Why do pores look enlarged?
Pores can appear larger for a few reasons: naturally higher oil production stretching them, congestion (oil and dead skin filling them), and loss of skin firmness with age letting them sag open.
- Heat and humidity— plentiful in
- Dubai— ramp up oil production, which is why pores and congestion can feel worse here. Understanding the cause guides the fix.
What actually helps?
Evidence-based, realistic options include: A consistent routine with gentle cleansing and well-chosen actives (a dermatologist can advise on suitable ingredients) Keeping skin clear of congestion to stop pores looking fuller In-clinic treatments that improve skin quality and refine the look of pores — for example carbon laser facials, certain chemical peels, and collagen-stimulating treatments like RF microneedling that can firm the surrounding skin Diligent sun protection (sun damage worsens the appearance of pores over time) The aim is steady refinement, not an overnight transformation.
What doesn't work (the myths)
A few things to ignore: products that claim to permanently "close" pores (pores don't have muscles to open and close), harsh scrubbing or over-exfoliating (which irritates and can worsen oiliness and pigmentation), and stripping the skin so aggressively that it produces more oil in response. Over-treating oily skin often backfires.
Managing oily skin in
Dubai's climate Heat and humidity increase oil, so the goal is balance, not "drying out" the skin. Gentle cleansing, lightweight non-comedogenic products, and a routine that doesn't strip the barrier all help. If oiliness comes with persistent breakouts, it may be acne that needs a proper plan rather than just oil-control products.
When should you see a dermatologist?
If pores and oiliness come with congestion, breakouts or scarring, a dermatologist can build a plan that treats the underlying tendency and improves skin quality — which does more for the look of pores than any single "pore-minimising" product. Individual results vary.