Cheek “pore size” is usually more about texture + firmness + how light hits the skin than oil alone. You can’t permanently “close” pores at home, but you can make them look noticeably smoother and tighter-looking by combining (1) gentle pore-clearing skincare, (2) barrier support, and (3) the right device.

Dermatologists also note that clogging, irritation, and loss of firmness can make pores look larger—so the goal is calm + clear + support.

 

What actually helps cheeks (at home)

The 3 levers that change “pore appearance”

1. Less clogging (so pores don’t look stretched/outlined)
2. Smoother surface texture (so pores don’t cast tiny shadows)
3. Better firmness over time (so pores look less “pulled open”)

AAD specifically recommends: non-comedogenic products, cleansing gently twice daily, retinol, salicylic acid, sunscreen, safe exfoliation—and avoiding scrubbing/picking because irritation makes pores look larger.

 

The best at-home device for cheeks texture pores

1) Red / Near-Infrared LED mask (best “texture-friendly” device at home)          Search: 2234 results found for "red light" – RoséSkin

 

At-home LED is subtle but supportive. Research on photobiomodulation (red/NIR) suggests benefits for skin appearance/texture and signs of aging with consistent use.
Many consumer masks are also marketed as FDA-cleared, but results still depend on consistency and the rest of your routine.

How to use (simple):

• 3–5x/week, clean dry skin

• Follow the device timing (don’t “double-dose”)

• Moisturize after

• Expect weeks, not 3 days

Who it’s great for: sensitive skin, barrier-first routines, maintenance between professional treatments.

 

Helpful (optional) device add-on

2) Gentle silicone sonic cleansing (only if buildup is a big issue)             Search: 23 results found for "silicone sonic cleansing" – RoséSkin

 

This isn’t about “shrinking” pores—it’s about consistent gentle cleansing so pores look cleaner and less emphasized. AAD stresses cleansing gently and warns against scrubbing/irritation.

Use it like this:

• 2–3x/week max

• Feather-light pressure, short time

• Stop if you get redness/tightness

 

Devices to avoid for cheeks texture pores

Skip these

• Pore vacuum suction tools → irritation can make pores look more noticeable.

• At-home microneedling pens/rollers → higher risk if technique/hygiene is off; inconsistent results (professional is safer for needling).

Also: If you ever consider RF microneedling, note the FDA safety communication (Oct 15, 2025) describing reports of serious complications and advising careful discussion with qualified providers.
(That’s one reason I don’t recommend RF microneedling DIY.)

 

The best at-home routine for cheeks texture + pores

Morning (simple, non-stripping)

1. Gentle cleanse                                                                                                             Search: 459 results found for "foam cleanser" – RoséSkin

2. Light moisturizer (non-comedogenic)                                                                        Search: 1681 results found for "oil free face moisturizer" – RoséSkin

3. Sunscreen SPF 30+ (daily) — AAD notes sun damage reduces firmness, which can make pores look more noticeable.                                                                                   Search: 1207 results found for "sun protection" – RoséSkin 

Night (texture + pore support)

1. Gentle cleanse

2. Pick one active track (don’t stack everything):

• BHA (salicylic acid) 2–4 nights/week (pore clearing) — AAD notes salicylic acid can help unclog pores.                                                                                                              Search: 68 results found for "BHA (salicylic acid)" – RoséSkin 
  OR

• Retinol 2–3 nights/week (texture/firmness support) — AAD recommends retinol/retinyl palmitate to help when pores look larger from oiliness/acne/less firmness.                                                                                                                             Search: 354 results found for "retinol serum" – RoséSkin 

3. Moisturizer every night                                                                                                    Search: 492 results found for "lightweight anti aging moisturizer" – RoséSkin                                                                                        

Pro tip for sensitive skin: alternate BHA nights and retinol nights.

 

A realistic 14-day “cheek pore smoothing” schedule (easy)

Week 1

• LED mask: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun

• BHA: Tue/Sat

• Retinol: Thu (optional, thin layer)

• Other nights: moisturize only

Week 2

• LED mask: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun

• BHA: Tue/Fri (skip retinol that day)

• Retinol: Thu/Sat (if comfortable)

Keep it gentle. Irritation = pores look worse.