How To Treat Open Pores
Large or visible pores are one of the most common skin concerns we see at Pure Emporium Skin & Laser Clinic. Many clients come in asking how they can “close their pores”? But the truth is, pores don’t have doors that open and close.
What we can do, however, is minimise their appearance and keep them functioning in their healthiest state. When pores are clean, supported with the right skincare ingredients, and the surrounding skin is strong and healthy, they appear much smaller and smoother.
Here’s our guide to improving the look of enlarged pores.
First Things First: Why Do Your Pores Look Larger?
Pores can appear more visible for several reasons:
Oil and debris building up inside the pore
Loss of collagen and skin elasticity
Dehydration or poor skin barrier function
Genetics and naturally oilier skin types
Sun damage and skin ageing
When pores become stretched with congestion or when the surrounding skin loses firmness, they naturally look larger. This is why the right skincare routine makes such a difference.
Step One: Correct Cleansing is Essential
If pores are clogged with makeup, SPF, oil and pollution, they will always appear larger.
A double cleanse routine is one of the most important habits you can introduce.
We often recommend starting with Environ’s Pre-Cleansing Oil.
This first cleanse works by:
Lifting makeup, SPF and excess oil
Breaking down impurities that sit on the skin
Preparing the skin for a deeper cleanse
Once the oil has loosened everything on the skin’s surface, you follow with a second cleanse to properly clean the pores themselves. This step removes remaining debris and leaves the skin fresh without stripping it. Your second cleanser is one that’s tailored to your skin type and concern. This may be a gel, lotion or foam.
Consistent cleansing alone can make a huge difference to pore appearance.
Step Two: Gentle Exfoliation
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using harsh scrubs to try to “clean out” their pores. In reality, this can irritate the skin and make pores appear more noticeable.
Instead, we recommend gentle chemical exfoliation using ingredients such as:
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) – help remove dead skin cells and improve texture
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) – oil-soluble exfoliants that work inside the pore to clear congestion
Used correctly, these ingredients help keep pores clear and refined without damaging the skin barrier.
Toners, masks and targeted skincare products containing AHAs and BHAs can be fantastic additions to your routine.
Step Three: Vitamin A – The Gold Standard
If there’s one ingredient we recommend most for pore refinement, it’s Vitamin A.
Vitamin A works to:
Normalise skin cell turnover
Strengthen your skin
Support collagen production
Regulate oil production
Improve overall skin texture
As the skin becomes healthier and stronger, pores naturally appear tighter and smoother.
One of the reasons we love Environ Skincare is because their step-up Vitamin A system makes introducing this ingredient simple, controlled and incredibly effective.
Professional Treatments That Help
While homecare is always the foundation of great skin, professional treatments can significantly accelerate your results.
Some of our favourite in-clinic treatments for improving pore appearance include:
Chemical Peels
Professional peels from Mesoestetic help to exfoliate the skin at a deeper level, removing buildup within the pores and improving overall skin texture.
They are particularly effective for clients experiencing congestion, dullness or uneven skin tone.
Microneedling
Microneedling works by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen production. As collagen strengthens the surrounding skin structure, pores appear tighter and more refined.
Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
For more advanced concerns, fractional laser treatments create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate regeneration and collagen production. Over time this can significantly improve texture, pore appearance and overall skin quality.
Consistency is the Real Secret
Improving the appearance of pores is not about one miracle product or one facial.
It’s about consistent homecare, the right ingredients, and professional treatments that support the skin’s long-term health.
With the right routine, pores can look dramatically smoother, clearer and more refined.
If visible pores are a concern for you, the best place to begin is with a professional skin consultation.
We can assess your skin using our advanced analysis technology, identify the underlying causes, and create a personalised treatment and homecare plan tailored to your skin.
Because when your skin is healthy, balanced and supported properly, everything looks smoother.
Click the button to book your Facial Consultation with Skin Analysis now.