What are pores?
The tiny holes you see on your skin are known as pores. Pores are the small openings in the skin that allow sebum (the skin's natural oil) to reach the surface of the skin to keep it naturally moisturized.

Can you minimize the pore size?
The appearance of your pores is determined by genetics. So if you have large pores genetically, you can't alter it. Period.

However, there are a few other reasons which make your pores look big.

• When excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells are trapped in your pores, your skin swells which results in enlarged pores.
• Aging causes your skin to lose elasticity, skin begins to stretch and sag, making pores appear bigger.
• Prolonged sun exposure increases pore size by reducing collagen, elastin and water levels.

How to get rid of large pores?
These are some best ways to shrink back enlarged pores to their normal and pre-stretched size.

1. Sunscreen
It's crucial to protect your skin from UV radiations. Sun exposure can dry out your skin, break down the collagen, thicken your skin, which will make your pores appear larger. Use sunblock with the SPF 30 or more.

Suggestions:
Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Sunscreen SPF 50
Pai Skincare Hello Sunshine Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30

2. Exfoliator
Use exfoliator to remove the sebum and dead skin cells trapped in the clogged pores to bring your pores back to their original size. There are mainly two types of exfoliators: AHA and BHA. BHAs can penetrate into the pores to clean them, so grab BHA (Salicylic Acid) to get this job done.

Suggestions:
The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

3. Retinol
Retinols are not only effective in fighting wrinkles, treating acne and reducing hyperpigmentation, but they can reduce pore size too. Retinol stimulates the collagen production which tightens the skin and results in smaller looking pores.

Suggestions:
The Ordinary 0.5% Retinol in Squalane
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum

4. Pore Refining Laser treatment:
Pore refining laser treatment is considered the best treatment to treat large pores. Laser treatment stimulates the collagen and elastin production resulting in tighter and finer skin with smaller pores.