How to Reduce Large Pores in men and What Actually Works
What are pores?
Pores are tiny openings in the skin connected to hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands.
They serve important functions:
Release sebum to protect the skin
Allow hair growth
Support the skin barrier
Help maintain hydration
They're a normal and essential part of healthy skin. However, they gradually get larger as we age or from environmental factors.
Why Do Men Usually Have Larger Pores?
Men typically have:
Thicker skin
Larger sebaceous glands
Higher testosterone
Increased oil production
Greater collagen density (when younger)
This naturally leads to more visible pores, particularly on the:
Nose
Forehead
Cheeks
Chin
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
Break it into sections.
1. Genetics
Some people naturally have larger pores.
You can't change genetics.
But you can improve their appearance.
2. Excess Oil Production
Sebum stretches pore openings.
More oil = pores appear larger.
3. Loss of Collagen
This is huge.
As collagen declines:
skin loses firmness
pores lose support
openings become more visible
A great solution is microneedling.
4. Sun Damage
UV breaks down collagen.
Less collagen = larger-looking pores.
5. Ageing
Ageing doesn't create pores.
It makes existing pores more noticeable. Ageing isn’t the problem.
6. Congestion
Dead skin
Oil
Debris
↓
Pore stretches
Myth Busting
❌ Myth 1
"Pores can open and close."
Reality:
Pores don't have muscles.
Heat doesn't "open" them.
Cold water doesn't "close" them.
❌ Myth 2
"You can permanently shrink pores."
Reality:
No treatment permanently changes pore size.
You improve their appearance.
❌ Myth 3
"Scrubbing removes pores."
Reality:
Over-exfoliation often makes skin worse.
❌ Myth 4
"Only oily skin has large pores."
Reality:
Ageing skin with collagen loss can also have enlarged pores.
Treatments That Actually Work
Rank them honestly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Microneedling
Explain collagen stimulation.
Texture improvement.
Pore refinement.
Recovery.
Who it's best for.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Medical-grade Retinoids
Increase cell turnover.
Improve collagen.
Reduce congestion.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are particularly effective if enlarged pores are caused by:
✅ Excess oil production
✅ Congested pores (blackheads and dead skin)
✅ Acne-prone skin
✅ Rough or uneven skin texture
✅ Mild post-acne changes
They work by:
Increasing skin cell turnover
Removing dead skin cells
Keeping pores clearer
Reducing oil build-up
Smoothing the skin surface, making pores less noticeable
Salicylic acid (BHA) peels are especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin because they penetrate into the pore lining.
Good for:
✅ Congestion
✅ Oil
✅ Texture
✅ Overall skin glow
✅ Pigmentation
✅ Acne
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Professional Skin Analysis
Often overlooked; practitioners can’t be bothered due to clinic diaries. A skin analysis is fundamentally where we start, always.
You can see larger pores under different lighting conditions, as sometimes looking natural can be harder depending on eyesight.
⭐⭐⭐ LED Therapy
Helpful when inflammation contributes.
⭐⭐⭐ Medical-Grade, Cosmeceutical or Regenerative Skincare
Daily maintenance. Skin care is so important for transforming your skin, but you do have to be consistent and know what each ingredient does.
What Doesn't Work - the things stupid people do..
❌ TikTok hacks.
❌ Ice cubes.
❌ Toothpaste.
❌ Pore vacuums.
❌ DIY acids.
❌ Baking soda.
❌ Lemon juice.
Skinceuticals is a great brand, and does deliver good results, but there are other brands out there which cost less that can also deliver great results.
Your Daily Routine for Smoother Skin
Morning:
✓ Cleanse (clean your skin of dead skin produced overnight)
✓ Vitamin C serum
✓ A corrector for your concern, like a moisturiser
✓ An eye cream
✓ SPF 25+ not mixed in with your moisturiser or any other cream.
Evening:
✓ Cleanser
✓ Retinoid
Simple.
Consistent.
Evidence-based.
FAQs
Can pores disappear?
No.
They can become far less noticeable.
Does microneedling reduce pores?
Yes.
By stimulating collagen around the pore opening, microneedling can improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over time.
Can skincare shrink pores?
Not permanently.
Some ingredients improve their appearance.
Why are pores larger on my nose?
The nose contains some of the largest oil glands on the face.
Is pore size genetic?
Partly.
Genetics influence pore size, while age, sun exposure and oil production affect how noticeable they become.
Conclusion
Large pores are completely normal, especially in men. While they can't be permanently removed, the right combination of skincare, collagen stimulation and professional treatment can significantly improve the appearance of your skin.
The first step isn't buying another product—it's understanding why your pores look enlarged in the first place. At MAPT, every treatment begins with a professional skin analysis so we can create a personalised plan based on your skin, your goals and your lifestyle.
