Chemical peels, microneedling and SKINSTORM facials can all help large pores look smaller. Peels clear and refine the skin's surface, microneedling boosts collagen to firm the skin around each pore, and SKINSTORM combines several steps to deep cleanse, resurface and refine in one session.
Chemical peels for pores
Our chemical peels loosen dead skin and congestion so pores look clearer and smoother. The Medik8 Universal and Advanced peels target texture as well as tone, and we usually start with a gentler peel before building up.
Microneedling for pores
Microneedling at Gina Rose Beauty triggers new collagen, which helps firm the skin around pores so they look tighter. It's a good choice if your pores have become more noticeable with age.
SKINSTORM for pores
A SKINSTORM facial lists refined pores among its benefits, combining an oxygen cleanse, resurfacing, an oxygen ice peel and oxygen needling. It's ideal if you have several concerns, such as congestion, dullness and visible pores.
Gina's tip: Stop squeezing your pores. It stretches them and can leave marks, and a regular gentle exfoliant will do far more to keep them clear.
What daily habits help large pores look smaller?
A simple, consistent routine makes a real difference to how pores look. Cleanse gently twice a day, use a salicylic acid (BHA) product a few times a week to keep pores clear, introduce retinol slowly to support collagen, and wear SPF every day to protect the skin around your pores from sun damage.
- Cleanse morning and night with a gentle cleanser, and always remove makeup before bed.
- Use a BHA exfoliant a few times a week if your skin is oily or congested.
- Introduce retinol slowly, a few nights a week at first.
- Choose non-comedogenic moisturisers and makeup.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day. The NHS recommends at least 4-star UVA protection.
Who should check with us first
If you have active acne, it's best to get breakouts under control before stronger treatments. Peels and microneedling aren't suitable during pregnancy, with cold sores or skin infections, or after recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane) use.
How much does treatment for large pores cost?
At Gina Rose Beauty, chemical peels start from £40, microneedling from £100 and SKINSTORM from £175, or £950 for a course of six. Most people see the best results over a course. We'll recommend the best way to reduce large pores on your skin at your free consultation.
About the author
Gina is the owner of Gina Rose Beauty in Sutton Coldfield and has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry. She specialises in advanced skincare and runs a fully accredited training academy for aspiring beauty professionals. Meet Gina and the team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Book a free skin consultation in Sutton Coldfield
Want to know how to reduce large pores on your skin? Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll recommend a plan, with clear pricing. Book your free skin consultation on Fresha
You can also read more about what happens at a skin consultation, chemical peels at Gina Rose Beauty, or explore all our skincare treatments.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reduce large pores?
You can't permanently shrink pores, but you can make them look smaller. How to reduce large pores comes down to keeping them clear, boosting collagen and smoothing the skin with treatments like peels and microneedling, plus daily SPF.
What is the best treatment for large pores?
When it comes to how to reduce large pores, chemical peels, microneedling and SKINSTORM facials all help. The best choice depends on whether your pores are mainly congested or have become more visible with age.
Can pores close or shrink permanently?
No. Pores don't open or close, and their basic size is set by genetics. But clearing and firming the skin can make them look much smaller.
Does squeezing pores make them bigger?
It can. Squeezing stretches the pore and can cause inflammation and marks. A regular gentle exfoliant is a better way to keep pores clear.
Does retinol help large pores?
Yes, retinol can help pores look smaller by supporting collagen and helping skin shed dead cells. Introduce it slowly to avoid irritation.
How many treatments will I need for large pores?
Most people see the best results over a course of treatments. We'll recommend a plan at your consultation.
How much does treatment for large pores cost?
Chemical peels start from £40, microneedling from £100 and SKINSTORM from £175 at our Sutton Coldfield salon.