INTRODUCTION

Large pores are not a flaw. They are a reflection of internal imbalance and structural decline in the skin.

You’ve likely been told to treat them with pore strips, scrubs, or acids. But these quick fixes often create more problems by thinning the skin, irritating the barrier, and worsening inflammation.

The truth is, pores do not open and close. They are structural openings in the skin that become more visible when collagen declines, oil production increases, and inflammation persists.

This guide offers a targeted approach to minimizing pore appearance by addressing three core issues: excess oil, collagen loss, and sun damage. Each section provides practical solutions, internal support strategies, and product recommendations vetted by The Beauty Doctrine.

PROBLEM 1: Overproduction of Oil

Why it happens:

Androgens such as testosterone and DHT stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to excessive oil production. Over time, this oil stretches the pore walls and creates persistent congestion. Insulin resistance, inflammation, and poor gut function further drive hormonal imbalances.

How to fix it:

Spearmint tea
Drink two cups per day. Clinical studies show a significant reduction in free and total testosterone within 30 days. Choose 100 percent spearmint tea, not blends.

DIM and Zinc
DIM (diindolylmethane) supports estrogen metabolism and reduces androgenic activity. Zinc reduces DHT and supports skin repair. Both are part of The Beauty Doctrine’s Hormone Balance stack.

Inositol
This B-vitamin-like compound improves insulin sensitivity and has been shown to reduce testosterone in women with PCOS.

Blood sugar regulation
Favor low-glycemic foods such as berries, sweet potatoes, and lentils. Incorporate movement after meals and eliminate refined sugars and processed snacks.

Flaxseeds and walnuts
One to two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily, especially in the luteal phase of your cycle, help improve hormone balance. Thirty grams of raw walnuts support SHBG production, which binds excess androgens.

Omega-3s
Fatty acids from wild salmon, sardines, and mackerel help lower inflammation and reduce testosterone levels. For those not consuming enough fish, a clean omega-3 supplement is available on The Beauty Doctrine website.

PROBLEM 2: Collagen Breakdown

Why it happens:
Collagen is the foundational protein that gives skin its structure and firmness. As it declines with age, sugar consumption, UV exposure, and chronic stress, the skin loses elasticity. Pores become more visible as the tissue surrounding them weakens and collapses.

How to fix it:

Marine collagen and protein
Daily intake of marine collagen (such as Holi Mane or Girl & The Sea) and 80 to 100 grams of high-quality protein provides the amino acids necessary for dermal rebuilding.

MSM, Silica, and Vitamin C
MSM promotes collagen production and skin firmness. Silica strengthens connective tissue. Vitamin C is essential for collagen cross-linking. Holi Radiance offers all three in a clean, bioavailable format.

Red light therapy
Using red light three to five times per week stimulates fibroblast activity and supports collagen regeneration. The Kanjo red light panel is recommended for use on areas of visible pore enlargement.

Reduce collagen-degrading habits
Limit refined sugars, which cause glycation. Avoid excessive heat on the face, such as steamers and hot showers. Manage stress and minimize sun exposure.

PROBLEM 3: Sun Damage

Why it happens:
UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin and break down collagen, elastin, and barrier lipids. Many people notice larger pores after beach vacations or years of chronic sun exposure. UV exposure also leads to dehydration and surface swelling, which further distorts skin texture.

How to fix it:

Daily mineral sunscreen
Zinc-based sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays without disrupting hormones. The Bloomeffects SPF is a lightweight, clean formula ideal for daily use XP.

Niacinamide
Topical niacinamide at 5 percent strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and improves elasticity. The TAHNYC Niacinamide Serum is fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin.

Peptides and Botanical C
Peptides repair skin structure. Vitamin C brightens sun damage and enhances collagen synthesis. The Celestine Peptide Serum and One Love Organics Botanical C Serum work well together to support skin resilience.

Internal antioxidant support
Add alpha lipoic acid, astaxanthin, and omega-3s to reduce oxidative stress and improve skin response to UV damage.

FUNCTIONAL BEAUTY ROUTINE FOR LARGE PORES

MORNING ROUTINE
Cleanse: Blubiome Hydrating Milk Cleanser

Mist: One Love Organics Botanical  D Moisture Mist
Activate: Versine  Azelaic Acid Serum
Treat: One  Love Organics Botanical C Facial Serum
Protect: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum

EVENING ROUTINE               
Odacite Montana Harvest Oil cleanser followed by Blubiome Hydrating Milk Cleanser

Kanjo Red Light Therapy (3 to 5 times per week)

Versine Azelaic Acid Serum
Tahnyc Noir Perfecting 0.5% Retinol Liposome Face Serum 

The Beauty Doctrine Barrier Repair Serum 

TOPICAL SUPPORT TO FIX LARGE PORES  

Tahnyc Niacinamide 5% + Peptides Antiaging + Wrinkles Serum

Reduces fine and deep lines, addresses visible signs of aging, and increases skin elasticity and radiance, all while refining texture and minimizing the look of enlarged pores

Versine Azelaic Acid Serum

Clears breakouts, dark spots, and melasma while brightening and refining skin texture. Combines niacinamide and vitamin C work to calm inflammation and even out skin tone

Tahnyc Noir Perfecting 0.5% Retinol Liposome Face Serum

 Combines retinol and bakuchiol to refine skin texture, smooth fine lines, and reduce dark spots, all while supporting collagen production, minimizing pores, and reducing irritation.

Odacite Montana Harvest Omega Oil Cleanser

Melts away impurities while supporting clear pores and radiant skin. This omega-rich oil cleanser gently dissolves dirt, excess oil, and makeup while leaving your complexion clean, smooth, and balanced.

Celestine Hydra Plumping Peptide Serum 

Deeply hydrates and boosts collagen for a plumper, firmer complexion. Refines pores, smooths fine lines, and leaves skin radiant, resilient, and perfectly balanced.

One Love Organics Botanical C Facial Serum

Combines antioxidant-rich vitamin C and nourishing plant oils to brighten dull, uneven skin, refine pores, boost hydration, and restore a smooth, radiant complexion while protecting against environmental stressors.

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum

Delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with zinc oxide while deeply hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier

The Beauty Doctrine Barrier Repair Serum 

Strengthens the skin barrier, smooths texture, and boosts collagen production with a nutrient-rich blend of Rosehip, Jojoba, and Hempseed oils.

WEEKLY ROUTINE

EARTH HARBOR GLOW JUICE REFINING ENZYME MASK 1-2 TIMES PER WEEK

LE PRUNIER PLUMTOX CLARIFYING ENZYME MASK 1-2 TIMES PER WEEK

FINAL THOUGHTS

You cannot shrink your pores by stripping the skin. You shrink them by rebuilding the skin. This means nourishing the dermal structure, balancing hormones, managing inflammation, and protecting your skin from external stressors.

Functional Beauty is not about chasing perfect skin. It is about restoring balance so your skin reflects internal health, resilience, and clarity.

When the skin is supported at every level—topical, cellular, and hormonal—pores naturally refine themselves.

If you want a personalized plan based on your skin concern, reply with FIX and let me know what you’re struggling with. I’ll guide you from there.

The supplement recommendations provided in this guide are not medical prescriptions. They are carefully curated as cleaner, more thoughtful alternatives to many mainstream options, chosen based on ingredient integrity and alignment with Functional Beauty principles. These suggestions are meant to support overall wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.

Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are currently taking medication.

Some of the products recommended may contain affiliate links. This means The Beauty Doctrine may receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Every product mentioned has been independently vetted for quality and safety. Your trust is paramount, and commissions are only earned on items we genuinely stand behind.