Skin care: The top 4 dermatologist-approved ingredients to minimise the appearance of pores - including 'superhero' product

WATCH NOW: Skin care experts Sinead and Jeanette share what products to use for your skin in the evening

GB News
Susanna Siddell

By Susanna Siddell


Published: 20/05/2025

- 22:53

Updated: 21/05/2025

- 11:15

An expert shared the exfoliants and moisturisers to keep an eye out for if you're on the hunt for pore-minimising products

Although it is impossible to banish pesky pores once and for all, you can certainly minimise their appearance.

A perfectly normal part of your complexion, it’s easy to get hung up on ways to conceal them from public view.


They most commonly appear on your nose, forehead and chin, and can often appear larger when the skin produces excess oil. When combined with dead skin cells, the gaps can be enlarged.

Dermatologist Dr Stephanie Taylor spoke to GB News about the top-tier skin care ingredients for pore minimisation.

Brunette woman washing her face in the mirror

Larger pores most commonly appear on your nose, forehead and chin

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Salicylic acid

A mild exfoliant, the "superhero" salicylic acid works by refining and clearing clogged pores, according to L’Oreal Paris.

However, the benefits don’t stop there. It can help with acne by controlling sebum production, as well as reducing the number of whiteheads and blackheads that attempt to wreak havoc on your visage.

Using the acid is very easy: all you need to do is apply an essence or serum to your face a few minutes after cleansing.

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Retinoids

A fan-favourite among social media influencers left, right and centre, retinoids work by accelerating skin cell production, unclogging pores and acting as an exfoliant.

The ingredient also increases collagen production, combating the appearance of fine lines to appear much more hydrated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

However, retinoids come in various shapes, sizes and strengths, so it’s important to tread carefully when choosing a product.

Woman using a pipette for a serum from a small transparent bottle

Salicylic acid, retinoids, niacinamide and sun cream can minimise pores

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Niacinamide

Niacinamide acts as a soothing vitamin, Dr Taylor explained, adding that it can repair the skin and minimise pores' appearance.

The ingredient acts by regulating the amount of oil your complexion produces, fending off breakouts and clogged pores.

Sunscreen

Finally, sunscreen is often hailed as the holy grail product to shield your complexion from permanent skin damage. Over time, sun damage can cause pores to look enlarged. To avoid clogging your pores, reach for an SPF formulated without oil.

However, Dr Taylor emphasised that, at the end of the day, pores are perfectly normal, saying: "You don't require perfect skin, you simply need to look after it. Pores don't need to be feared! Let's treat our skin kindly and give it what it needs."