Are Pores Genetic? What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your pores looked smaller, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear from patients at FreshRx Wellness in Fallston, MD is: “Are pores genetic?” The short answer is yes—but there's a lot more to the story, including what you can actually do about it.

Let’s break down what determines pore size, what makes them look worse, and the professional treatments that can help minimize their appearance. At FreshRx clinic in Fallston, NP Ellen Lancaster offers treatments to help reduce pore size and restore a healthy skin glow.

What Causes Large Pores?

Pores are small openings in the skin that release oil and sweat. Everyone has them—and their size can vary based on several factors:

Genetics: Your DNA plays the biggest role in determining your baseline pore size. If your parents had visible pores, there’s a good chance you will too. People with oily skin or thicker skin types are also more likely to have more noticeable pores.

Oil Production: Overactive sebaceous glands can enlarge your pores. When your skin produces excess oil, it can stretch the pore walls, making them appear larger over time.

Aging: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elasticity. That means the structure around your pores can weaken, leading to sagging and more visible pores.

Sun Damage: UV rays break down collagen and elastin—two critical proteins that keep pores tight and skin smooth.

Improper Skincare: Skipping cleansing, using pore-clogging products, or not exfoliating regularly can lead to buildup in your pores. This buildup makes them appear darker and more prominent.

Are Large Pores Preventable?

While you can’t change your genetics, genetics are not necessarily your fate! You can change how your skin behaves and looks over time. A combination of targeted treatments and custom skincare routines can significantly improve the appearance of large pores—even if you were born with them.

FreshRx Wellness takes a holistic approach to skin health. That means looking at your skin type, lifestyle, and goals before recommending a personalized plan.

The Best Treatments for Enlarged Pores

If you’re tired of covering your skin with makeup or experimenting with countless products, it may be time to explore professional options. Here are some of the most effective in-office treatments for pore size reduction available at our Fallston skincare clinic:

1. Medical-Grade Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells and help dissolve excess oil and debris inside the pores. Over time, this can lead to tighter-looking skin with a more even texture. Our peels are customized to your skin type and goals, with minimal downtime.

2. Microneedling

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. More collagen = firmer skin = tighter pores. This treatment is safe, effective, and perfect for patients looking to improve both pore size and overall skin tone.

3. Prescription-Strength Topicals

FreshRx's Ellen Lancaster is a licensed nurse practitioner who can prescribe clinical-strength skincare products that target oil production, improve cell turnover, and reinforce the skin barrier. Think of this as the at-home sidekick to your in-office treatments. the most popular skincare prescriptions for pore reduction are tretinoin, tazarotene, and topical antibiotics.

Skincare Products That Help Shrink Pores

In addition to professional treatments, your daily skincare routine plays a huge role in maintaining results. Professionals often recommend a few science-backed ingredients to help patients reduce the appearance of pores at home:

Retinoids/Retinols: Increase cell turnover and unclog pores.
Niacinamide: A gentle powerhouse that reduces oil production and improves texture.
Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pore and clears it out from the inside.
Sunscreen: Daily SPF protects against collagen loss caused by UV rays—key for keeping pores tight and skin firm.

During your consultation at FreshRx, we’ll build a personalized skincare routine that complements your in-office treatments and supports long-term skin health.

Why Work With a Licensed Professional?

While there are endless "pore reducing" products on the market, not all skincare is created equal. Many over-the-counter solutions don’t have the strength to deliver real, lasting results. That’s why working with a licensed medical professional matters.

At FreshRx Wellness, NP Ellen brings a clinical background and a cosmetic eye to every treatment plan. You’ll get guidance rooted in science—and results that show.

Let’s Talk About Your Skin

Yes, pore size is largely genetic. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with enlarged, uneven skin forever. With the right strategy, you can improve texture, shrink the look of pores, and feel confident in your skin—no makeup or filters needed!!

If you’re ready to learn more, I’d love to meet with you. Book a personalized skin consultation at FreshRx Wellness, conveniently located at:

📍 2307 Belair Rd, Fallston, MD 21047

📞 Call or text 410-929-6051

Let’s create a treatment plan that works with your genetics—not against them.