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Pores are a natural part of your skin, but when they become enlarged or clogged, they can affect its texture and overall appearance. Enlarged pores and blackheads on the nose or other areas are common, especially for oily or combination skin. While blackheads often form from clogged pores, factors like ageing, sun damage, and genetics can also make pores appear larger. At Face Dr, we bring years of skincare and aesthetics expertise together with medical-grade products, offering safe, effective, and personalised solutions.

Whether your concern is visibly large pores, stubborn blackheads, or both, understanding the causes and knowing how to treat them is the first step to smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Here is what we’ll cover in this article:

• What Causes Enlarged Pores and Visible Blackheads
• Key Ingredients to Minimise Pore Appearance
• Skincare Routine for Smooth, Pore-Minimised Skin
• Professional Treatments for Large Pores and Blackheads
• Lifestyle and Long-Term Tips to Keep Pores Clear
• Professional Support for Clearer, Healthier-Looking Skin

 

What Causes Enlarged Pores and Visible Blackheads

Everyone has pores. They are a natural part of your skin, acting as tiny channels that allow oil from the sebaceous glands to reach the surface, where it spreads subtly to hydrate and protect your skin. The walls of your pores are naturally elastic, and while each pore has a genetically determined minimum size, several factors can cause them to stretch and appear larger.

1. Excess Oil and Clogged Pores

• Overproduction of oil can mix with dead skin cells, forming clogs, known as blackheads
• Persistent clogged pores can weaken the pore walls, making them slower to return to their original size

2. Ageing and Loss of Elasticity

• Long-term sun exposure and natural ageing break down proteins like collagen and elastin
• Looser pore walls make pores appear wider, even without excess oil or congestion

3. Genetics

• Some people naturally have larger pores due to their skin’s structure
• While genetics can’t be changed, the right skincare and professional treatments can still help refine skin texture and minimise the look of pores

Enlarged pores can feel confusing, but you don’t need to figure it out alone. You can connect with one of our Skincare Experts through a free online consultation, who will take a closer look and suggest what’s best for your skin.

Key Ingredients to Minimise Pore Appearance

 

The right ingredients can make a real difference when it comes to reducing blackheads and improving pore appearance. Which ingredients work best depends on why your pores look larger, whether it’s excess oil, clogged pores, or ageing.

1. Oily Skin or Congested Pores

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Oil-soluble exfoliant that clears dead skin inside pores, prevents blackheads, and keeps pores clear
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A versatile ingredient that regulates oil production, strengthens pore walls, and reduces congestion
• Clay or Charcoal Masks: Containing ingredients like kaolin or bentonite, these masks absorb excess oil and reduce blockages for improved pore appearance

2. Loss of Elasticity and Ageing

• Retinoids / Retinol: Vitamin A derivatives boost collagen, strengthen pore walls, and reduce the appearance of ageing pores
• Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen, improve elasticity, and support firmer, youthful-looking pores
• Glycolic Acid (AHA): A chemical exfoliant that encourages cell turnover, smooths texture, and prevents dead skin build up
• SPF: Protects collagen and elastin from UV damage, maintaining pore firmness and skin resilience

Face Dr Tip: Start with one active ingredient at a time—like salicylic acid or retinol—so you can monitor how your skin responds before layering multiple actives.

 

Skincare Routine for Smooth, Pore-Minimised Skin

A consistent, pore-minimising routine is key to keeping your skin clear, smooth, and healthy. At Face Dr, we recommend using carefully selected medical-grade products that target the main causes of enlarged pores, help unclog pores, and reduce blackheads. Following a structured routine ensures that each product works effectively, building on the results of the previous step.

 

Step 1: Cleansing

Cleansing is the first and most important step in any pore-minimising routine. It removes excess oil, impurities, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to blackheads, helping your skin look smoother and your pores less noticeable.

For a gentle yet effective option, the Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser is a standout choice. This medical-grade cleanser exfoliates dead surface skin cells while moisturising, leaving skin soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Key benefits:

• Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates dead skin cells, smoothing rough patches and improving texture
• Glycerin: Moisturises and helps maintain skin hydration while protecting against irritation
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic: Suitable for normal to oily skin

Price: £32

Glytone products are available exclusively through Face Dr in the UK, making professional, medical-grade skincare easy to access at home. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for your skin, or want to learn more about its benefits, you can read our full article, “Is Glytone’s Mild Gel Cleanser Right for Me?” on the Face Dr Blog.

Face Dr Tip: Always use lukewarm water—not hot—to rinse your face, as hot water can strip natural oils and make pores appear more noticeable.

Step 2: Toner

After cleansing, a toner helps remove any remaining impurities, control oil, and prepare your skin for the next steps. It can also provide an extra layer of hydration, helping your skin feel refreshed and balanced. Here are two standout options:

ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads is a professional-grade toner pad that targets oiliness, removes dirt and dead skin cells, and helps pores appear smaller and more refined.

Key benefits:

• 2% Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid (BHA): Helps treat acne, unclog pores, and control excess oil
• Mandelic Acid & Glycolic Acid (AHAs): Gently exfoliate and smooth skin texture
• Cooling ingredients: Soothe irritation and reduce redness
• Multi-antioxidant complex: Protects against future skin damage
• Reduces post-acne marks: Supports clearer, even-toned skin
  

Price: £59

 

Step 3: Exfoliation

Exfoliation helps keep skin smooth and pores clear. When dead skin cells build up, they can clog pores and cause blackheads or rough texture. Chemical exfoliants dissolve this build up, allowing oil to flow freely and supporting a fresher, more even complexion.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense serum is a medical-grade, oil-free formula that combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal blend of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, including salicylic acid, to reduce acne formation, unclog pores, and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Key benefits:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Dissolves dead skin cells inside the pores, preventing blockages and blackheads
• Dioic Acid: Targets adult acne breakouts while supporting overall skin clarity
• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA): Promote cell turnover, smooth texture, and help reduce visible pores
• Oil-free: Suitable for ageing, blemish-prone skin without adding excess oil

Face Dr Tip: Use exfoliants 2–3 times per week, depending on your skin’s tolerance, and avoid combining strong acids with retinol on the same day.

 

Book your free video skincare consultation now

 

Step 4: Serum

Serums deliver active ingredients directly into the skin, targeting concerns like congested pores, excess oil, and uneven texture. Using the right serum consistently can help prevent breakouts, reduce post-acne marks, and support firmer, smoother pores, making it a key step in any effective skincare routine. At Face Dr, we recommend two standout options: ZO Retinol + Blemish Complex and ZO Instant Pore Refiner, each designed to address different pore and texture concerns.

ZO Retinol + Blemish Complex is a medical-grade serum available through Face Dr that strengthens pore walls, regulates oil, and improves skin texture. Designed for acne-prone, ageing skin, it addresses breakouts, post-acne marks, and textural scarring to help reveal clearer, smoother skin.

Key benefits:

• 1% Retinol in Microemulsion: Enhances exfoliation inside pores, prevents future breakouts, supports collagen, and improves the look of textural acne scarring
• 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid: Unclogs pores and clears existing breakouts with prolonged action
• Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate & Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate: Help minimise post-acne red and brown marks for a more even skin tone
• ZO-RRS²® Plant Stem Cell Complex: Soothes visible redness and helps neutralise ageing free radicals
• Creamy, fragrance-free formula: Absorbs quickly and suits acne-prone, ageing skin

Price: £120

 

If you’re new to retinol or curious about how it works, check out our full article, What is Retinol and How Does it Work? on the Face Dr Blog.

ZO Instant Pore Refiner is a medical-grade serum available through Face Dr that minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, smooths uneven skin texture, and reduces surface shine. Designed for oily, acne-prone, and ageing skin, it helps prevent congestion, refine pores, and leave the skin with a matte, polished finish.

Key benefits:

• Rosa Canina Fruit Extract: Balances oily skin and reduces excess surface oil for a shine-free appearance

• Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine: Exfoliates dead skin cells around pores to prevent congestion and visibly reduce pore size and depth

• ZO-RSS2® & ZOX12® Antioxidant Complexes: Defend against environmental stressors and help support long-term skin health

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula: Leaves skin smooth, refined, and suitable for daily use

Price: £59 

 

Step 5: Moisturiser

Moisturising is essential to lock in hydration while controlling excess oil, helping pores appear smaller and keeping skin smooth and balanced. Even oily or combination skin benefits from a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that supports the results of previous steps.

For a professional, medical-grade choice, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Face Moisturiser is highly effective for oily skin, reducing shine, refining pores, and leaving the skin smooth and matte.

Key benefits:

• Salicylic Acid: Clears pores and helps prevent blackheads and congestion
• Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA): A derivative of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates and renews the skin surface, improving texture and pore appearance
• Perlite: Absorbs excess oil for a matte finish
• Glycerin: Hydrates the skin while maintaining the moisture barrier

This mattifying moisturiser keeps pores looking refined, balances oil, and provides an excellent base for makeup, making it a crucial step in your pore-minimising routine.

Face Dr Tip: When applying your moisturiser, use gentle upward movements and avoid pressing or stretching the pore walls to help preserve their natural shape and elasticity.

If you’re unsure which products or routine are right for your skin, our Face Dr Skincare Experts are here to help. Book a free online consultation today to receive personalised guidance and recommendations for clearer, smoother-looking skin.

 

Professional Treatments for Large Pores and Blackheads

 

If at-home care isn’t giving the results you want, you might consider professional treatments to help reduce the appearance of large pores and manage blackheads. In-clinic chemical peels and microdermabrasion gently exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, while HydraFacial combines gentle exfoliation with a suction system to remove impurities and deeply cleanse pores.

Options like laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, and fractional radiofrequency (RFM) stimulate collagen and strengthen pore walls, improving texture and helping pores look smaller.

Professional treatments can complement your daily pore-minimising routine, helping you maintain healthier, smoother-looking skin.

Lifestyle and Long-Term Tips to Keep Pores Clear

Caring for your pores isn’t just about products, it’s also about everyday habits:

• Avoid harsh scrubs: Aggressive exfoliants can irritate skin and worsen pores; gentle chemical exfoliants work better over time.
• Use sunscreen consistently: Daily SPF protects pore walls from UV damage and preserves your skincare results.
• Choose your makeup wisely: Heavy foundations can clog pores; opt for lightweight formulae or primers with a light base, and always remove makeup thoroughly.
• Healthy habits: Balanced diet, enough sleep, and stress management support overall skin health and clearer pores.

These small, consistent habits complement your daily pore-minimising routine, helping you enjoy smoother, clearer skin and supporting the results of your treatments and skincare products.

 

Professional Support for Clearer, Healthier-Looking Skin

We’ve explored the main ways to help minimise enlarged pores and maintain smoother, clearer skin. Of course, everyone’s skin is unique, so the ideal routine can differ from person to person.

The most effective way to find what truly works for your skin is by consulting a Skin Expert. In a free online session, one of our specialists can assess your skin and recommend a personalised routine and products designed to refine pores and address other concerns, such as excess oil or post-acne marks.

At Face Dr, we only suggest products we trust and use ourselves, with no obligation to purchase. You can get expert advice and start caring for your skin with confidence and clarity.

 

Book your free video skincare consultation now