How to Reduce Pore Size on Your Nose

Get smaller pores in just a few easy steps

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 24, 2024 References

Having large, clogged pores can be frustrating. While you can’t shrink them forever, you can temporarily reduce their size. If you’re tired of your large nose pores, your best option for minimizing their size is keeping your pores clean and taking steps to keep your skin hydrated and pores tight.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Unclogging Your Nose Pores

Download Article

1
Steam your face. Steaming can help open your pores and make it easier to remove the debris. The heat from the steam will soften the hardened oils in your pores, allowing you to extract them.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- After washing your face, pour boiling water into a heat-safe bowl. Add a few drops of essential oils if you’d like. Drape a towel over your head, then bend over the bowl. Allow the steam to seep into your skin for 5-10 minutes.
- Follow your steam with a nose strip or face mask.
- If you use essential oils, only add 2-3 drops of oil into the water. Look for an essential oil that meets your skin needs.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} Tea tree, ylang ylang, rosemary, and geranium oil are all great options for reducing oil production and clearing away bacteria. Geranium oil also tightens skin, which can help reduce the look of pores.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- You can steam your face as often as two times a week.
2
Use nose strips. After you steam your face, use a pore cleaning nose strip to remove the debris. Follow the directions on the product’s packaging to apply and remove the nose strip. Once the strip has dried on your nose, you should pull it away to reveal grey, black, and white specs of oil and dirt that came out of your pores.
- Rinse your nose afterwards.
- You can use nose strips as often as every three days, but over use of the strips can cause dryness.
Advertisement
3
Spot treat your nose with a clay mask. While you can use a mask on your entire face, doing so too often can dry out your skin. Your nose or t-zone may be more oily than the rest of your face, and using a clay mask regularly on just your nose can help strip away some of the oils and reduce the look of your pores.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Apply a thin layer of the mask to your nose, and let it dry for several minutes before washing it away.
- Use your spot treatment mask up to three or four times a week. Reduce your usage if your nose starts to feel dry.
- If you have combination skin, you can use a clay mask on your whole face one or two times per week, though you should always follow the instructions on your individual mask.
4
Try an egg white mask. An egg white mask will tighten your skin, which reduces the look of pores. To make an egg white mask, mix an egg white with one teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of honey. Apply the mixture to your nose and let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then gently remove it with warm water.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You will just use the egg white. To separate it from the yolk, break the egg in half. Pour the half that doesn't have the yolk into a bowl. Then gently pour the yolk into the empty half-shell, allowing the remaining white part to flow into the bowl.
- Use the mask no more than once a week to avoid drying out your skin.
While they won’t shrink your pores, oil blotting strips will remove oils. This serves two purposes. One, it will make your pores slightly less noticeable. Two, it will reduce the oils on your face, which can help prevent them from building up in your pores.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Keeping Your Pores Clean and Tight

Download Article

1
Wash your face daily. Your nose pores will continue to collect oil and dirt, especially if you have oily or combination skin. The only way to prevent your nose pores from appearing large is to clear away this gunk. Keeping your pores clean will also help keep them from expanding to collect more dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Use a mild cleanser every day.
- Wash your face - or at least your nose - twice a day. If parts of your face dry out when you wash twice a day, you can always use a cleansing cloth on just your nose.
2
Use a toner or astringent. A toner or astringent will temporarily tighten your skin, making your pores appear smaller. Since it has a drying effect, it can cause your skin to produce more oils if you over-apply it. Wet a cotton ball with the product, and then dab it onto your clean skin.
- If you have combination skin, you may want to just dab the toner or astringent on your nose or T-zone to prevent drying out the rest of your face.
- You can use cucumber juice as a natural astringent.
- Depending on how dry your skin is, toner can be applied once or twice a day after you wash your face. You can also try using a hydrating toner so help prevent dryness.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
3
Use a hydrating moisturizer. Not only is moist skin smoother and plumper, but dry skin will also produce excess oil to alleviate the dryness. This can lead to blocked, enlarged pores, particularly on your nose, which already tends to be oily.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Apply your moisturizer in the morning and the evening. You should usually apply it after you wash your face.
4
Wear sunscreen. Sun damage can weaken your skin, which damages its ability to remain tight. If your skin isn’t tight, then your pores will look bigger.
- If you can, wear a wide-brimmed hat as well.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Look for a moisturizer that contains an SPF. If you wear makeup, then you can opt for makeup that has an SPF.
- Choose a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 sunscreen that is also waterproof.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
  Go to source}
5
Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week. According to board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, "Too much oil production can make your pores look bigger." She suggests "exfoliating your face with a scrub, charcoal mask, or a chemical exfoliator with salicylic acid or retinoid." She agrees that "exfoliation helps prevents oil congestion in your pores."
- If you have combination skin, you can exfoliate just your nose on some days so that the rest of your face doesn’t get irritated.
6
Tighten pores with an ice cube. With your nose pores clean, shrink the pores with ice. Rub an ice cube over your nose to temporarily tighten the skin, reducing the look of your pores.
- Leave the ice on your skin for just a few seconds. Any longer and it could become painful or damage your skin.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Finding Pore-Friendly Products

Download Article

When a product is labeled noncomedogenic, it means that that the product will not clog pores. All of your facial products, including cleansers, makeup, and moisturizers, should be noncomedogenic.^{[13]
X
Research source}
2
Look for products that contain salicylic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates your skin, which unclogs pores. You can find it as an ingredient in face washes, acne creams, and moisturizers.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Don’t overload your face with salicylic acid. Start with just one product that contains it to see how it affects your skin.
3
Use a product that contains retinols. Retinols clear out your pores, making them appear smaller.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} You can find retinols in moisturizers.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Make sure that you always wear sunscreen when using products that contain retinols. Retinols make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
4
Look for products that contain zinc or magnesium. Zinc and magnesium help balance the oils in your skin, which helps keep them unclogged. They can also help clear your pores.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- You can get your zinc or magnesium through a multivitamin, or you can look for beauty products that contain these ingredients, such as lotion or foundation. Zinc is prevalent in sun screens, as well as makeup or moisturizers that contain a sunscreen. Magnesium is sometimes included as an ingredient in moisturizer.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Getting Professional Treatments

Download Article

1
Get manual pore extractions to clear your nose pores. An esthetician can manually remove the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that are clogging your nose pores and making them look enlarged. This in-office procedure is the safest way to extract the contents of your nose pores without causing more damage to your skin.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Manual extractions can be done as often as monthly if you have very clogged pores.
- Manual extractions are the least expensive, easiest professional option and don't require recovery time.
- This procedure could be your best option if you only have clogged, enlarged pores on your nose.
2
Try microdermabrasion to remove debris and polish your skin. A professional will apply microcrystals to your skin, which will scrub away the dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. With your pores clean, they will look smaller. To keep up the look of smaller pores, you will need regular treatments.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Microdermabrasion is like a strong facial.
- After microdermabrasion, you can return to your normal activities that same day.
- Since the results are temporary, you will need to get regular treatments every two to four weeks to maintain the results.
3
Choose a chemical peel to remove dead skin cells. Chemical peels remove dead skin cells and oils that clog your pores. They also smooth out your skin, which makes your pores appear smaller. You can get a chemical peel from your dermatologist.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- A chemical peel is also like a strong facial if you get a superficial or medium chemical peel. A deep chemical peel is a serious treatment that is more akin to minor surgery.
- If you get a superficial chemical peel, then you will likely have to repeat the process at regular intervals, such as every few months, to maintain your results.
- If you get a medium chemical peel, then you may need to get a second chemical peel after three to six months.
- If you get a deep chemical peel, then you will likely not be able to get another treatment. Deep chemical peels are usually only done once, and are traditionally for people with a lot of skin damage.
- Expect to give your face at least a 48-hour break from makeup and sun exposure after you get a chemical peel. If you get a deep chemical peel, your recovery may be longer.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}
4
Get a laser treatment to shrink pores. According to board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, "Lasers can use infrared light, ablative light, and even radio frequencies to help tighten up the collagen in your skin." Laser treatments are the only thing that can truly reduce the size of your pores. To get a laser treatment, you will need to visit your dermatologist.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- You can get laser treatments on just your nose.
- Some laser treatments like Fraxel provide long-term results, while milder laser treatments like Laser Genesis often require a few more treatments, as determined by your dermatologist.^{[23]
  X
  Research source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Choosing Good Habits

Download Article

Popping blackheads and pimples can damage your pores, making them look larger. Once they are damaged, you can’t get them to shrink back up without professional treatments, which still might not work.
While water doesn’t directly shrink your pores, it does keep your skin hydrated and plumped, making pores less noticeable. It may also help you avoid breakouts, which also prevents your pores from enlarging.^{[24]
X
Research source}
3
Avoid sleeping in makeup. If you leave your makeup on overnight, it will clog your pores, making them look larger and darker. Over time, your pores will also stretch because of the clogging makeup, making them more noticeable.^{[25]
X
Research source}
- Cleanse away your makeup before bed every day.
- If you have trouble remembering to clean off your makeup, keep makeup removing cloths by your bed for easy cleansing.
4
Wash before and after a workout. While your workout keeps you healthy, it can negatively affect your pores if you don’t wash your face. Wearing makeup or lotion during a workout can cause your pores to clog, and not washing after your workout can allow sweat and bacteria to seep into your pores. Avoid clogged pores with a quick wash.^{[26]
X
Research source}
- Facial cleansing cloths are a great option to quickly clean skin.
5
Avoid foods that are high in fat and unhealthy oils. Fats and unhealthy oils can inflame your skin, enlarging your pores. Minimize these fats and oils to keep your skin looking good.^{[27]
X
Research source}
- Healthy oils include monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3s, while unhealthy oils include saturated fats and trans fats.^{[28]
  X
  Research source}
6
Clean your makeup brushes. Makeup brushes can harbor oils and bacteria. If you don’t keep them clean, these oils can clog your pores, cause breakouts, and make your pores look larger. Use a brush cleaner to remove the gunk and keep your skin clean.^{[29]
X
Research source}
- Makeup brushes should be cleaned once a month, except for eye makeup brushes, which should be cleaned twice a month.^{[30]
  X
  Research source}
Avoid smoking. Smoking can damage your skin, including your pores. It reduces elasticity, making it harder for your pores to stay tight. Kick the habit to help your pores look smaller.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What causes my pores to look big?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

While your pore size is genetically determined, you can help them look smaller by exfoliating your skin and improving your skin's elasticity. Exfoliate once or twice a week, or even 3 times a week, with a scrub, charcoal mask, or chemical exfoliant. That will help prevent oil congestion that makes your pores look enlarged. Also, use a moisturizer containing retinoid, which will help improve your skin's collagen production.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you wear makeup, then use a primer to hide your pores. A primer will disguise your pores, reducing the look of their size.^{[31]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0