For the most part pore size is genetically determined, and when that's the case, there isn’t much you can do to change that condition. But what about when pores become larger from factors not dependent on genetics? Now THAT’s where the right skin-care products can change things for the better. 

Here’s what can happen to make pores larger:

• When a pore of any size has its follicle lining filled with excess dirt, excess oil (it’s actually wax inside the pore but "oily” on the surface), and dead skin cells, the pore swells and, you guessed it, looks more apparent.
• Even worse is the wax on the surface of the pore can oxidize, which causes it to turn black and, voila, you get a blackhead.
• The two points above are the main reasons why women with oily skin often complain of having large pores (the excess oil is causing their pores to enlarge beyond their genetically determined size).

The solution?

• If your pores have become enlarged due to trapped debris and excess oil production, you need to take steps to remove the debris and restore a normal flow of oil from the pore lining on to the surface.
• A well formulated BHA product (active ingredient: salicylic acid) is a brilliant way to do that. The salicylic acid penetrates the pore lining, dislodging what’s trapped inside and causing your pores to enlarge.
• Once the trapped contents are free and with ongoing use of a BHA product to keep obstructions to a minimum, your pores will go back to their regular size. All together now: Woo hoo!

What else can you do?
It may surprise you to learn that certain products with cell-communicating ingredients (think retinol and niacinamide) can also help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. No, they won’t make your natural pore size shrink to that of a baby’s, but cell-communicating ingredients can “talk” to other cells and convince them to maintain a normal pore lining. This can also help you see a reduction in pore size!

Many Paula’s Choice customers have commented that our Skin Balancing Toner is a helpful addition to their skin-care routine due to its ability to help minimize the appearance of pores. When used with a well formulated BHA exfoliant and water-soluble cleanser as part of a comprehensive skin-care routine, you don’t have to live with enlarged pores, and that’s great news! Of course there are other products we recommend on Beautypedia.com but the customer reviews for this toner are too good to not share!

For stubborn clogged pores and blackheads it can help to physically remove the plug. You can do this yourself if you're careful and don't overdo it or you can have an esthetician do this for you. Find out how to do this here.

Lastly, do keep in mind that pore size and how your pores are perceived by others is never as horrible as you may think. First, other than your esthetician, it’s doubtful anyone is examining your pores with the same intensity that you are (well, except for Paula who uses a 10X magnifying mirror but up close and in person you’d never think that Paula has large pores).

Second, everyone has pores and without a great skin-care routine, everyone will experience some degree of pore clogging. Even those with naturally small pores and dry skin may find their skin has small, white bumps due to a buildup of dead skin cells in the pore lining. For someone with dry skin and clogged pores, once again a well formulated BHA product (preferably in a lotion base) is a brilliant option.

Now that you know the truth about pore size, you can take steps to make sure your pores stay clean and free of the debris that causes them to become enlarged. Go ahead—let the truth set your clogged pores free!

Dear Paula,

I am 56 years old and obviously concerned about wrinkles. I still have a greasy t-zone and in the summer, even when I use your Extra Care Non Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45 my skin is a grease pit at the end of the day!  I want to be able to use sunscreen every day of my life without adding extra products.  I don't like the white, zinc oxide-based sunscreens even though those have a matte finish.  I use Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Cleanser, CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner Regular Strength (love it). Also, because I want antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, etc, I use your RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer during the day and RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with the RESIST skin lightener at night.  I need to somehow balance my 56-year-old wrinkles with my oily t zone in the summer as well as winter.  I am so confused! 

Linda, via email

Dear Linda,

I think you fell into the trap of selecting emollient products thinking that there’s an association between dryness and wrinkles and you’re using too many products over your normal to oily skin. Here are my suggestions:

• Switch from Skin Recovery Cleanser to my Skin Balancing Cleanser


• Keep using the CLEAR toner with salicylic acid, morning and night, after cleansing


• In the morning, apply my Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion with SPF 15 & Antioxidants


• Follow with a foundation that contains sunscreen and provides a matte finish, such as Paula’s Choice Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 15 or Revlon ColorStay Mineral Mousse Makeup SPF 20


• If you’re going to be outdoors for more than 2-3 hours, set your makeup with Paula’s Choice Healthy Finish Pressed Powder SPF 15


• At night, after cleansing and using the CLEAR toner, apply the skin lightener over discolored areas and allow to absorb


• Apply Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer (including around your eyes) and follow with the Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum


• Once or twice weekly, after cleansing, apply a thick layer of Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Carbon Mask

That’s it! These changes should make your oily areas much less frustrating to deal with and you won’t have to compromise on sun protection. For longer days outdoors when the Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45 is needed, apply that liberally, allow to set, and finish with a dusting of my Healthy Finish Pressed Powder SPF 15 in your t-zone.