Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

How to Make Large Pores Look Smaller: Azelaic Acid & Salicylic Acid

1 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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Shereene Idriss explains that enlarged pores are usually swollen from inflammation. She recommends azelaic acid to calm redness and shrink pores, a salicylic acid cleanser to clear debris, and zinc oxide sunscreen for protection and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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You want to get rid of large pores that really bother you? I'm a dermatologist, let me help you. Most people do not know this, when your skin is red and inflamed, it swells. That swelling stretches your pores, making them look bigger. Azelaic acid reduces redness, inflammation, and it controls your oil. So your pores going from red and inflamed and big to smaller and less red. Double the benefit. If you also have blackheads, salicylic acid cleanser can help clear that gunk out to smooth out your texture. And last, a sunscreen with zinc oxide because zinc oxide also has anti-inflammatory benefits.