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The Truth About Pores: Can You Actually Shrink Them?

/ Skincare / By

Let’s get one thing straight—pores aren’t the enemy.

We spend so much time, money, and emotional energy trying to “erase” them that it’s easy to forget…pores are totally normal. In fact, you need them. They’re tiny openings that release oil and sweat, regulate your temperature, and help keep your skin functioning properly.

But here’s the million-dollar question:
Can you actually shrink your pores?

What’s the deal with pore size, anyway?

Pore size is mostly genetic. Yep—if your mom had large pores, there’s a good chance you do too. That said, certain things can make pores look bigger over time:

  • Excess oil and buildup

  • Sun damage (which weakens collagen and elasticity)

  • Aging (yep, collagen again)

  • Poor cleansing habits

  • Over-exfoliating or using harsh products

Think of pores like tiny elastic tunnels. When they’re clogged or stretched, they can look bigger—kind of like a stretched-out rubber band that never quite goes back to its original shape.

So… can you shrink them?

Here’s the honest truth:
You can’t permanently shrink pores.
But you can minimize their appearance with the right skincare habits.

The goal is to keep them clean, supported, and happy so they stay tight and less noticeable.

What helps make pores look smaller?

Let’s talk about real, practical ways to support your pores without stripping your skin:

1. Cleanse consistently (but gently)

Pores love to trap oil, dirt, sunscreen, and makeup. If you’re not cleansing well (or you’re cleansing too aggressively), you’re setting yourself up for more visible pores.

2. Exfoliate… just not every day

Exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells that can clog pores and stretch them out. But too much of a good thing can backfire and cause inflammation.

  • Clay is magic! Using a clay mask once or twice a week helps pull trapped dirt, oil and pollutants out of your skin. The cleaner your pores are the less visible they are! My favorite clay is the Caramel Clay!

  • Our Exfoliate + Glow Tonic uses gentle fruit acids to support healthy cell turnover, but no more than two times a week. AND, using sunscreen with this product is a MUST!

  • An enzyme mask, like our Pineapple & Papaya or Pumpkin will also do the trick. It uses enzymes from fruits to gently dissolve dead skin. Again, no more than 2 times a week!

3. Support your skin barrier

A healthy skin barrier keeps pores supported from the inside out. If your skin is dehydrated or inflamed, pores can become more visible.

  • Our Barrier Defense Serum is loaded with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and calm. It also helps strengthen your skin to help prevent loss of structure of the skin.

  • And yep—hydrated skin = tighter-looking pores!

4. Use non-comedogenic moisturizers

Moisturizing might seem counterintuitive if you have large or oily pores, but skipping it actually makes things worse.

  • Our Face Cream balances oil production and gives your skin the moisture it craves without clogging your pores.

5. Protect your collagen at all costs

UV exposure breaks down collagen, and less collagen = less structural support = more visible pores.

  • Daily SPF is a must. Mineral sunscreens are a great choice for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Final Thoughts: Pores aren’t flaws—they’re features.

You can’t Photoshop your pores in real life (and honestly, why should you?). But you can care for them in a way that keeps your skin looking smooth, healthy, and balanced.

Your pores are doing their job. Let’s just give them the support they deserve.

xoxo
Jewels