Are pores getting closer?
When we take a closer look at our skin, there’s one thing that tends to stand out almost immediately: pores - which are essential. They allow the skin to breathe and play an important role in overall skin health. But once they start to appear enlarged, they can feel frustratingly difficult to improve. For many women, they become a quiet source of concern, especially as skin changes with age.
As impurities build up and breakouts become more frequent, pores can look more visible over time. In fact, according to a UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults, 60% of Brits neglect a consistent skincare routine, and nearly one in five (about 19%) go to bed without washing their face daily.
This is why pores are sometimes described as the “rings of the skin”, a subtle sign of how our skin has lived, aged, and responded to its environment.
Pores Are Not Just About Size
Pores are often talked about as a size issue, but in reality, they reveal much more than that. They reflect the skin’s clarity, texture, tone, and even how youthful it appears. In many ways, pores are one of the most honest indicators of skin condition. That’s why pore care is not an optional extra, but the foundation of any effective skincare routine. So how do we address pore concerns at the root, rather than just trying to blur or hide them?
Why Do Pores Become More Noticeable?
There isn’t just one cause. Pore concerns usually develop as a result of several factors working together.
One of the most common reasons is excess sebum production. Sebum is a natural oil that protects the skin, but when it builds up and is not properly cleansed away, it can mix with dead skin cells and stretch the pores over time. Hormonal changes, including menstrual cycles and life stages such as perimenopause, can further affect oil balance. Stress also plays a role, often more than we realise.
Skincare habits matter too. Incomplete cleansing or relying on overly harsh products can disrupt the skin’s balance, while heavier formulas may sit in pores rather than absorbing fully. Environmental factors such as air pollution and UV exposure also weaken skin structure over time, making pores appear larger and more defined.
And yes, pores do get larger as we age. As we move through our 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond into our 70s, collagen production and elasticity naturally decline. As the skin becomes less able to bounce back, pores can appear more pronounced, even if oil production has slowed.
Daily Habits That Truly Help
Preventing and improving the look of pores does not require an extreme routine. Consistency matters far more than complexity.
Thorough but gentle cleansing is key. Because sebum and debris are a major contributor to enlarged pores, properly cleansing the skin each day helps prevent congestion before it stretches the pore lining. Using a cleanser that removes oil effectively without stripping the skin is essential. This is where oil-balancing cleansers, such as the One Day’s You Magic Moon mask, or the Returnu Pore-cleansing Balm can be particularly helpful, as they dissolve sebum and sunscreen while remaining gentle on the skin barrier.
Regular exfoliation, done carefully and not too frequently, helps keep dead skin cells from lingering inside pores. This supports clearer pores without compromising skin health.
Hydration is equally important. When your skin is dehydrated, it often compensates by producing more oil. Supplying enough hydration helps maintain balance and keeps pores looking smoother and less obvious over time.
Ingredients and Treatments Backed by Research
What ingredients are currently gaining attention for pore care?
Recent skincare research increasingly points to a more supportive, skin-balancing approach to pore care. Rather than relying on aggressive actives, ingredients that focus on elasticity, oil balance, and barrier strength are proving especially effective, particularly as skin matures.
Collagen-supporting ingredients are gaining attention for their role in improving skin firmness and bounce. As skin moves through its 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond, loss of elasticity means pores can appear more visible simply because the surrounding skin is less taut. Supporting elasticity helps pores look smoother and more refined.
This is where deeply hydrating, collagen-focused masks such as the BIODANCE Overnight Real-Deep Collagen Mask can be helpful. Formulated with ultra-low molecular collagen, it works overnight to plump the skin, often resulting in pores looking visibly refined by morning.
Oil-absorbing and purifying ingredients also play an important role in managing pores. Excess sebum and buildup can stretch pores and make them appear larger. Ingredients like charcoal and kaolin clay help draw out impurities while controlling shine without stripping the skin. The MilliMilli Brightening Shot Mask combines both, making it particularly well suited to skin that experiences congestion or an oily T-zone.
Barrier-strengthening and microbiome-supporting ingredients are another area of growing focus. When the skin barrier is compromised, inflammation and imbalance can make pores more noticeable. Ingredients such as probiotics and fermented extracts help support a healthier skin environment overall. The Sunnicorn Microbiome Hydrogel Mask is designed to rebalance and strengthen your skin barrier. Powered by patented Lactobacillus extract, it supports your skin’s microbiome while delivering deep hydration for a healthier, more resilient complexion.
While professional treatments such as micro-needling and laser therapies are sometimes explored for pore refinement, many people find that consistent cleansing, hydration, and targeted mask care delivers visible improvements without unnecessary stress to the skin.
Pores are not flaws. They are part of how healthy skin functions.
Rather than chasing perfection, focusing on balance, consistency, and long-term skin health will always lead to better results than quick fixes. When pores are cared for properly, skin looks clearer, calmer, and more confident at any age.
