Can You Actually Shrink Your Pores? Here’s the Truth
“Shrink your pores” is a phrase that gets thrown around constantly in skincare marketing. But if you’ve tried every toner and serum under the sun with no change, you’re not imagining things.
Let’s get clear: you can’t shrink your pores permanently — but you can reduce their appearance.
Here’s what that means, and what works best.
What Determines Your Pore Size
Pore size is largely genetic. If your parents have visible pores, chances are you will too. But other factors can also make pores appear larger:
Excess oil production
Dead skin and debris trapped in the follicle
Collagen breakdown as skin ages
Sun damage and poor barrier function
So while you can’t “close” pores or make them vanish, you can improve how they look with a strategic plan.
What Doesn’t Work (Despite the Hype)
There’s a lot of misleading advice out there. Things that won’t shrink your pores include:
Splashing with cold water
Over-cleansing or scrubbing
Harsh astringents or alcohol-based toners
Pore strips that strip the skin without addressing the root cause
If your skin is irritated or inflamed, pores often look worse — not better.
What Does Work to Refine and Smooth
At Platinum Cosmetics, we help clients improve skin texture and minimise the appearance of pores with:
Fotona laser treatments: Especially effective for skin tightening and texture refinement
Skin rejuvenation: Supports cellular renewal and improved clarity
Facials: Customised to deep clean, hydrate, and support balance
These treatments stimulate collagen, smooth the skin’s surface, and help regulate oil production — all of which reduce the visual size of pores.
At-Home Support That Makes a Difference
We also guide clients toward pore-friendly skin care, including:
Gentle exfoliants like lactic acid
Retinol or retinaldehyde for improved turnover
Lightweight SPF to prevent sun-related damage
Niacinamide to refine tone and texture
Consistency is key — and so is patience. Pores don’t change overnight, but a few small shifts can make a real difference.
Book a Consultation for Texture and Pore Concerns
If you’re frustrated by visible pores or uneven texture, we can help. Book a consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic and let’s find the right approach — tailored to your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle.