Pore Appearance: Causes and Treatment Options

What are pores?

The majority of the "pores" we see on our faces are areas where the pilosebaceous unit, i.e., the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, opens to the surface.

Especially:

nose,

the inside of the cheeks,

forehead,

chin

It may be more noticeable in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands.

It is impossible to eliminate all pores, and such a goal is not physiologically correct.

Why do pores appear larger?

One of the main reasons is sebum production.

As oil production increases, the pilosebaceous opening may become more pronounced.

Also with age:

collagen reduction,

loss of elasticity,

weakening of dermal support tissue

It can contribute to the tissue around the pores appearing looser and making the pores more prominent.

Structural studies have also shown that there are differences in dermal collagen arrangement and perifollicular stroma in pores that appear enlarged.

Why are pores more prominent on oily skin?

When sebum production is high, the visibility of follicular openings may increase.

Therefore, one of the key goals of treatment, especially in young and oily skin, is:

The goal is to control sebum production and follicular blockage.

However, “completely drying out oily skin” is not the right approach. Excessive cleansing and irritation can disrupt the skin barrier and make acne treatment more difficult.

Do pores get bigger with age?

It may become visible.

With age:

collagen reduction,

changes in elastic fibers,

sun damage,

skin laxity

It can reduce the support around the pores.

Therefore, while sebum may be the primary problem in a young patient, in older patients, sebum, skin laxity, and photoaging may all play a role.

The 2022 treatment review also emphasizes the need to focus on sebum control in younger patients, and in addition to sebum control, on rejuvenation and elasticity treatments in older patients.

Does the sun enlarge pores?

Chronic UV exposure doesn't directly "open pores," but:

collagen damage,

loss of elasticity,

photo-aging

This can make pores appear more visible.

Therefore, photoprotection is an indirect but important part of pore treatment.

Does acne increase the appearance of pores?

Yes.

Chronic acne and comedonal blockage:

to the follicular opening becoming more prominent,

irregular skin texture,

scar development

can contribute.

However, acne scars and enlarged pores are not the same thing.

Small ice-pick scars, in particular, may be described by the patient as "very large pores".

This distinction is important because their treatments are different.

Do blackheads enlarge pores?

Comedones can make follicular openings appear more prominent.

The dark appearance of blackheads is not due to "dirt"; it is formed as a result of the oxidation of keratin and lipids in open comedones.

When comedonal acne is controlled, the appearance of pores may also decrease.

Do pores open with hot water and close with cold water?

No.

There is no muscle mechanism that allows pores to open and close like lids.

Heat:

blood vessels,

skin surface lipids,

temporary swelling and hydration

It can have an effect; however, pores don't permanently "open" with hot water and "close" with cold water.

Does steam cleanse pores?

Steam can soften sebum on the skin's surface and make it easier to extract some comedones.

However, it does not permanently reduce the anatomical diameter of pores.

Extremely hot steam:

rosacea,

sensitive skin,

dermatitis

It can increase redness in people who have it.

Is it possible to completely close the pores?

No.

Realistic goal:

to reduce its visibility,

controlling sebum,

to reduce follicular blockage,

to increase collagen support of surrounding tissue,

to make skin texture more homogeneous

should be.

“Claims that products or treatments "completely eliminate pores" are not scientifically realistic.

Are retinoids good for pores?

Yes, especially:

fatty,

comedonal,

acne-prone

It can be beneficial for the skin.

Topical retinoids:

It regulates follicular keratinization,

It reduces comedone formation.,

It may have effects on dermal collagen in the long term.

Therefore, it is one of the most frequently used topical options in the treatment of enlarged pores. In current reviews, retinoids are also among the basic treatment options.

Does salicylic acid work?

It can be particularly helpful for oily and comedonal-prone skin.

Due to its lipophilic structure, salicylic acid can penetrate the follicular canal and:

comedone,

oiliness,

surface irregularity

It can have an effect on it.

However, high concentrations or frequent use:

irritation,

barrier damage,

redness

It can create.

Does niacinamide shrink pores?

Niacinamide may be beneficial for some skin types in terms of sebum regulation and barrier support.

However, it is not accurate to think of it as a substance that "physically closes pores".

Pores may become less noticeable, especially as oil production decreases.

Can chemical peels be used?

Yes.

Especially:

glycolic acid,

salicylic acid,

some combination peels

It can be used to improve oiliness, blackheads, and surface texture.

The depth of peeling and the choice of agent should be based on skin phototype and tolerance.

More aggressive peeling doesn't necessarily mean better results.

Is microneedling good for pores?

Yes, it can be considered, especially if dermal support and skin texture components are prominent, particularly in terms of pore appearance.

Microneedling stimulates collagen remodeling through controlled microtrauma.

Because:

skin tissue,

mild acne scarring,

loss of elasticity,

pore appearance

They can be useful when they are together.

However, it is not a treatment that directly controls sebum production on its own.

Does gold needle/radiofrequency (RF) microneedling work on pores?

Radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) delivers controlled RF energy to the dermis, stimulating collagen remodeling and tightening.

2026 systematic review, RFMN's approach to facial rejuvenation:

skin tissue,

tightening,

general aesthetic improvement

Studies have shown consistent results and reported that most side effects are mild to temporary.

This mechanism may be significant in patients where the appearance of pores is associated with loss of elasticity and tissue irregularity.

However, the "gold needle for every pore patient" approach is not correct.

Does fractional laser reduce pore size?

Fractional lasers:

collagen remodeling,

skin surface renewal,

reducing tissue irregularities

It can improve the appearance of pores.

Ablative and non-ablative fractional systems have different efficacy and recovery time profiles.

Especially:

photoaging,

acne scar,

marked tissue irregularity

It might be more meaningful if accompanied by something else.

Is Q-switch a pore treatment?

The primary target of Q-switch lasers is pigment.

While some "laser toning" protocols have reported indirect improvements in skin texture and sebum, it is not accurate to position Q-switch as the primary pore treatment.

The choice of device for pore analysis should be based on the underlying pathogenesis.

Can Thulium laser be used?

Fractional systems like 1927 nm thulium: can affect superficial photodamage, pigment, and skin quality.

It can provide indirect improvement in the appearance of pores; however, it is not the main treatment alone if sebum is the primary problem in oily, youthful skin.

Therefore, instead of presenting a device like BabyFace Ultra as a "pore-minimizing device," it would be more accurate to evaluate it in the context of skin quality and superficial photodamage.

Can botulinum toxin be used to treat the appearance of pores?

In recent years, intradermal botulinum toxin applications have been investigated for their effects on sebum and pore appearance.

In a 2025 randomized clinical trial, intradermal botulinum toxin was compared with microneedling-assisted application, and both methods reported improvement in pore appearance; no significant superiority was found between the two methods.

However, this approach is not standard first-line treatment.,

The dosage and application technique differ from classic facial botulinum toxin application.,

Current evidence is limited compared to more classic pore treatments.

Therefore, it should not be presented as a routine "pore Botox" treatment.

Does Hydrafacial shrink pores?

Mechanical/chemical treatment methods similar to HydroFacial:

superficial sebum,

comedonal accumulation,

matte appearance on the skin surface

It can provide temporary relief.

Therefore, pores may appear less noticeable for a short period, especially in oily and comedonal-prone skin.

However, it does not permanently reduce follicle anatomy.

This distinction is important in terms of patient expectations.

Do mesotherapy or skin enhancement injections shrink pores?

Some injection treatments can indirectly reduce the appearance of pores by improving skin hydration and quality.

However:

sebum,

follicle diameter,

hair follicle volume

There is limited strong standard evidence demonstrating that it directly and permanently corrects the problem.

Therefore, the term "pore-minimizing mesotherapy" should not be used.

Why might combination therapy be necessary in pore treatment?

Because large pores are often not caused by a single factor.

For example, in a patient:

High sebum + comedones

in another patient:

photo-aging + loss of elasticity

In another case:

acne scars + oiliness + pores

They can be together.

A 2022 review also reported that combination therapies can provide higher rates of improvement compared to single methods.

Therefore, treatment should be chosen based on which mechanism is dominant, rather than which device is available.

How should pore care be done at home?

Generally:

gentle cleaning,

appropriate comedolytic/topical treatment,

non-comedogenic moisturizer,

regular sunscreen

It forms the basic approach.

For oily skin, constantly:

alcoholic tonic,

hard scrub,

daily peeling,

aggressive cleaner

Using it may increase barrier damage.

Is it right to tighten pores?

No.

Squeezing:

inflammation,

follicular trauma,

post-inflammatory pigmentation,

scar

It can increase the risk.

Especially with blackheads, constantly removing them mechanically is not a long-term solution.

Will the pores grow back?

Even if the appearance is reduced with treatment:

genetic,

sebum production,

aging,

UV exposure

Because it continues, it may become noticeable again over time.

Therefore, some patients may require maintenance treatment.

When should you consult a dermatologist?

Especially:

If pores are accompanied by noticeable acne,

If it's unclear whether the small pits are pores or acne scars,

If there is no improvement despite using numerous cosmetic products,

If laser, microneedling or RF is being considered,

risk of pigmentation due to dark phototype

Dermatological evaluation is helpful.

Dermatologist's Note

The most common problem we see in pore treatment is that a single device is presented as a solution for everyone.

However, we must first distinguish these three main reasons:

1. Is sebum production excessive? 2. Is follicle structure/comedones dominant? 3. Is there age-related and sun-related loss of elasticity?

In my approach, I wouldn't give the same treatment to a young patient with fatty skin and comedonals as I would to a patient with photoaging and loss of elasticity.

A realistic and scientific approach is to aim for a less visible and more homogeneous skin texture, rather than completely "closing" pores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the pores close completely?

No. Pores are normal anatomical structures; their visibility can be reduced.

Do pores appear larger on oily skin?

Yes. Sebum production is one of the main causes of the appearance of enlarged pores.

Do retinol/retinoids work?

It can be particularly beneficial for comedonal and oily skin.

Which is better, microneedling or laser treatment?

It varies depending on the predominant problem; elasticity, acne scarring, skin phototype, and healing time are all evaluated together.

Does gold needle injection reduce pores?

It can reduce symptoms in select patients through dermal restructuring and tightening; it is not the first choice for everyone.

Does Botox shrink pores?

There have been positive studies with intradermal botulinum toxin, but it is not yet a routine standard first-line treatment.

Does HydroFacial close pores?

No. It can temporarily make them less noticeable by reducing the appearance of sebum and superficial comedonals.