While pores play an important role in maintaining skin health, many are obsessed with erasing or shrinking them. “How to close pores” is a common search phrase, but people don’t realize that it is physically impossible to close them. Pores do not have muscles that act like doors, which means they don’t open or shut.
When you think your pores look large, it is mainly because they are clogged. Their size is also largely determined by genetics, but factors like congestion, sweat/sebum, and acne can also cause pores to dilate, stretch, or look enlarged. The good news is you can minimize their appearance and achieve smoother-looking skin.
Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic shares why your pores look big, how to minimize their appearance, and your options for enlarged pore treatment in Singapore.
Pore-less skin is a myth
There’s no such thing as pore-less skin. Pores are, in fact, natural openings for sebaceous glands and hair follicles. They are important for healthy skin function; they release sweat for temperature regulation, as well as oil for skin hydration. The pore-less appearance you often see online is because of:
- Filters and AI
- Lighting
- Digital editing
- Makeup techniques
What causes large pores
Although genetics mostly determines pore size, certain factors can make them more visible. These include:
- Excess oil or sebum – Having naturally oily skin means that your sebaceous glands tend to be more active. This can lead to high sebum production, causing the oil to move to the surface and make pores look enlarged.
- Clogged pores – Oil, dirt, and dead skin buildup can clog pores, causing them to stretch and look more visible. In addition, constantly clogged pores can weaken the surrounding skin and decrease elasticity.
- Aging – Collagen breaks down with age, causing pores to sag and look enlarged. With loss of firmness, the structural support around the pore weakens, making them appear wider and sometimes leading to an “orange peel” texture.
- Sun damage – UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, causing the skin to lose firmness and the pores to widen. Chronic sun exposure also accelerates aging and reduces the skin’s water content, making your pores appear more noticeable.
- Wrong products/skincare – Heavy, comedogenic (pore-clogging), or wrongly matched formulas can cause oil buildup and hair follicle stretching. They may also cause irritation and inflammation, which can make the surrounding skin swell and the pores more prominent.
How to minimize the look of pores
- Cleanse daily – Wash your face twice a day with a gentle or mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing hard or using strong, stripping cleansers, as they can irritate or inflame the skin and make pores look bigger.
- Exfoliate regularly – Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, or depending on your skin type. This helps remove oil, dirt, and dead cell buildup that could clog and stretch the pores. Many experts recommend chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA,s PHAs), as they dissolve the bonds between cells without scrubbing or causing micro-tears.
For further reading: The Power of Gentle Exfoliation: Why Less Can Mean More
- Use non-comedogenic products – These help avoid enlarged pores by preventing the buildup of oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. And if non-comedogenic formulas are lightweight and allow sebum to escape naturally, comedogenic products (pore-clogging) often contain heavy ingredients that trap debris.
- Protect with sunscreen – Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, regardless of the weather. Doing so protects the skin’s structure from UV damage, which causes sagging, loss of elasticity, and more noticeable pores.
The real problem: Over-stripping your skin
In search of ways on how to close pores, many try to “fix” the issue with harsh astringents, alcohol-based toners, and over-exfoliation. And while these may temporarily reduce oil, they can also strip the skin barrier, leading to:
- Irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity
- Increased oil or sebum production
- Worsening pore appearance over time
The truth is, stripping your skin doesn’t fix pores; it only weakens your skin barrier and makes the pores appear more prominent.
What actually works in reducing the look of pores
RF Microneedling (can be combined with Erbium Glass Laser)
At Cutis, we perform RF microneedling with gold-plated, medical-grade microneedles. The treatment delivers controlled energy at various depths, creating controlled micro-injuries, triggering the body’s natural healing process and stimulating collagen production.
It helps with:
- Pore reduction
- Skin tightening
- Non-surgical facelift
- Wrinkle reduction
- Improvement of acne scars and other types of scarring
- Treatment for spider veins and stretch marks
It can also be combined with Erbium Glass Laser for subdermal skin resurfacing. Using fractional laser beams delivered as multiple columns, it creates controlled micro-injuries in the dermis and stimulates collagen faster.
It helps with:
- Skin tone and texture
- Skin lifting and tightening
- Wrinkle reduction
- Treatment for active acne, acne scars, and atrophic scars
EPN Plus (Cosmetic Microneedling)
Cosmetic microneedling pairs microneedling with electroporation technology. The treatment creates ultra-fine microchannels while delivering gentle electrical pulses, triggering the body’s natural healing response. It enhances the absorption or penetration of active ingredients, stimulates collagen production, and refines overall skin texture.
It helps with:
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin texture
- Skin tone and clarity
- Hydration and skin plumping
- Fine lines, acne scars, and pigmentation
PDLLA (Hybrid Collagen Booster)
Combining Poly D, L-Lactic Acid (PDLLA) with Hyaluronic Acid (HA), PDLLA is a hybrid collagen booster for radiant, healthy skin. It features a dual-action approach that delivers immediate hydration while stimulating long-term collagen production. It improves skin structure and refines pores.
It helps with:
- Enlarged pores
- Dullness and dryness
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Tear trough concerns (under-eye hollowing)
- Skin firming
Pore support: What to do and what to avoid
If your goal is smoother-looking skin and you are considering treatment for orange peel texture, it’s best to avoid:
- Relying on “pore-closing” products or skincare
- Overusing pore strips
- Aggressive skincare that compromises your barrier
Instead of trying to shrink pores, the goal should be to refine their appearance by:
- Keeping pores clear without damaging the barrier
- Strengthening collagen around the pore walls
- Improving skin firmness and elasticity
Looking for real solutions?
You can’t change pore size, but the right care can make them look smaller. If you’re dealing with enlarged pores or orange peel texture, a personalized treatment plan can make all the difference.
Combining in-clinic treatments like RF microneedling in Singapore with targeted skincare can help you achieve smoother, more refined skin. WhatsApp us today at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore.
To share, click on the Icon.