How can I naturally tighten open pores? Our solutions

Pores are tiny openings on the surface of the skin. They are the openings for hair follicles, through which the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands flows. When pores become blocked, or overstimulated, or the skin loses firmness, they can become more visible. This is known as enlarged pores.

The appearance of our pores is influenced by several biological and environmental factors. Depending on your skin type, these factors may act alone or in tandem.

Excessive sebum production

When the sebaceous glands are very active, sebum builds up in the pores, making them appear larger. This phenomenon is particularly common in combination and oily skin, but it can also affect skin that is temporarily out of balance.

A build-up of impurities

Dead skin cells, pollution particles and make-up residue can block pores. Over time, this build-up can cause pores to dilate and accentuate uneven skin texture.

A loss of skin firmness

As we age, our skin naturally loses some of its firmness. A reduction in collagen and elastin makes pores more visible, as the surrounding skin structure becomes less supportive.

Hormonal fluctuations

Hormonal fluctuations directly influence the activity of the sebaceous glands. At certain times of life or during the menstrual cycle, increased stimulation can make pores more visible.

Repeated sun exposure

The sun weakens the fibres that support the skin. Repeated exposure without adequate protection impairs the quality of collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging skin and more noticeable pores.

These factors can accumulate, which explains why pores often become more visible over time without a suitable skincare routine.

To find out more, discover our experts’ routine for managing excess sebum.

Enlarged pores are noticeable both visually and to the touch. Several signs can help you identify them:

• Uneven skin texture: The skin feels less smooth to the touch, with a rough texture, particularly around the nose, forehead and chin. Even after cleansing, your skin’s texture seems even.

• Skin that becomes oily quickly: A few hours after applying skincare or make-up, the skin becomes shiny, as if it were ‘rejecting’ excess sebum. This sensation may become more pronounced towards the end of the day.

• Visible pores that catch the light: The pores are noticeable to the naked eye, and can sometimes give an ‘orange peel’ appearance. Make-up may emphasise these areas rather than smooth them out.

• Discomfort caused by impurities: The skin may look less clear, with a feeling of being clogged or having blocked pores, which can lead to the appearance of blackheads or small blemishes.

These signs are more common in combination to oily skin but can also occur in other skin types, particularly when the skin is out of balance, dehydrated or losing firmness.

The appearance of pores is closely linked to skin balance, the quality of cleansing, and the active ingredients used in your daily daily routine. Certain practices, when carried out correctly, can help reduce excess sebum, unclog pores and visibly refine skin texture without compromising the skin barrier.

Daily routines and tips

1. Gently cleanse the skin, morning and evening: Insufficient cleansing encourages the build-up of impurities, while overly harsh cleansing can stimulate sebum production. Ideally, choose a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to maintain the skin’s balance.

2. Exfoliate regularly but gently: Removing dead skin cells helps to unclog pores and smooth the skin’s surface. However, exfoliating too frequently or using products that are too abrasive can have the opposite effect by making the skin more sensitive.

3. Apply an astringent lotion or hydrosol: Used after cleansing, a light lotion helps to visibly tighten the pores and refresh the skin, whilst preparing it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

4. Moisturise, even if your skin is prone to oiliness: Dehydrated skin tends to produce more sebum to protect itself. A light, non-occlusive moisturiser helps to maintain a more even skin texture.

5. Limit unprotected sun exposure: The sun damages the skin’s supporting fibres. Repeated exposure can make pores more visible by contributing to skin sagging.

Active ingredient: Plant-based salicylic acid

Renowned for its gentle keratolytic action, plant-based salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It thus helps to purify the skin, limit the build-up of impurities and visibly refine the skin’s texture, particularly in areas prone to blackheads.

Discover the Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Active Ingredient

Algo’Zinc Active Ingredient

Naturally rich in zinc, Algo’Zinc is valued for its regulating effect on sebum production. By helping to limit excess sebum and purify the skin, it helps prevent pores from becoming blocked and reduces their appearance.

Discover the Algo’Zinc Active Ingredient

Bio-based MSM active ingredient

A natural source of sulphur, bio-sourced MSM is used to help balance oily or blemish-prone skin. It helps to purify the skin and minimise imbalances that can lead to blocked pores.

Discover the bio-sourced MSM active ingredient

Burdock root powder

Traditionally used for combination to oily skin, burdock is renowned for its purifying and astringent properties. It helps regulate sebum production and refine the appearance of enlarged pores.

Discover Burdock Extract Powder

Bacti-Pur Active Ingredient

This active ingredient is used to support skin that is oily or prone to blemishes. When incorporated regularly into a suitable skincare routine, it helps to purify the skin and gradually improve its texture.

Discover the Bacti-Pur Active Ingredient

Organic Eucalyptus globulus Hydrosol

Prised for its refreshing and toning effect, Eucalyptus globulus hydrosol is often used in astringent lotions. It helps to purify the skin and visibly tighten pores, whilst providing a sensation of freshness.

Discover Organic Eucalyptus globulus Hydrosol

Organic Grapefruit Hydrosol

Toning and refreshing, Grapefruit Hydrosol helps to cleanse the skin and remove surface impurities. Its astringent action helps to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores.

Discover Organic Grapefruit Hydrosol

Active Ingredient: Silica Microspheres

Used for their mattifying and smoothing effects, silica microspheres absorb excess sebum and visibly improve skin texture. They help to minimise the appearance of pores and provide a soft, velvety finish.

Discover the Active Ingredient: Silica Microspheres

10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

This concentrated serum combines niacinamide (vitamin B3) with trace elements such as zinc and copper, which are known for their regulating effect on sebum production. Used regularly, it helps to purify the skin, refine the skin’s texture and visibly reduce the appearance of pores, whilst contributing to a more even complexion and skin that feels more comfortable day-to-day.

Discover the 10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

These facial care recipes are based on natural ingredients to purify the skin, unclog pores and refine the skin’s texture, whilst maintaining the skin’s natural balance. Used regularly, they help to regulate excess sebum and make pores less visible.

Even natural skincare products designed to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores must be used correctly. Excessive use of purifying or exfoliating products can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and exacerbate imbalances. It is important to tailor the active ingredients and frequency of use to your skin type, and to carry out a patch test before using any new product. Hydration remains essential: skin that is not sufficiently hydrated can produce more sebum, making pores more visible.

The appearance of pores depends not only on the skincare products used, but also on how the skin reacts to repeated stress. Frequent changes in products, layering highly active treatments, or sudden changes to your routine can cause subtle micro-inflammation, which makes pores more visible. In practice, adopting a short and consistent routine, centred on a few well-tolerated active ingredients, often yields better results than piling on products. Allowing the skin time to adapt over several weeks helps to gradually improve the texture of the skin.