Large Pores: What Affects Them, What Dermatologists Advise and Where PRP Fits

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What affects how large pores look?

Pores are the openings of hair follicles, each with an oil gland. A published review of the topic notes that enlarged pores are a cosmetic rather than a medical concern (PubMed 26918966). Another review lists age, gender, genetics, UV exposure, ethnicity and sebum production as factors that affect pore size (J Cosmet Dermatol, doi:10.1111/jocd.15502). Some of these, such as genetics and age, you cannot change. Others you can.

What dermatologists suggest first

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests: use non-comedogenic skincare and make-up, cleanse twice a day with warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser, avoid scrubbing because inflamed skin makes pores look more noticeable, use retinol, treat acne, wear sunscreen daily, exfoliate, and treat sagging skin (AAD: What can treat large facial pores?). These steps are inexpensive and are the sensible place to start. If your skin is acne-prone, a GP or NHS dermatology service can help, and that route is free.

Not sure where to start with your skin? Message us on WhatsApp, book a consultation or call 020 3951 3429.

Where does PRP fit?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from a small sample of your own blood and is injected or applied with microneedling to stimulate the skin. Reviews of PRP for facial rejuvenation describe it as promising, while a recent meta-analysis of randomised trials in skin ageing notes that robust evidence is still lacking (PMC12894766; Arch Dermatol Res 2019 systematic review). We are not aware of strong controlled evidence that PRP shrinks pores specifically, so we do not promise that. Some people see better texture and skin quality, and a doctor can tell you honestly whether you are likely to benefit.

Free checklist: what to try before paying for any treatment

- Switch to non-comedogenic products and take make-up off every night.

- Cleanse twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser. No scrubbing.

- Use sunscreen every day.

- Introduce a retinol slowly, as advised on the product.

- Treat acne rather than squeezing it.

- Take a photo in the same light every month and judge by the photos, not the mirror.

- Ask any clinic what evidence supports their claim for your concern.

Timeline: what a realistic plan looks like

Skin changes slowly. Skincare changes usually take weeks to judge. If you add PRP, a doctor will agree a course and review points, and results vary from person to person. At The London PRP Clinic, PRP is £450 per session or £1,215 for a course of 3. A consultation is £59 by phone, £150 by video or £220 in person at Unit 4, 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ.

Red flags

See a doctor for new or changing moles, painful lumps, persistent redness, sudden severe acne, or any skin change that worries you. After any injection, contact us or your GP promptly for spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or fever.

Frequently asked questions

Can you permanently shrink pores?

Pore size is affected by genetics, age and sebum, so it cannot be changed completely, but good skincare can make pores less noticeable according to the AAD.

Does PRP shrink pores?

We are not aware of strong controlled evidence for that specific claim. PRP is studied for skin quality and ageing, with promising but limited evidence.

How much is PRP?

£450 per session or £1,215 for a course of 3.

Ready to talk to a doctor? Message us on WhatsApp, book a consultation or call 020 3951 3429.

Written by The Wellness Team and medically reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team. This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.