Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Shrink Your Pores Down to Size

shrink your pores down to size header
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Holey face, Batman! Having pores is only human but size matters. And while you might not be aware of or give a flying fuck about these tiny (or not-so-tiny) openings, it’s good for your skin to pay them some mind. In this case bigger is not better. That’s because often enlarged pores mean an excess of oil, bacteria, and prior bouts of bad acne. The former two cause that last issue so it’s all a nasty cycle.

The best way to make pores appear smaller is to clean those suckers out. Cleansing is obviously of utmost importance. No matter how tired, drunk, or whatever, you should not fall into bed without washing off a day’s worth of crap that’s settled on your face. You can get an even deeper clean with a facial brush. The next step is exfoliation whether with scrubs or peeling agents like glycolic acids as this gets rid of dead skin cells which clog up pores. Retinol also works wonders at doing that. If you’re no overwhelmed yet, try a mask on for size, using one with dirt sucking ingredients like clay and charcoal. And don’t roll your eyes at all this mask and brush business, the ladies will thank you for it and your skin will look a hell of a lot better.  Check out our favorite options for tightening up those pores.

Dr. Jart+ Pore Medic Pore Minish Cleansing Bubble

$32, sephora.com
$32, sephora.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first step towards making peace with your pores is cleansing and this one gets to the root of the problem.

Earth Therapeutics Purifying Complexion Brush

EarthTherapeutics_Brush
$10, kohls.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

Double down on detoxing by applying the above cleanser with this charcoal-infused facial brush.

Anthony Glycolic Exfoliating & Resurfacing Wipes

$18, anthony.com
$18, anthony.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re more a bar-of-soap-as-cleanser rather than a regimen kind of guy, these two-in-one wipes are for you. One side cleans you up nicely and the other removes dead skin cells.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme

$14.95, nipandfab.com
$14.95, nipandfab.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another option for exfoliation, these potent pads are soaked in a trio of pore refining acids. Use them a couple of times a week for best results.

Grown Alchemist Deep Cleansing Masque

$39, b-glowing.com
$39, b-glowing.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

Draw the grime out with this detoxifying clay mask.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner

$45, drbrandtskincare.com
$45, drbrandtskincare.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

Blackheads are visibly clogged pores. It’s just out there in the open. This combo of salicylic and glycolic acids sucks the crap out and then eijitsu rose helps tighten everything up.

Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizer

$55, mrporter.com
$55, mrporter.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not only does this toning lotion help dislodge debris, it also strengthens the pore walls for a shrinking effect.

Lab Series Power Pore Anti Shine Pore Treatment

$33, labseries.com
$33, labseries.com Image used with permission by copyright holder

In case you’re not familiar with your t-zone, it’s that shiny area on the bridge of your nose and across your forehead. It forms a T. Get it? Pores tend to be bigger in this region and so you might want a targeted treatment to tackle those.

Katie Dickens
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Katie Dickens is a Manhattan-based beauty and grooming writer. She has held staff positions at Glamour, In Style, People…
How to exfoliate your face the right way (according to your skin type)
Exactly how to exfoliate your face, according to your skin type
Facial cloths on a wooden ring dish

Fun fact: Humans shed. While you may think, "Yuck," this process serves a distinct purpose: It removes dead skin cells to make room for new ones. The result? Brighter, clearer skin. Skin cell turnover helps keep your face from looking dull and tired. The process can also reduce the chances of acne and breakouts.

While the skin naturally turns over, your face may need some assistance through exfoliation. Experts generally recommend exfoliating as part of your regular skincare routine (though not necessarily daily). You'll find tons of exfoliating products in the skincare aisle and tons more DIY recipes out there. How to exfoliate the face depends on your skin type. Here's what to know.
What is exfoliating?

Read more
Why everyone is saying bakuchiol is the new (natural) alternative to retinol for your skin
skin

Expected to reach USD 1.79 billion by 2030, the global retinol market has been on the rise recently -- offering an easy and accessible way to achieve brighter, more youthful skin at home. Retinol works by helping to increase your skin's proliferation (creating new skin cells) and helps increase your skin's collagen production to help target acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and other common skin concerns.

Although many people find they have great success with retinol, it's not for everyone. Not only can retinol be harsh on certain skin types, but it's not always the best choice for those who prefer a more natural skincare routine or one that is plant-based. That's why many people opt for Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative. Below, we'll break down the hype about Bakuchiol and its potential benefits for your skin.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol comes from a plant grown in India known as Psoralea corylifolia. Also known as the "babchi" plant, this botanical extract has been used in ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Recently, Bakuchiol has gained popularity in the skincare world, offering properties similar to those of the well-known retinol. Bakuchol extract is offered in many forms to add to your skincare routine, such as in serums or moisturizers. Sometimes, Bakuchiol is also combined with other botanicals, such as jojoba or rose hip, to help improve effectiveness.
What are the benefits of bakuchiol?

Read more
A new study suggests the secret to your skincare routine is… strength training?
Lifting weights may be the new anti-aging skincare hack
man doing skincare

Forget the face scrubs made from oatmeal and questionable DIY concoctions. Guys, the secret weapon in your anti-aging arsenal might already be hiding in your weight room.

New research shows that building muscle might be the secret weapon you've been missing. A study published in Scientific Reports found that strength training could actually be more effective in reducing signs of aging than cardio, especially for your skin. While the study focused on women, the researchers believe the benefits hold true for men, too.

Read more