A Dermal Clinician’s Favourite Tips to Minimise Large Pores and Smooth Skin
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
“I want smoother skin and smaller pores” is something I hear in clinic all the time as a Dermal Clinician.
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered whether you could minimise large pores, you’re definitely not alone.
The thing is, our pores are largely determined by genetics, and while we can’t technically get rid of them, because they’re a very normal part of our skin, we can minimise their appearance and do a few things to improve skin texture so we can achieve a smoother, glassy skin finish, minus the filters.
There are a few approaches that actually work, and understanding what pores are, what affects how visible they look, and what can realistically be improved is the first step.
It’s not about making them disappear completely, because that isn’t possible, but about helping skin look more refined, even, and smooth in a way that feels realistic and achievable.
Why Do My Pores Look Larger and Why Can I See My Skin Texture?
Here are a few things that could be contributing to your pore size and skin texture:
- Excess oil production: When your skin produces too much sebum, pores can stretch and look bigger.
- Clogged pores: Debris, dead skin cells, and excess oil can block pores, making them more visible.
- Loss of collagen & elasticity: As we age, skin loses firmness, causing pores to appear more dilated.
- Sun damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen and weakens pore structure over time.
- Dehydrated skin: Lack of moisture can make pores look more pronounced and skin appear rough.
Best Skincare Tips to Minimise Large Pores and Smooth Skin.
Consistent exfoliation.
Exfoliation is essential for unclogging pores, refining texture, and giving your skin a glow. However, overdoing it can damage your barrier too, so there is a fine line (which is where it can get tricky.)
The key is finding the right way to exfoliate for your skin type and balance. However, I do find in clinic, clients with larger pores tend to err on the oilier side so these skin types can often handle a little extra exfoliation.
Hydration (yes also a secret to pore minimisation!).
Fun fact: dehydrated skin can actually make pores appear larger!
When skin lacks moisture, it produces more oil to compensate, leading to congestion and stretched pores. Keeping skin properly hydrated helps maintain a smoother texture and reduces the appearance of pores.
Moral: skin loves to be balanced.
Best Skincare Ingredients for Minimising Pores and Improving Skin Texture.
1. Salicylic Acid (BHA).
This beta-hydroxy acid penetrates deep into pores to clear out excess oil and debris, helping to prevent clogged pores and reduce their appearance.
Try: Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic a gentle salicylic acid based toner that can be used a few times a week.
2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide helps regulate oil production, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation, all of which can make pores appear smaller over time.
Try: Aspect Extreme B17 such a popular serum and a very effective niacinamide at controlling oil production.
3. Retinoids (Vitamin A)
Retinoids promote cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother skin with a refined texture and smaller-looking pores.
Try: Cosmedix Elite Serum 24 this is a midweight vitamin A and contains both retinol and retinal. Start slowly.
4. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs, like glycolic acid, exfoliate the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores and dull skin.
Try: Cosmedix Elite RX Clean this is one of my favourite AHA based cleansers. It contains 10% lactic acid so it’s nice and exfoliating but also hydrating so it won’t leave you stripped.
5. Clay.
Ingredients like bentonite or kaolin clay can absorb excess oil, helping to keep pores clean and less noticeable.
Try: Aspect Exfoliating Clay Mask using a clay mask x1 a week especially when you have oily skin can be very effective. Especially during the warmer weather.
6. Hyaluronic Acid.
I know this is not technically a ‘refining skincare ingredient’ but it is so important to balance out any exfoliation with the skin with some hydration,
Try: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum bougie, but worth the splurge.
Dermal Treatments to Smooth and Refine Skin.
As a dermal clinician I am obviously never going to let a mention of in-clinic treatments pass you by!
They are so important for boosting results and getting your skin to a place where you’re happier a lot quicker than relying on skincare alone.
Microneedling, lasers, chemical peels.
They’re all beneficial for smoothing skin texture and minimising pores.
It’s always best to book a consultation to determine which treatment is right for your skin and to get the right personalised recommendation.
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