What's going on
Your skin makes oil, called sebum, to keep itself soft and protected. How much it makes depends largely on your genes, your hormones and even the weather, which is why many people feel shinier in summer.
Pores are the tiny openings where that oil reaches the surface. They don't open and close, and you can't shrink them. What you can change is how they look. When a pore fills with oil and dead skin cells, it stretches and looks bigger. As skin loses some firmness over the years, pores can look larger too.
Those little grey dots on your nose are often just oil sitting in the pore. They're normal, and squeezing them only makes the area red and sore.
What helps
Gentle, thorough cleansing comes first. A cleanser that leaves you squeaky can leave skin tight and uncomfortable, and that tends to make you reach for more products, not fewer.
Salicylic acid is the ingredient I'd look for. It mixes with oil, so it can work inside the pore and help keep it clear. Niacinamide helps skin look more balanced and pores look smaller. A clay mask once or twice a week soaks up excess oil, and a retinol, used at night, can help keep pores clear over time.
Don't skip moisturiser. Choose a light, oil-free one, and finish every morning with an oil-free SPF.
Tanisha's tipKeep blotting papers in your bag for midday shine. Pressing away oil is kinder to your skin than washing your face again.
A simple routine
Morning: cleanse with AlumierMD Purifying Gel Cleanser, a pH-balanced gel that lifts oil without stripping. Apply ZO Instant Pore Refiner for an instant matte finish and smaller-looking pores, then AlumierMD HydraLight, a lightweight moisturiser with niacinamide. Finish with Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF50, which dries to a soft matte finish.
Evening: cleanse, then sweep on AlumierMD Bright & Clear Solution, an exfoliating toner with lactic and salicylic acids. Start with a few evenings a week and build up if your skin stays comfortable. Follow with HydraLight. Once or twice a week, use AlumierMD Refining Clay Mask for three to five minutes to draw out excess oil.
ZO is ordered after a free consultation, so we can check it's the right fit. Everything else here can be bought straight away.
What to be careful with, and how long to give it
Avoid harsh scrubs, washing several times a day and products that leave your skin tight. Leave pores and blackheads alone rather than squeezing them. Patch-test acids first and wear SPF daily. If you're allergic to aspirin, avoid Bright & Clear Solution and other salicylic acid products. Retinol isn't for use while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
A matte finish shows straight away. Clearer-looking pores take longer, so give your routine around two months of steady use.
When to see a professional
If you have painful, deep spots or marks that leave scars, see your GP, as they can offer treatments that skincare can't. For a deeper clean, a professional facial in clinic is a lovely add-on to your home routine.
