Your Ultimate Routine for Smoother, Clearer, and More Refined Skin
Posted on April 18, 2025 Written by: 100% PURE®
Introduction
Enlarged pores are a common skincare concern, often influenced by genetics, oil production, and aging. While you can’t shrink pores permanently, you can dramatically reduce their appearance with the right routine, smart habits, and targeted products. If you’ve ever wondered how to make pores smaller or how to decrease pores for a smoother complexion, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down what causes large pores, how sebaceous filaments contribute to the problem, and the proven ingredients that make a difference — including why adding a vitamin C serum (especially the best vitamin C serum for face) can be a game-changer. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a few 100% PURE products that support your skin goals naturally and effectively. Let’s get started.
Understanding Pores: What Causes Them to Look Larger
When it comes to how to make pores smaller, it helps to first understand why they look large in the first place.
Genetics play a major role in determining your natural pore size. If large pores run in your family, you’re more likely to have them too. But even if you’re genetically predisposed, daily habits and skincare choices can still make a noticeable difference.
Sebaceous filaments — tiny collections of oil and dead skin that naturally line the pores — can also cause pores to appear stretched, especially when excess oil production comes into play, as demonstrated in this scientific study. If these filaments become too clogged, they can give the skin a rough, uneven texture.
As we age, the loss of collagen leads to reduced skin firmness. Without strong support beneath the surface, pores can sag and look even larger over time. This is why boosting collagen with ingredients like a vitamin C serum is often a go-to step in any pore-minimizing routine.
Dead skin buildup is another major culprit. When pores get clogged with debris, they not only stretch but also become more noticeable. Regular exfoliation can help prevent this and keep the skin looking smooth and fresh.
Finally, irritation and inflammation — whether from harsh products, acne, or environmental stress — can cause pores to temporarily swell, making them look bigger than they truly are. Keeping skin calm, nourished, and protected is key to maintaining a refined appearance.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward creating a routine that truly works to decrease pores — and unlocks your smoothest skin yet.
Step-by-Step Skincare Routine to Minimize Pores
Knowing how to make pores smaller starts with building the right daily habits. Here’s a simple, effective routine that helps decrease pores and supports a smoother, more refined complexion:
1. Deep, Gentle Cleansing
Cleansing is your first line of defense against clogged pores and excess buildup. A double cleanse — starting with an oil-based balm and following with a gentle foam — ensures every trace of makeup, sunscreen, and debris is removed without stripping your skin.
Try:
100% PURE Blood Orange Cleansing Balm – Melts away sunscreen and impurities while nourishing the skin.
100% PURE Virgin Coconut Moisturizing Milk Foam – A gentle, non-stripping cleanser that leaves skin soft, clean, and comfortable.
2. Exfoliate 2–3 Times Weekly
Removing dead skin cells is essential for keeping pores clear and minimizing their appearance. Instead of harsh scrubs, opt for enzyme or acid-based exfoliants that resurface the skin gently.
Try:
100% PURE Apple Enzyme Resurfacing Serum – A fruit-powered formula that gently resurfaces and brightens the skin, helping to prevent clogged sebaceous filaments.
3. Apply a Targeted Treatment Serum
Using a targeted serum can make a big impact on how to decrease pores over time. Vitamin C boosts collagen and brightens skin tone, while retinol and niacinamide help refine texture and balance oil production.
Try:
100% PURE Vitamin C Serum – Brightens, protects, and promotes firmer-looking skin with antioxidant power.
100% PURE Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum – A nighttime serum packed with retinol, vitamin C, and other actives for overnight renewal.
100% PURE Niacinamide Boost – Helps regulate oil production and visibly tighten pores.
4. Use a Clarifying Mask Weekly
A once-a-week clay mask can help control oil and detoxify pores, especially in oily-prone areas like the T-zone.
Try:
100% PURE Tea Tree Deep Detox Mask – Purifies skin with natural clays and soothing tea tree oil, helping pores appear cleaner and tighter.
5. Moisturize to Maintain Skin Balance
Well-hydrated skin looks plumper and more elastic, which naturally makes pores look smaller. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that support the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Keeping your skincare routine consistent — and choosing the right natural products — makes all the difference in achieving your smoothest, healthiest skin.
Key Ingredients That Help Decrease Pore Appearance
If you’re serious about learning how to make pores smaller, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some of the most effective options to look for in your products:
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a powerhouse for regulating oil production and strengthening the skin’s barrier. It helps reduce the look of enlarged pores by balancing sebum levels and improving overall skin texture.
Vitamin C
One of the most beloved ingredients in skincare, vitamin C supports healthy collagen production, brightens dull skin, and fades dark spots. Using the best vitamin C serum for face can create a firmer, smoother appearance that naturally minimizes pore visibility.
Retinol
This vitamin A derivative increases cell turnover, helping skin renew itself more efficiently. Over time, retinol supports elasticity and reduces the stretched-out appearance of pores caused by aging and loss of firmness.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is oil-soluble — meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to clear out clogs and excess oil. It’s a go-to ingredient for anyone dealing with sebaceous filaments or oily, congested skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Known for its natural clarifying properties, tea tree oil helps control shine and calm irritation. It’s especially effective when used in targeted treatments like masks, helping to keep pores clean and refined.
AHAs and Enzymes
Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acid) and natural fruit enzymes gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, improving texture without harsh scrubbing. Regular use helps keep pores free of debris and visibly smaller over time.
By incorporating these proven ingredients into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the smooth, healthy-looking skin you’re aiming for.
Professional Treatments to Consider
While a great skincare routine goes a long way toward learning how to make pores smaller, sometimes professional treatments can take your results even further. Here are a few options that target pore size at a deeper level:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to exfoliate the skin more intensively than at-home treatments. By clearing away dead skin and stimulating renewal, they can help smooth texture and decrease the look of large pores.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments work by stimulating collagen production beneath the skin’s surface. With stronger, firmer support, pores naturally look tighter and less noticeable over time. This option is especially helpful if aging and loss of elasticity are key concerns.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny, controlled punctures to activate your skin’s natural healing response. As new collagen forms, the structure around pores strengthens, helping them appear smaller and more refined.
Microdermabrasion
This mechanical exfoliation treatment gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin, improving texture and helping pores look cleaner and smoother. It’s a good option for those looking for noticeable results without significant downtime.
When combined with a consistent at-home routine (featuring ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and the best vitamin C serum for face), these treatments can dramatically enhance your skin’s overall look and feel.
Common Myths About Pores
When figuring out how to make pores smaller, it’s easy to run into a lot of misinformation. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths:
Myth: Pores open and close.
Truth: Pores don’t have muscles, so they can’t physically open or close. However, buildup or inflammation can make them appear larger or smaller.
Myth: Cold water shrinks pores.
Truth: Cold water can temporarily reduce surface inflammation and redness, but it doesn’t change the actual size of your pores.
Myth: Pore strips shrink pores.
Truth: While satisfying to use, pore strips only pull out surface debris like sebaceous filaments. They don’t permanently reduce pore size.
Myth: You can permanently close pores.
Truth: Pores are a natural part of your skin’s structure. You can refine their appearance with consistent care, but you can’t erase them.
Understanding the real science behind pores can help you make smarter skincare choices — and avoid wasting time on treatments that don’t deliver real results.
Conclusion
Reducing the appearance of large pores isn’t about harsh scrubbing or chasing quick fixes — it’s about building a consistent, balanced routine. Gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, deep hydration, and targeted treatments are the keys to success.
Incorporating powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinol into your skincare regimen can make a noticeable difference in how your pores look and how your skin feels. If you’re looking for clean, effective options, 100% PURE’s natural and non-toxic skincare line offers plant-powered solutions designed to support smoother, clearer-looking skin — without relying on harsh chemicals.
With patience and the right products, achieving a refined, radiant complexion is absolutely within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my pores smaller naturally?
While you can’t permanently shrink pores, you can naturally minimize their appearance by following a consistent skincare routine. Gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, deep hydration, and using targeted treatments like niacinamide and vitamin C serum can help refine and smooth your skin over time.
What’s the best vitamin C serum for minimizing pores?
Look for a formula that’s stable, potent, and paired with soothing ingredients. Our Vitamin C Serum is a great option — it brightens, supports collagen production, and protects your skin, all of which can help improve overall texture and reduce the look of large pores.
How do sebaceous filaments affect pore size?
Sebaceous filaments are natural, tube-like structures that line your pores and help guide oil to the surface of your skin. When they fill with excess oil and dead skin, they can make pores look larger. Regular gentle cleansing and exfoliation help keep sebaceous filaments under control.
Can exfoliating too much make pores worse?
Yes — over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even more noticeable pores. It’s best to stick to exfoliating 2–3 times a week with gentle enzyme or acid-based products rather than harsh scrubs.
How long does it take to see results when trying to reduce pore size?
With consistent care, you may start seeing improvements in skin texture and pore appearance in about 4–6 weeks. Using targeted products like a vitamin C serum, retinol, and niacinamide regularly will help speed up visible results while supporting overall skin health.
