Quick answer: You cannot permanently “close” or erase facial pores with skincare. You can, however, make them look less noticeable by keeping them clear, controlling excess oil without stripping the skin, protecting against sun damage and using proven ingredients consistently. In UAE weather, a gentle routine usually works better than aggressive scrubs, pore strips or layering several acids.
Why do pores look larger?
Pores are normal openings connected to hair follicles and oil glands. Their visibility varies from person to person. Research has linked more noticeable facial pores with factors such as higher sebum output and age, while dermatologists also point to clogged pores and reduced skin firmness as reasons they may appear larger.
Heat and humidity do not permanently enlarge pores, but they can increase sweating and make oil, sunscreen and makeup feel more obvious on the skin. That can make texture look more noticeable during a UAE summer. Air conditioning may create the opposite problem: dryness or irritation that encourages people to scrub or exfoliate too much.
The useful goal is therefore not “pore removal.” It is a comfortable routine that keeps the skin clean, supported and protected.
Myth: hot water opens pores and cold water closes them
Pores do not work like doors that open with steam and shut with ice. Warm water can help a cleanser spread comfortably, but very hot water may irritate the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends warm water and gentle cleansing rather than scrubbing. Cold water may feel refreshing, but it does not permanently reduce pore size.
Steam can soften surface oil temporarily, which may explain why skin sometimes feels different after a facial. That is not the same as changing the pore’s structure.
What can make pores look less noticeable?
1. Cleanse gently—not repeatedly
Wash with a mild cleanser in the morning and evening, and after heavy sweating when practical. Focus on removing sunscreen, makeup and excess oil without leaving the skin tight. Scrubbing harder does not clean deeper; irritation can make texture more noticeable.
If you prefer a low-pH gel texture, the active COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is one option in our current catalogue. A cleanser is only the first step, though; it cannot permanently shrink pores.
2. Consider salicylic acid or another BHA carefully
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and is commonly used to help loosen oil and dead skin within clogged pores. This can make congestion—and therefore the appearance of some pores—less obvious. More is not better. Start with one exfoliating product a few nights per week, follow its label and reduce frequency if you develop stinging, persistent redness or peeling.
The COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid is an active pore-care product currently available at Scientifique. Introduce it on its own rather than combining it immediately with a peel, exfoliating toner and strong retinoid.
3. Keep moisturiser in the routine
Oily skin can still become dehydrated or irritated. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser can support comfort and reduce the temptation to over-cleanse. Choose texture by how your skin feels: gel creams may suit humid days, while a richer cream can be useful in air-conditioned environments.
Moisturiser does not enlarge pores simply because it adds hydration. The more relevant question is whether a particular formula feels comfortable and is labelled non-comedogenic or suitable for your skin type.
4. Use sunscreen every morning
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen does not “fill” pores, but it helps protect collagen and skin firmness from ultraviolet exposure. That matters because loss of firmness can make pores look more prominent over time. In the UAE, apply a generous, even layer and reapply according to the label—especially after sweating, swimming or towel drying.
For a lightweight option, see the active COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50+. The best sunscreen is one you can apply in an adequate amount and use consistently.
5. Retinoids may help, but start slowly
Retinoids can support cell turnover and the appearance of skin texture. They can also irritate, especially when introduced alongside exfoliating acids. If you are new to them, use one new active at a time and read our beginner’s guide to starting retinol in UAE weather before building a routine.
Retinoids are not appropriate for everyone. Avoid cosmetic retinoids during pregnancy unless your clinician advises otherwise, and speak with a dermatologist if you have eczema, rosacea, persistent irritation or prescription acne treatment.
A simple pore-care routine for UAE weather
Morning
- Gentle cleanser, or a water rinse if your skin is dry and that suits you.
- Lightweight moisturiser as needed.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final skincare step.
Evening
- Remove makeup and water-resistant sunscreen thoroughly.
- Cleanse gently.
- On selected nights, apply one BHA or retinoid product—not every strong active at once.
- Finish with moisturiser.
Give the routine time. The appearance of congestion may improve gradually, but pore visibility will still vary with genetics, oil production, lighting and normal skin texture.
What should you avoid?
- Squeezing blackheads: this can inflame the skin and increase the risk of marks or scarring.
- Harsh grainy scrubs: friction may irritate without addressing oil inside the pore.
- Using pore strips every day: they may remove surface debris temporarily but do not change pore size.
- Stacking acids: combining multiple exfoliants can damage the skin barrier and make texture look worse.
- Judging skin under magnifying mirrors: normal pores and texture can appear dramatic at close range.
When should you see a dermatologist?
Seek professional advice if clogged pores come with painful acne, inflamed cysts, scarring, sudden changes or irritation that does not settle after stopping active products. A dermatologist can distinguish enlarged pores from acne, folliculitis and other conditions and may discuss prescription or in-clinic options. Cosmetic products should not be treated as a substitute for medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Can ice shrink pores?
Ice may temporarily reduce redness or puffiness, but it does not permanently change pore size. Do not hold ice directly against the skin, as this can cause irritation or cold injury.
Is niacinamide good for visible pores?
Niacinamide may help support the skin barrier and balance the look of oiliness for some people, which can make pores appear less obvious. It does not remove pores. Introduce it gradually if your routine already contains several active ingredients.
How often should I exfoliate?
There is no universal schedule. Start with the product label and your skin’s tolerance—often one to three times weekly for a leave-on exfoliant—then adjust. Persistent burning, redness or peeling means you should stop and simplify the routine.
Do pore-care products work instantly?
Some products can temporarily reduce shine or remove surface debris, but meaningful improvement in congestion and texture usually requires consistent use over time. No cosmetic can guarantee pore-free skin.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: What can treat large facial pores?
- Cleveland Clinic: Clogged pores—causes and care
- Flament et al.: Facial skin pores, a multiethnic study
- Roh et al.: Sebum output as a factor contributing to facial pore size
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Product availability was checked at the time of publication.
