Can You Really Get Rid of Open Pores? Here’s the Truth

“Open pores” are two of the most Googled words in the skincare world and for good reason. They’re real, visible, and often frustrating. But here’s the truth most brands won’t tell you: open pores can’t be permanently closed or erased.

What you can do is minimise their appearance, reduce pore congestion, and improve skin texture. So if you’ve been chasing miracle products that promise to make your open pores vanish overnight, it’s time for a gentle skincare reality check.

First, What Are Open Pores?

Open pores are essentially enlarged openings of your hair follicles. These pores allow your skin to breathe, release sweat, and secrete sebum (natural oil) to keep your skin balanced. Everyone has them, but they’re more noticeable in certain people.

Why Do Open Pores Happen?

Several factors contribute to visibly enlarged pores:

• Genetics: If your parents have large pores, you likely will too

• Excess oil production: Oily skin types tend to have more visible pores due to the build-up of sebum

• Ageing: As collagen and elastin break down, skin loses firmness, making pores look more pronounced

• Sun damage: UV exposure thickens the skin, pulling the pores open

• Clogged pores: Dirt, dead skin, and makeup can stretch your pores over time

• Improper skincare: Skipping exfoliation or not cleansing well can make things worse

Can You Actually “Open” or “Close” Pores?

Let’s bust this common myth: Pores don’t have muscles, so they can’t “open” or “close”. They appear larger or smaller depending on how clean, hydrated, and healthy your skin is. Steam doesn’t open pores, ice doesn’t close them. What they do is help loosen or tighten debris and oil within the pores.

What Skincare Can (and Can’t) Do For Open Pores

Skincare can help reduce the appearance of open pores, but it can’t eliminate them completely. Here’s how the right products and routine make a difference.

• Cleansing Twice Daily

Using a gentle cleanser helps remove excess oil and grime. For oily or acne-prone skin, consider a gel-based or enzyme cleanser to help with pore decongestion.

• Exfoliation is Essential

Chemical exfoliants like AHA (glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) help remove dead skin cells and clean out clogged pores, making them look smaller. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.

ClayCo’s Matcha Enzyme Scrub is a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliator that uses a blend of fruit enzymes, AHA, BHA, and plant cellulose to smooth skin and help remove buildup, making pores appear refined and clear without any harsh physical scrubbing.

• Detox and Deep Clean with Clay

Incorporating a clay-based mask once or twice a week can help absorb excess sebum and reduce shine, especially in the T-zone.

ClayCo’s Matcha Clay Mask, powered by kaolin clay, matcha, and bentonite, works like a magnet for gunk. It not only helps mattify oily skin but also detoxifies deep within the pores, reducing their visibility over time.

• Hydration is Key

Dehydrated skin can overproduce oil, making open pores worse. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin to maintain a healthy moisture barrier.

Pore-Tightening Ingredients to Look For

While they don’t physically shrink pore size, these ingredients help improve texture:

• Niacinamide: Reduces sebum production and refines texture

• Retinol: Stimulates collagen and smooths skin

• Clay: Absorbs excess oil and helps detoxify pores

Sunscreen, Always

UV exposure breaks down collagen and worsens the appearance of enlarged pores. A lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen protects your skin without clogging pores.

Don’t Overdo It

Too much exfoliation or stripping your skin of oils can trigger even more sebum production. Stay consistent but gentle.

What About Pore-Filling Primers or Treatments?

Primers and blurring creams use silicones to temporarily fill in open pores, creating a smoother look. These are cosmetic fixes, not treatments. Use them sparingly and always remove them thoroughly at the end of the day.

ClayCo’s Tip: Strengthen, Don’t Strip

Instead of trying to erase open pores, build a barrier-supporting skincare ritual that focuses on texture, oil balance, and hydration. Try layering ClayCo’s Matcha Enzyme Scrub 1-2 times a week to gently exfoliate, and follow up with the Matcha Clay Mask on alternate days to purify and calm the skin. This combo offers a weekly ritual that keeps pores clean, refined, and less noticeable without stressing the skin.

Conclusion: Accept, Don’t Obsess

Let’s reframe the conversation around open pores. They’re not a flaw; they’re functional and a part of healthy skin. While they may not disappear, you can keep them refined, clean, and calm with the right skincare. Instead of aiming for a poreless finish, aim for a balanced, happy skin barrier. Because real skin has pores, and that’s perfectly okay.

FAQs 

1. Can open pores be permanently removed?
No. You can’t remove open pores permanently, but skincare can help reduce their appearance.

2. Are open pores a sign of unhealthy skin?
Not necessarily. Everyone has pores. They only become a concern if they’re clogged or enlarged due to oil, dead skin, or external damage.

3. Does ice water shrink pores?
Cold water may temporarily tighten skin, making pores appear smaller, but it doesn’t shrink them long-term.

4. Should I avoid moisturisers if I have oily skin and open pores?
No! Skipping moisturiser can trigger more sebum production. Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula instead.

5. At what age do open pores become noticeable?
They can show up in your late teens or early twenties, especially in people with oily skin. Pore size may increase with age due to collagen loss.