3 Tips To Shrink The Appearance Of Pores, From A Derm

Can your pores actually shrink? Well, not exactly. See, your pores don't truly change in size, but the buildup within each pore can make it appear larger on the surface. 

"I start with a BHA exfoliant," says board-certified dermatologist Scott Walter, M.D., FAAD, in a recent TikTok video. BHA is short for beta-hydroxy acid, a type of exfoliant that can dive deeper into the pores than the gentler alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to clean up the gunk. 

He opts for the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and uses it every morning, which also includes niacinamide to help regulate oil production and prevent pore buildup in the future. 

However, sensitive skin types may experience irritation when using BHAs daily, so feel free to space it out if your skin begins to look inflamed, red, or dry, or it starts to itch. 

"Then at night at least three times per week I use a retinoid, like over-the-counter adapalene or prescription-strength tretinoin," Walter notes. 

This cadence can work for many people, but similar to the step above, it may be sensitizing for some skin types. Just stick to a cadence that supports your goals and skin barrier.

"Then once a week I add a clay mask, which acts like a magnet for all the dirt, oil, and debris in the pores to help them look smaller," he says while applying the PCA Skin Detoxifying Mask.

Most people can tolerate this step once a week unless their skin is super dry or sensitive. In that case, they should try adding this step to their biweekly routine.