Big pores are an unfortunate problem for a lot of people—literally! Not only can they cause skin insecurity, but large pores can lead to clogged pores, and clogged pores lead to blemishes. If you're one of many who look in the mirror and wonder, "why are my pores so big?!" and if anything will help shrink their appearance, look no further. While you can’t make your pores smaller, there are things you can do to minimize them for a smoother, more even complexion.

Q: What Causes Large Pores?

A: Large pores are genetic.

Pores are actually openings of hair follicles, and each one contains a sebaceous gland that produces the natural oil that keeps your skin hydrated. The main culprit when trying to figure out ‘why my pores are so big’ is simply your genes. Pore size is determined by a lot of different factors, but in general fair-skinned people have pores that are on the small side, while those with olive or darker skin have larger pores. Your skin type can also play a role—dry skin types tend to have smaller pores, while those with oily skin have pores that are more noticeable.

Q: Can You Shrink Pores?

A: Pores can look smaller with the right products.

Even though you can’t change the size of your pores, you can do a lot to minimize them in a few simple steps. First of all, keeping your pores as small as they can be means keeping them clear. Since oil and debris can build up in pores and stretch them out, it’s important to exfoliate regularly. An easy way to add exfoliation to your routine is with LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser, which helps to dissolve dirt, oil and debris that can clog pores and make them appear bigger.

If you ask yourself why your pores look so big as you get older, you may need a collagen boost. Collagen is the underlying support structure for our skin, and as we begin to lose it our pores start to look bigger. The best way to counter this is to start rebuilding your skin’s collagen with SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum. This next-generation treatment uses growth factors, peptides and antioxidants which support skin structure to keep your pores looking tight.

In addition to exfoliation and growth factors, you can also minimize the look of your pores by using the right mattifying product to absorb oil throughout the day. Our favorite is Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF 45 Matte, a multitasking tinted moisturizer that provides medium coverage and leaves a smooth, matte finish to blur pores and control oil. This formula also contains peptides and antioxidants, which makes it an anti-aging essential for your routine!

How are you getting rid of your large pores? You can help someone wondering "why are my pores so big?" by leaving a comment below!