K-beauty routine to combat enlarged pores: the art of smooth, refined skin

Enlarged pores are one of the most common skincare concerns. Whether you have oily, combination, blackhead-prone skin, or are simply looking for a more even skin texture, reducing their appearance can be a real challenge. In K-beauty, the approach is never to "make them disappear"—which is impossible—but to purify them, visually tighten them, balance sebum production, and strengthen the skin so they appear smaller day after day.

Let's discover the ideal complete Korean routine to refine skin texture , control shine and reduce their appearance .

Why do pores dilate? Understanding before taking action

They are not a sign of poor hygiene or skin defect: they are a natural characteristic of the skin, but certain factors can make them much more visible.

Their apparent size depends primarily on the amount of sebum produced, the accumulation of impurities, and the overall quality of the skin. When there is excess sebum, it accumulates in the pore, stretching it and making it wider. Over time, if the sebum oxidizes or mixes with dead skin cells, it forms a blackhead, which further enlarges the pore opening.

In addition to this, there is skin laxity, which occurs with age: the loss of collagen and elasticity makes the pore walls less firm, and the pore then appears wider than before.
Finally, a lack of exfoliation, overly rich or comedogenic products, or chronic inflammation can all exacerbate enlarged pores. Understanding these mechanisms is essential: only by targeting excess sebum, congestion, dehydration, or lack of firmness can their appearance truly be improved in the long term.

Good news: K-beauty offers a gentle yet ultra-effective approach to correcting all of this.

The K-beauty routine for minimizing pores: step by step

1. Double cleaning: the basis for unclogging them

Makeup removing oil

The oil removes makeup, oxidized sebum, pollution residues and sunscreens.
This is THE first essential step to prevent blackheads and unclog pores.

Objective: to dissolve the fat.

Gentle foaming cleanser

It removes sweat and water-soluble impurities.
Choose a gentle, sulfate-free gel with a slightly acidic pH.

Avoid: harsh cleansers that stimulate sebum production.

2. Exfoliation (preferably chemical): the number one weapon

Exfoliation helps to refine the skin texture, smooth out irregularities and limit their appearance.

AHA (glycolic/lactic acid)

→ They refine the skin's surface texture.
Perfect for those with "stretched" pores.

BHA (salicylic acid)

→ Penetrates the sebum and cleanses the pore from the inside.
Essential for blackheads and clogged pores.

Recommended frequency: 2 to 4 times per week depending on tolerance.

3. Hydrating and balancing toner

Hydration is crucial to making them less visible. Dehydrated skin compensates by producing more sebum, which amplifies the problem.

Look for a toner containing:

• hyaluronic acid
• panthenol
• green tea water
• soothing ingredients

Avoid toners with a high alcohol content, which can irritate and accentuate reactive sebum.

4. Essence: Hydration and radiance booster

K-beauty essences penetrate deeply and help to strengthen skin quality.
They also optimize the action of serums.

For pores, opt for:

• the ferments
• niacinamide
• clarifying plant extracts

5. Targeted serum to tighten them

This is the key step in our routine.

Niacinamide

Reduces sebum production, evens skin tone and visibly tightens pores.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

Use as a serum for an intense anti-blackhead effect.

Peptides

Ideal for pores related to skin laxity.

Vitamin C

Improves brightness, evens skin tone and strengthens skin structure.

Azelaic acid

Excellent for pores, uneven texture and dull complexion.

6. Light and non-comedogenic moisturizing cream

Contrary to popular belief, skin that lacks water produces more sebum.

Choose a cream:

• light
• gel or gel-cream
• with soothing and regulating ingredients

Avoid overly rich textures, butters, thick oils and heavy silicones.

7.Sun protection: essential to prevent more visible pores

UV rays degrade collagen, making them more apparent.
Good sun protection is essential to maintain firm, smooth, and even skin.

Opt for a light, fluid Korean sunscreen that doesn't leave a greasy finish.

Mistakes to avoid

❌ Over-cleansing the skin

→ This stimulates sebum production.

❌ Exfoliate daily

→ Risk of irritation and rebound effect (more sebum).

❌ Using overly occlusive creams

→ They clog them and increase blackheads.

❌ Focus solely on purifying masks

→ They provide occasional help, but do not address the underlying problem.

❌ Forgetting about hydration

→ Dehydrated skin accentuates shine and visible pores.

K-beauty tips for smoother skin every day

Achieving smooth, refined skin texture requires more than just a good routine; it also involves consistent actions, a healthy skincare regimen, and K-beauty-inspired tips. Here are the best practices to incorporate daily for lasting improvements in the appearance of pores.

1. Opt for light and non-comedogenic textures

Korean philosophy emphasizes lightness: there is no need to overload the skin with overly rich creams, especially if it tends to be shiny or produce a lot of sebum.
Lightweight formulas — gels, emulsions, moisturizing lotions — hydrate the skin without clogging it, thus preventing further dilation.
A good light moisturizer also helps to maintain a good skin barrier, which reduces inflammation and the appearance of blackheads.

2. Apply the skincare products in thin layers (the foundation of layering)

Layering, a key practice in K-beauty, involves layering products in thin layers rather than using a single thick cream.
Result :

• better absorption
• no suffocating effect,
• less shine,
• pores less clogged.

This method of application avoids creating an unnecessary occlusive film.

3. Maintain a strict balance between hydration and sebum

The paradox of enlarged pores? The more dehydrated skin is, the more sebum it produces to compensate.
In K-beauty, the goal is to provide enough water to the skin (essences, toners, hydrating serums) to encourage it to naturally regulate its sebum production.
Well-hydrated skin = less congested and tighter pores.

4. Incorporate a gentle, regular exfoliant, rather than harsh scrubs.

K-beauty is based on the idea that daily gentleness is better than occasional aggression.
Gentle exfoliants — low-percentage AHAs, BHAs, PHAs — allow:

• to eliminate excess dead cells,
• to clear the pores,
• to improve skin texture without irritation.
  Exfoliation that is too harsh, on the contrary, sensitizes the skin, stimulates sebum production and accentuates their dilation.

5. Use purifying masks wisely (1 to 2 times/week)

Clay (or charcoal-based) masks are a must for absorbing impurities.
K-beauty recommends using them in a targeted and non-aggressive way:

• only in zone T
• no more than 10 minutes,
• followed by deep hydration to avoid the rebound effect.

This approach avoids dehydration which causes the shoots to expand further.

6. Massage the face to stimulate microcirculation

Facial massage, very popular in Korea, helps to:

• to improve blood circulation
• to promote better absorption of skincare products
• reduce inflammation,
• firm the skin structure.

7. Never skip sun protection

UV rays damage collagen, weaken the skin's structure and make them more visible.
Daily sun protection, even on cloudy days, helps maintain firm and smooth skin.
K-beauty emphasizes light, non-greasy, and comfortable-to-wear SPFs to avoid clogged pores.

8. Maintain impeccable hygiene of accessories and the phone

K-beauty places great emphasis on the skin environment:

• Change your pillowcases regularly.
• clean makeup brushes and sponges,
• avoid touching your face,
• disinfect your smartphone.

All these actions help to limit the spread of bacteria responsible for inflammation and congestion of the pores.

9. Focus on consistency rather than intensity

In K-beauty, results are achieved through daily micro-habits.
No need for a cumbersome routine:

• a few well-chosen products,
• applied regularly,
• with gentleness and consistency.

It is this consistency that truly transforms the texture of the skin and refines the skin's texture in a lasting way.

To finish...

Fighting enlarged pores has nothing to do with the impossible idea of ​​"closing" them, but everything to do with a gentle, regular and smart routine.
K-beauty stands out here: it focuses on balance , hydration, gentle purification and strengthening of the skin structure rather than aggressive treatments.

A well-structured routine allows you to:

• deeply purify pores
• normalize sebum production
• smooth skin texture
• reduce blackheads
• strengthen skin firmness
• improve overall brightness

With the right combination of oil-based makeup remover, BHA, niacinamide, hydration and sun protection, the skin regains a clearer, smoother and healthier appearance.

The key: regularity, gentleness, hydration, and targeted care adapted to your skin.