How to Treat Large Pores The Functional Beauty Way
Large pores are not a cosmetic flaw. They are a biological signal.
Contrary to popular advice, pores do not open and close. They are fixed anatomical structures designed to release sebum and support the skin’s microbiome. When pores appear enlarged, it reflects changes in the tissue surrounding them. Most commonly collagen breakdown, excess oil production, chronic inflammation, and cumulative sun damage.
This is why aggressive pore treatments rarely work long term. Scrubs, pore strips, high strength acids, and frequent exfoliation can temporarily reduce surface congestion, but they weaken the lipid barrier, increase transepidermal water loss, and accelerate collagen degradation. Over time, this actually makes pores look larger.
A functional approach focuses on rebuilding structure, regulating oil at the hormonal level, and protecting the skin from ongoing damage.
The Biology of Visible Pores
Pores become more noticeable when three conditions occur together.
First, sebaceous glands are overstimulated, producing excess oil that stretches the pore walls.
Second, collagen and elastin decline, causing the skin surrounding the pore to lose firmness and collapse inward.
Third, UV exposure and inflammation degrade the dermal matrix and dehydrate the surface layers, exaggerating texture.
Addressing only one of these factors leads to partial or temporary improvement. Treating all three produces lasting refinement.
Problem 1 Overproduction of Oil
Why it happens
Sebum production is driven primarily by androgens such as testosterone and DHT. When these hormones are elevated or poorly regulated, oil output increases. Over time, this stretches the pore lining and contributes to congestion.
Insulin resistance, chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation further amplify androgen signaling. This is why oily skin and enlarged pores are often seen alongside acne, irregular cycles, hair thinning, or stubborn weight gain.
How to fix it internally
Spearmint tea has been shown in clinical studies to significantly reduce free and total testosterone when consumed consistently. Two cups daily of pure spearmint tea, not blended herbal teas, can produce measurable changes within 30 days.
DIM and zinc support healthy estrogen metabolism and reduce androgenic activity. Zinc also plays a direct role in skin repair and immune regulation.
Inositol improves insulin sensitivity and has been shown to lower testosterone levels, particularly in women with PCOS or metabolic imbalance.
Blood sugar regulation is essential. Favor low glycemic carbohydrates such as berries, lentils, and sweet potatoes. Eliminate refined sugars and processed snacks. Light movement after meals improves glucose uptake and reduces insulin spikes.
Flaxseeds and walnuts help modulate hormone balance. One to two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed daily supports estrogen metabolism. Thirty grams of raw walnuts increase SHBG, which binds excess free androgens.
Omega three fatty acids from wild salmon, sardines, and mackerel reduce inflammation and have been shown to lower circulating testosterone. When dietary intake is insufficient, supplementation can be helpful.
Problem 2 Collagen Breakdown
Why it happens
Collagen provides the scaffolding that keeps pores tight and supported. With age, UV exposure, chronic stress, inflammation, and high sugar intake, collagen production declines while breakdown accelerates.
When the tissue surrounding the pore weakens, the opening appears larger even if oil production remains unchanged.
How to fix it internally
Daily marine collagen combined with adequate protein intake provides the amino acids required for dermal rebuilding. Aim for eighty to one hundred grams of high quality protein daily alongside marine collagen peptides.
MSM, silica, and vitamin C work synergistically to support collagen synthesis and cross linking. MSM improves skin firmness. Silica strengthens connective tissue. Vitamin C is required for collagen maturation.
Red light therapy stimulates fibroblast activity and mitochondrial function, leading to increased collagen and elastin production. Consistent use three to five times per week has been shown to improve skin density and texture.
Reducing collagen degrading habits is equally important. Limit refined sugar to prevent glycation. Avoid frequent facial heat exposure such as steamers and hot showers. Manage stress, which directly suppresses collagen production through cortisol signaling.
Problem 3 Sun Damage
Why it happens
UVA and UVB radiation degrade collagen, elastin, and barrier lipids. Sun exposure also dehydrates the skin and causes surface swelling, which distorts pore shape and texture.
Many people notice enlarged pores after beach vacations or years of inconsistent sun protection. This is not coincidence. It is cumulative structural damage.
How to fix it
Daily mineral sunscreen is non negotiable. Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB without disrupting hormones or the skin microbiome.
Niacinamide remains one of the most studied ingredients for sun damaged skin. It improves elasticity, barrier function, and oil regulation simultaneously.
Vitamin C and peptides repair UV induced damage and support collagen synthesis.
One Love Organics Botanical C Facial Serum
This formulation combines antioxidant protection with nourishing oils that support barrier repair and texture refinement.
Internal antioxidant support also matters. Alpha lipoic acid, astaxanthin, and omega three fatty acids reduce oxidative stress and improve the skin’s resilience to UV exposure.
Weekly Enzyme Support
Chemical exfoliation does not mean frequent exfoliation.
Enzyme masks gently dissolve dead skin cells without disrupting the barrier when used one to two times per week.
Earth Harbor Glow Juice Refining Enzyme Mask one to two times weekly
Le Prunier Plumtox Clarifying Enzyme Mask one to two times weekly
Over exfoliation increases inflammation and worsens pore appearance. Less is more when structure is the goal.
The Functional Beauty Perspective
You cannot shrink pores by stripping the skin. You refine them by rebuilding the skin.
That means supporting collagen at the cellular level, regulating oil through hormonal balance, calming inflammation, and protecting against environmental damage.
When the skin is supported at every level topical, internal, and lifestyle related pore appearance naturally improves.
Functional Beauty is not about chasing perfect skin. It is about restoring balance so your skin reflects resilience, clarity, and health.
If you want a personalized plan based on your specific concerns, reply with FIX and let me know what you are struggling with. I will guide you from there.
The Complete Routine for Large Pores
Structured According to the TBD Method
MORNING ROUTINE (AM)
1. CLEANSE
Odacité Montana Harvest Omega Oil Cleanser
Use a small amount on damp skin. Massage gently for 30–60 seconds and rinse.
This dissolves oxidized sebum and debris without disrupting the lipid barrier, which is essential for preventing pores from stretching further.
2. MIST (essential for proper hydration)
Foundational face Mist is a light, mineral-rich, fragrance-free hydrating mist hat an be used to lightly dampen the skin.
This step improves humectant absorption and prevents dehydration-related pore exaggeration.
3. ACTIVATE (water-based treatment)
TAHNYC Niacinamide 5% + Peptides Antiaging + Wrinkles Serum
Apply to slightly damp skin.
Niacinamide at this concentration regulates oil output, strengthens the barrier, and improves elasticity, while peptides support dermal structure around pores.
4. TREAT (oil-based antioxidant support)
One Love Organics Botanical C Facial Serum
Press gently into the skin.
Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and brightens sun-related texture damage, while plant oils prevent transepidermal water loss that can exaggerate pore size.
5. PROTECT
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50
Apply generously as the final step.
Daily zinc-based protection is essential to prevent further collagen degradation and pore distortion caused by UV exposure.
EVENING ROUTINE (PM)
1. CLEANSE
Odacité Montana Harvest Omega Oil Cleanser
Massage onto dry or damp skin to dissolve sunscreen, oil, and debris. Rinse thoroughly.
If wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen. Follow with Blubiome Hydrating Milk Cleanser to complete your double-cleanse routine, remove any leftover debris and traces of oil from the first cleanser.
2. MIST
Foundational Face Mist
Lightly mist to rehydrate and prepare the skin for active treatments.
3. ACTIVATE (hydration and repair)
Earth Harbor Celestine Hydra Plumping Peptide Serum
Apply to damp skin.
Deep hydration improves skin volume and elasticity, helping pores appear tighter and more refined over time.
4. TREAT (collagen signaling nights)
TAHNYC Noir Perfecting 0.5% Retinol Liposome Face Serum
Use 2–3 nights per week, not nightly.
This low irritation retinol combined with bakuchiol supports collagen production, smooths texture, and refines pores without thinning the skin.
On non-retinol nights, skip this step and move directly to barrier support.
5. SEAL AND REPAIR
The Beauty Doctrine Barrier Repair Serum
Press a few drops into the skin as the final step.
This reinforces the lipid barrier, reduces inflammation, and creates the conditions necessary for long-term pore refinement.
WEEKLY ROUTINE (Texture Support Without Barrier Damage)
Use only one enzyme mask per session, never both on the same day.
Earth Harbor Glow Juice Refining Enzyme Mask
Use 1–2 times per week on clean skin.
Helps dissolve dead skin buildup that can make pores appear darker and more prominent.
Le Prunier Plumtox Clarifying Enzyme Mask
Use 1–2 times per week as an alternative to Glow Juice. Supports gentle clarification while maintaining barrier integrity.
Avoid physical scrubs, pore strips, daily acids, or exfoliating brushes. These worsen inflammation and accelerate collagen breakdown around pores.
Why Hydration and Proper Cleansing Are Non-Negotiable for Large Pores
One of the most overlooked drivers of enlarged pores is dehydration.
When the skin lacks water, it compensates by producing more oil. This is a protective response, not a flaw. Sebum is released to slow water loss, but when oil production increases in dehydrated skin, pores stretch to accommodate that output. Over time, this mechanical stretching makes pores appear larger and more persistent.
This is why many people with oily skin are, at the same time, severely dehydrated. Stripping cleansers, frequent exfoliation, and alcohol based products worsen this cycle by increasing transepidermal water loss. The skin responds by producing even more oil, creating a feedback loop that keeps pores enlarged.
Hydration signals safety to the skin. When water levels are adequate, oil production normalizes, inflammation decreases, and pore walls are no longer under constant pressure.
This is also why water based serums, humectants, and barrier supporting oils must work together. Hydration without barrier support evaporates. Oils without hydration trap dryness underneath. The correct sequence restores balance.
Equally important is how well the skin is cleansed.
Pores cannot refine themselves if they are chronically congested. Sunscreen, makeup, sebum, and environmental debris accumulate throughout the day. When these layers are not fully removed, they harden within the pore, forcing the opening to remain stretched.
People who apply multiple serums, oils, and sunscreens but do not remove them thoroughly are unintentionally stretching their pores night after night.
This is where double cleansing becomes essential, not aggressive.
An oil based cleanser dissolves oil soluble debris including sunscreen, makeup, and oxidized sebum. When done gently, it clears the pore without disrupting the lipid barrier. This allows the pore walls to relax rather than remain mechanically distended.
Stripping the skin is not cleansing. Over cleansing damages the barrier and worsens pore appearance. Under cleansing leaves residue behind and stretches pores. The goal is complete removal without inflammation.
When hydration is restored and cleansing is done properly, pores are no longer forced to stay open. The surrounding tissue becomes more resilient, oil production stabilizes, and the skin regains its ability to self regulate.
Final Thoughts
You cannot shrink pores by drying the skin or scrubbing it into submission.
You refine pores by restoring balance.
That balance comes from adequate hydration, proper cleansing, collagen support, hormonal regulation, and daily sun protection. When oil production is no longer driven by dehydration and pores are allowed to fully clear each night, the skin can rebuild structure around them.
Large pores are not something to fight. They are something to listen to.
When the skin is supported correctly, pores naturally become less visible, not because they were forced to change, but because the conditions that kept them stretched are no longer present.
Be well. Be safe. Be beautiful!
Disclaimer :
As a blogger, my content may include affiliate links from advertisers. I may earn a small commission from actions readers take on these links, such as a purchase or subscription. All my recommendations are based on my own research and personal trust in the products that I share. I am not a doctor or nutritionist. Please consult with your practitioner prior to using any supplement products recommended.