Why do pores look large and how do you care for them?
Short answer
Every skin has pores, and they show up as large pores when sebum and dead skin cells collect in them. You cannot make pores disappear, but clean, gently exfoliated and hydrated skin looks smoother and more even. The easiest approach is a daily routine: gentle cleansing, pads with AHA and BHA acids, and light hydration.
Products for a clearer-looking complexion
Why do large pores show on the face?
Pores are the openings on the skin’s surface through which the sebaceous glands keep skin supple. They usually show most on the nose, cheeks and forehead, where there are more sebaceous glands. When sebum and dead skin cells stay at the opening of a pore, it looks wider and the skin surface feels rougher.
So the aim with large pores is not to “close” them but to keep them clean. That way skin looks more even and makeup stays put better.
What are blackheads and how do they affect pores?
Blackheads are sebum that has collected in a pore and darkened on contact with air. They are very common, also on well-cared-for skin. Regular gentle exfoliation does the most to reduce the look of blackheads, rather than squeezing or hard scrubbing.
How do you care for pores every day?
Good pore care starts with a simple routine you can keep up every day.
- Gentle cleansing. Wash your face morning and evening with a mild cleanser. You will find suitable products among our facial cleansers.
- Exfoliating pads. Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is a jar of 70 dual-sided pads. Swipe the embossed side across your face from the centre outwards, then the silky side, and pat the remaining toner into your skin.
- Light hydration. Oily skin needs hydration too. A light serum and a gel cream do not weigh skin down.
- Sunscreen in the morning. After exfoliating with acids, morning sunscreen is a natural part of the routine.
What is in exfoliating pads?
Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contains three ingredient groups:
- A fruit acid complex (AHA) that helps reduce the appearance of pores.
- 0.45% white willow bark, a natural BHA source that gently refines skin texture.
- Cypress leaf, which helps control excess sebum.
The formula also contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, panthenol, allantoin and sodium hyaluronate. The pads are suited to anyone concerned about large pores, dull and rough skin, excess sebum or blackheads. The pads suit all skin types and can be used every day, morning and evening. You can find more exfoliating products among our face exfoliators.
What should you use after exfoliating?
After the pads, skin needs hydration. Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum is a light serum that absorbs within minutes and also suits oily and sensitive skin. Collagen Jelly Cream is a gel-textured cream, and a small amount is enough. If you want a soothing step, PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Toner Pad offers jelly pads for which Medicube has completed a non-comedogenic test.
Frequently asked questions
Can pores be made smaller?
Pore size depends largely on your skin type. Cleansing and gentle exfoliation keep pores cleaner, so they look smaller and skin looks more even.
How often should I use the pads?
Zero Pore Pad 2.0 pads are suitable for daily use, morning and evening. You can also use them on the neck, chest and back.
Does oily skin need a cream?
Yes. Choose a light texture such as a gel cream or a serum. If you are curious about the key ingredient of the pink range, read our post on PDRN.