Enlarged Pores and Oily Skin: What Helps and What Doesn't

You can't permanently "shrink" or close pores — but you can make them look smaller and keep oily skin under control with the right approach. Pore size is largely determined by genetics, oil production and skin aging, and the goal is refinement and management, not elimination. Here's what actually helps, and the myths worth ignoring, especially in a hot, humid climate.

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.

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.