Do Pores Really Open and Close? Let’s Clear This Up

It’s one of the most persistent skin myths out there: “Hot water opens your pores, and cold water closes them.”

Sounds logical — but it’s not how skin works.

At Platinum Cosmetics, we spend a lot of time educating clients on the truth about pore size, texture, and how to improve their appearance long-term. Here’s what you really need to know.

Pores Don’t Open and Close — They Don’t Have Muscles

Pores are simply the openings of your hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands. They don’t have muscles, so they can’t physically open or shut like a door.

What’s actually happening:

  • Heat and steam can soften debris and oil, making them easier to clean out — but they don’t “open” pores

  • Cold water might temporarily reduce swelling or make skin feel tighter, but it doesn’t “close” pores

  • The appearance of pore size is influenced by genetics, oil production, ageing, and sun damage

So Why Do My Pores Look Bigger Sometimes?

Several factors can make pores appear more visible:

  • Excess oil sitting in the follicle

  • Dead skin buildup that stretches the opening

  • Loss of collagen, which reduces firmness around the pore

  • Sun exposure, which breaks down structural support in the skin

You can’t permanently shrink your pores — but you can make them appear smaller with the right treatments and skin care.

Treatments That Help Refine Pores

At our Port Melbourne clinic, we often recommend:

  • Fotona laser to stimulate collagen and improve texture

  • Facials with deep cleansing and hydration to reduce congestion

  • Skin rejuvenation to smooth the skin’s surface and reduce visible pore size over time

We’ll assess your skin in a consultation to determine which approach is best for your skin’s texture and oil balance.

At-Home Support to Minimise Pore Appearance

Alongside professional treatments, your skin care routine plays a key role:

  • Daily sunscreen to prevent collagen loss

  • Gentle exfoliation (like lactic acid or enzymes) to keep pores clear

  • Retinoids or peptides to support cellular turnover

  • Hydrating serums to improve skin smoothness without stripping

Avoid harsh scrubs or pore strips — they often do more harm than good.

Book a Skin Consultation for Texture and Pores

If you’re feeling self-conscious about visible pores, there are safe, effective ways to address them — no gimmicks, no myths.

Book a consultation and let’s talk about your skin goals. We’ll assess what’s causing the concern, and design a plan that restores clarity, smoothness, and confidence.

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Does Sunscreen Cause Breakouts? What You Need to Know