A Power List of Home Remedies and Aesthetic Treatments

• At home: gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sun protection lay the foundation.
• Active ingredients in skincare: retinoids, salicylic acid, and niacinamide affect skin oiliness, clogged pores, and other aspects of oily skin.
• Prescription medications: Tretinoin cream enhances at-home treatment for enlarged pores.
• Microneedling accelerates skin renewal and collagen production. It’s especially suitable for those of you who also want to restore firmness to your skin.
• Laser treatment reduces the appearance of pores and rejuvenates the skin surrounding them. There is research evidence supporting this, particularly regarding fractional carbon dioxide lasers.
• Microbotox: an interesting option, especially for oily skin and enlarged pores. The research evidence is promising but still fairly limited.

The most important rule: the best treatment isn't determined by pore size, but by the reason why the pores are prominent.

 

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What are enlarged pores?

Pores are a natural part of the skin, just like freckles, fine lines, and other details that stand out in close-up. The term “enlarged pores” refers to the openings of hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the skin’s surface that are more clearly visible than usual. They are not holes that have appeared in the skin, even though bright bathroom lighting and a magnifying mirror might suggest otherwise.

Skin pores are an important part of the skin. They allow the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands to reach the skin’s surface. The hair follicle, the sebaceous gland, and the surrounding skin form a structural unit. This structural unit affects how large the pore appears.

In scientific studies, enlarged pores are associated in particular with the following:

• excessive sweating
• hair follicle size
• the firmness of the skin surrounding the pore
• the elasticity—that is, the ability to return to its original shape—of the skin surrounding the pore

Enlarged pores are not a skin condition. In almost all cases, they are a characteristic that affects the appearance of the skin, and their severity varies between different areas of the skin and face.

For some people, pores become more noticeable as their skin becomes oilier, while for others, the visibility of pores is related to the skin’s normal aging process.

– Nurse Essi Ojala

Enlarged pores in a close-up: a medical condition or a normal skin characteristic?

Large pores can be annoying when you look in the mirror, but they are rarely a sign of a skin condition. Enlarged pores are a cosmetic imperfection associated with the normal structure of healthy skin.

Pore size naturally varies across different areas of the face. There are also significant individual differences among people: the luckiest among us have naturally small, invisible pores, but for most of us, pores are visible to a greater or lesser extent.

The situation is different if, in addition to enlarged pores, your skin has a lot of blackheads, inflamed pimples, or other signs of acne. In that case, you should shift your focus from the size of the pores to the skin problem itself.

Active acne is a skin condition; enlarged pores are not a condition in and of themselves.

The reasons lie beneath the surface

Large skin pores do not develop for just one reason. The visibility of pores is influenced by both the function of the hair follicle and sebaceous gland and the condition of the skin surrounding the pore. In some cases, the skin produces an abundance of sebum; in others, the skin surrounding the pores has become saggy due to aging and continuous UV exposure. Blocked sebaceous glands can also make pores appear larger.

For a variety of reasons, a single skincare routine or cosmetic treatment doesn’t automatically work for everyone who’s struggling with enlarged pores. The key is to identify what specifically causes your pores to become more noticeable.

Enlarged pores may be caused by 

• excessive sweating
• the size of the hair follicle and its unique anatomy
• a loss of skin elasticity and firmness
• Aging and UV Damage
• Oily skin, blackheads, and acne
• hormonal factors
• hereditary traits

Identifying the cause is not just a matter of theory and guesswork. Identifying the causes provides a clear direction for treatment.

Is your skin shiny? The cause of large pores may lie in your diet

Sometimes, excessive sebum production is the cause of the problem. The more sebum the skin produces, the more noticeable the pores become, especially in the oily areas of the face.

This connection is not just cosmetic talk. Scientific studies have found a link between the amount of sebum secreted and the size of skin pores. Sebum reaches the skin’s surface through the sebaceous glands, which open into the hair follicles. When sebum is secreted in large amounts and the hair follicle is already large, the pore stands out more clearly on the skin than usual.

This also explains why the nose, forehead, and the surrounding areas are shiny and why the pores in those same areas are large.

Still, don’t declare sebum the enemy. Sebum production is a normal part of healthy skin function. The goal of skincare isn’t to dry out the skin, but to control excessive oiliness effectively without irritating the skin.

When the skin's support structure weakens, the pores also become more active

The skin pores need firm support around them. However, as the skin ages, this support structure weakens:

• Collagen and elastin production slows down; the skin becomes saggy and stretched
• The amount of hyaluronic acid decreases, causing the skin to thin

As aging skin stretches and loses its firmness, the pores also stretch. Enlarged pores, therefore, are not just a problem for young or oily skin.

UV radiation accelerates and intensifies the skin's aging process, which in turn leads to enlarged pores.

The result is visible in the mirror. The skin feels and looks thinner and looser than before. Wrinkles and other imperfections become more pronounced. At the same time, pores that were previously unnoticeable begin to stand out more clearly.

This is also an important consideration when choosing a treatment. If the root of the problem is a weakening of the skin’s support structure, simply reducing sebum production will not address the underlying cause.

Large pores—a genetic trait? Take a closer look at your hair follicles!

Not everything can be blamed on excess oil or aging. The size of the hair follicle also affects how visible a pore is. In fact , large hair follicles are one of the three key underlying factors behind enlarged pores, along with sebum production and skin aging.

A hair follicle is a small structure that extends into the skin and is connected to a sebaceous gland. When a hair follicle is large, its visible opening is also large.

This is where the limitations of skincare products become apparent: cosmetic products cannot penetrate the skin’s underlying structures.

We can still influence the visibility of pores by addressing the factors we can control.

A blackhead is not the same thing as a sebaceous filament

Blockages cause skin pores to stand out. When sebum and dead skin cells accumulate in a hair follicle, a comedone—or blockage—can form. An open comedone is known as a blackhead. Its dark surface is not dirt; the color results from the contents of the blockage reacting with the air.

Blackheads should not be confused with sebaceous filaments. Sebaceous filaments are normal hair follicle structures that help transport sebum to the skin’s surface. They are particularly visible on the nose as small light-colored, yellowish, or grayish dots. Sebaceous filaments reappear even after thorough cleansing and exfoliation because they are an important part of the normal structure of healthy skin.

With acne, there are actually more factors at play. In addition to blackheads, acne-prone skin often develops inflamed pimples and pus-filled lesions.

Huokonen, blackheads, and talifilaments are all different things.
Learn to tell them apart, and you’ll save yourself from unnecessary squeezing and overzealous cleaning.

Genes Deal the Cards—Hormones and Skin Type Play a Role

Why have my pores gotten bigger, but my friend's pores—even though she's the same age—are small and barely visible?

Genetics influence skin structure, sebaceous gland function, and skin type. Large pores do not necessarily indicate poor skin care; part of our starting point is encoded in our genes.

Hormones also play a role. Androgens, in particular, stimulate sebum production, which helps explain why pores become more noticeable during puberty and when hormonal acne strikes.

Three things that go hand in hand:

• Genes determine a large part of the structural characteristics of the skin and hair follicles.
• Hormones regulate the function of the sebaceous glands and sebum secretion.
• Skin type is evident in everyday life: with oily and combination skin, the pores are usually clearly visible.

You can't change your genetic makeup—and you don't need to. In all aspects of skincare, it's best to focus your efforts on the factors you can influence.

 

Enlarged pores on the nose

If large pores are particularly noticeable on your nose, it’s no coincidence. The nose is part of the T-zone of the face, where the sebaceous glands are especially active. That’s why pores are more prominent in this area than, for example, on the cheeks.

Sebaceous filaments on the nose also draw attention. They are a normal part of the hair follicle and the transport of sebum to the skin’s surface. When sebum accumulates in large amounts, these tiny dots become more visible on the skin of the nose than usual. The oily surface accentuates the skin’s texture, especially in harsh side lighting or in front of a magnifying mirror.

Factors that cause the pores in the nose to enlarge come into play:

• active sebaceous glands and vigorous sebum secretion
• clearly visible talifilaments
• tendency to clog
• The most typical characteristics of oily and combination skin

For this reason, enlarged pores on the nose are a very common occurrence.

Your nose shouldn't look like it's been airbrushed. Constantly removing sebum doesn't make your skin pore-free—it mostly just makes your time in the bathroom surprisingly long.

The Black-headed Gull or its harmless look-alike? Take a look before you squeeze!

Anyone looking in the mirror at their nose can easily make a quick diagnosis: blackheads! In reality, the tiny dots scattered evenly across the surface of the nose are often sebaceous filaments, not impurities that require treatment.

Look at the big picture. The talifilaments form a fairly uniform dot pattern, while the black heads stand out as more distinct and clearly defined clumps.

Tali filaments are part of the skin. Trying to completely eliminate them is a doomed endeavor.

Is your nose covered in tiny spots? Don't jump to conclusions. Vigorous squeezing, pore strips, and constant exfoliation can irritate your skin, and even persistent deep cleansing won't make your nose permanently spot-free.

If breakouts keep coming back, your skin doesn't necessarily need harsher ingredients or more aggressive treatments. Quite the opposite!

Can enlarged pores be eliminated with a miracle product or treatment?

If your goal is to permanently remove pores from your face, there’s no point in looking for a magic eraser on the cosmetics shelf or at a cosmetic clinic.

Enlarged pores cannot be completely or permanently reduced. Their visibility —and, according to some scientific studies, their size as well—can be reduced. The key is to choose a solution based on the underlying cause of the problem.

Scientific evidence offers interesting answers for those struggling with pore problems. For example, in a study of 32 patients who underwent fractional CO₂ laser treatment, the number of enlarged pores decreased after a series of laser treatments. An increase in collagen—that is, skin firming—was also observed in skin samples. Small clinical studies have also yielded promising results with intradermal botulinum toxin, or “microbotox.” However, this evidence does not mean that a carbon dioxide laser or microbotox is automatically the best solution for you.

Home care also plays a role.

Home skin care—which, in practice, involves the use of cosmetic and medicated creams—can primarily help manage the skin’s

• weight gain
• blockage
• light damage
• surface smoothness

What about permanently enlarged pores?

If the underlying cause of enlarged pores is skin aging or genetically determined characteristics, a single product cannot “Photoshop” the skin back to its original state.

The best strategy is actually quite simple: Don't obsess over having pore-free skin. Figure out what makes your pores stand out, and tackle the root cause of the problem.

Permanently smaller pores?

Effective cosmetic treatments can beautifully conceal enlarged pores, but even they cannot permanently fix biological skin in a single position.

The visibility of pores is influenced by the individual anatomy of the skin and constantly changing factors:

• fat secretion
• pore blockage
• Aging of the skin surrounding the pore

Of course, it is possible to achieve good, long-lasting results. For example, collagen-stimulating treatments can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores quite effectively.

Even after the most effective treatment or treatment regimen has ended, the skin continues to age, and enlarged pores are a perfectly normal part of the aging process, Essi Ojala points out.

The word “permanently” should be forgotten by now at the latest, but long-term pore reduction—that is a realistic goal.

Forget about opening and closing pores; that's not how the skin works

You can’t open or close skin pores the way you would a bedroom window. The visible opening of a pore is always connected to the structure of the hair follicle. A pore has no muscle or other mechanism that would snap it open in the heat and shut it in the cold.

That's why hot steam doesn't actually open your pores, and a cold shower in the morning doesn't close them.

However, heat can soften both sebum and the skin's surface. This fact has likely fueled the persistent beauty myth about closing and opening pores.

A smart and realistic goal is to reduce the appearance of pores. And that is achieved by addressing the factors that make pores more noticeable.

Treating Enlarged Pores – Tackle the Root Cause

Treatment for enlarged pores is chosen based on the underlying causes of the problem.

Before choosing a treatment method, it is necessary to determine whether the dilation of the pores is related to

• skin aging (sagging, stretching)
• the intensity of sebum secretion
• clogging of pores

For oily and blemish-prone skin, it’s important to focus on sebum production and clogged hair follicles. If pores have enlarged due to sagging skin, the focus shifts to treatments that stimulate collagen production. Often, a cluster of problems involves a little bit of everything, as skin issues rarely follow a single, neat explanation.

Enlarged Pores – Treatment Based on the Cause:

• Excess oil and shine: a skincare routine that balances oil production; Microbotox if needed
• Clogged pores and blackheads: salicylic acid and retinoids (retinol, sold as a cosmetic, or tretinoin cream, available by prescription)
• Skin sagging: collagen-stimulating treatments, such as microneedling and laser therapy
• UV Damage: Laser Treatment and Consistent Sun Protection
• Multiple reasons at once: the treatment plan is designed in stages based on the skin’s needs

When treating enlarged pores, the most important question isn’t, “What’s the most effective treatment?” The most important thing is to ask, “What’s the cause of my specific enlarged pores?”

Retinol, retinal, tretinoin; in the vitamin A family, the names matter

Retinoids are particularly effective active ingredients when enlarged pores are accompanied by clogging, acne, or signs of aging.

In the research literature, topical retinoids are mentioned as one treatment option for enlarged pores.

However, the evidence is not as clear-cut as it is, for example, in the treatment of acne.

First, let's clarify the terminology. "Retinoid" is an umbrella term for compounds derived from vitamin A or that have similar effects. Retinol and tretinoin therefore belong to the same family but are not the same substance.

• Retinoids is an umbrella term referring to the entire group of vitamin A derivatives. Retinol, retinal, and tretinoin are therefore retinoids, but their efficacy, research evidence, or methods of use should not be lumped together.
  • Retinol is a retinoid commonly used in cosmetics. It must first be converted in the skin to retinal and then to retinoic acid before it becomes its biologically active form.
  • Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is a compound that lies between retinol and retinoic acid. It requires only one more conversion step to become retinoic acid. Retinal is used in cosmetics, and it is increasingly found in skincare products marketed as being more effective than retinol. However, this does not mean that retinal in cosmetics is equivalent to tretinoin medication.
  • Tretinoin is retinoic acid in its pure form. It is a pharmaceutical agent and is not the same as the cosmetic ingredients retinol or retinal.

Think of retinoids—that is, the vitamin A family—as a chain:
retinol → retinal → tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid.

The shorter the path to active retinoic acid, the fewer conversion steps are required in the skin.

Salicylic acid cleanses enlarged pores

Salicylic acid is a particularly smart choice for treating enlarged pores if you have oily skin that is prone to blackheads.

Salicylic acid belongs to the beta-hydroxy acid group and is fat-soluble. Thanks to its fat-soluble nature, the acid is able to penetrate the sebum-filled hair follicle and break down the keratin buildup there.

Salicylic acid does not rebuild pores or change their size, but it keeps the opening of the hair follicle clear and prevents the formation of blackheads. When the pore is not clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, the skin’s surface also appears smoother than before.

Salicylic acid is therefore particularly well-suited for skin that

• becomes greasy and shiny
• clogs easily
• collect blackheads
• It looks porous, especially on the nose and elsewhere in the T-zone.

More isn't always better. Overdoing it with acid peels can dry out and irritate your skin.

Salicylic acid cleans pores; it does not shrink them.

If large pores are primarily caused by skin aging, it’s best to look for solutions other than salicylic acid.

Niacinamide is a versatile solution for oily skin

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is ideal for situations where large pores go hand in hand with oiliness and shine. The most interesting benefit of niacinamide is not that it shrinks pores, but that it helps balance the skin’s functions.

Niacinamide is used in skincare for many reasons:

• It helps control sebum production, which reduces shine on oily and pore-prone skin.
• It strengthens the skin's protective barrier by boosting ceramide production.
• It soothes inflammation, making it an interesting option even for skin prone to breakouts.
• It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance without leaving it feeling overly heavy.

What about skin pores? In cosmetics, niacinamide is heavily marketed as a " pore minimizer," but there is limited strong clinical evidence of an actual reduction in pore size.

That's why it's best to keep your expectations realistic.

Niacinamide alone won't solve the entire problem, but for oily and pore-prone skin, it can be a very useful part of an overall skincare routine.

SPF 50 protects the skin's structural framework

Sunscreen does not shrink pores, but it may help prevent one of the underlying factors that contribute to pore enlargement: photoaging of the skin.

UV radiation accelerates the skin's aging process, breaks down collagen, and weakens the dermis—the layer beneath the epidermis—in many ways.

Using sunscreen products is not a treatment for skin pores per se. However, it is an investment in ensuring that the skin surrounding the pores is not exposed to unnecessarily intense UV radiation.

Sunscreen should be viewed as a preventive measure. It won’t make your skin silky smooth overnight, but it slows down the changes that cause skin sagging and the enlargement of pores resulting from sagging.

Sun protection is especially important when using retinoids or exfoliating acids in your skincare routine. It is also important to use effective sun protection after any cosmetic procedures.

 

Microneedling for Enlarged Pores – Let the Needles Do Their Work, Let the Collagen Do Its Thing

Microneedling reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, especially when the goal is to improve the skin’s condition and appearance and to strengthen the tissue surrounding the pores. During the treatment, a large number of controlled microchannels are created in the skin. These sterile micro-injuries trigger the skin’s repair response and stimulate collagen regeneration.

The concept is therefore quite different from that of salicylic acid, for example. Microneedling does not primarily remove sebum from the hair follicle, but rather tightens the skin around the pores. That’s why it’s an excellent solution when pore-related issues are accompanied by skin unevenness, acne scars, or age-related loss of skin firmness.

What about the research evidence? At this point, it’s not worth getting too excited just yet.

There is research evidence supporting the ability of microneedling to trigger a skin repair response and collagen remodeling. However, direct evidence of the effectiveness of microneedling specifically for enlarged pores is somewhat more limited. A reduction in pore size has been reported, for example, in studies where microneedling has been combined with Sculptra, Harmonyca, or other treatments.

RF microneedling uses heat

RF microneedling is not the same as regular microneedling. In RF microneedling, the needles are inserted into the skin, and at the same time, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the tissue through them. The radiofrequency energy is converted into heat, which triggers collagen reorganization in the dermis.

The idea sounds appealing for those with enlarged pores. The treatment can affect the skin’s surface structure and firmness, and studies have also reported a reduction in the appearance of pores.

It's important to keep this key difference in mind:

• standard microneedling = mechanical micro-injury
• RF microneedling = micro-injuries + thermal effect generated by radio frequencies

RF microneedling is a treatment method in its own right; it is not simply microneedling performed at a higher setting than usual.

 

Laser Treatment and Enlarged Pores

Laser treatment can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, especially when the skin surrounding the pores has become saggy and lost its elasticity. There is research evidence supporting this, particularly regarding the fractional CO₂ laser. Fractional CO₂ laser treatment treats the skin in small areas and stimulates collagen regeneration.

The laser does not “seal the pores,” as is sometimes claimed. The most interesting effect of the CO₂ laser—that is, the carbon dioxide laser—occurs around the pores. As the skin regenerates and collagen fibers reorganize, the skin’s surface smooths out and enlarged pores fade away.

And now let's move on to the studies:

• In a study by Kwon and colleagues, 32 patients received three sessions of low-energy fractional CO₂ laser treatment. At the final evaluation, the number of skin pores classified as enlarged based on image analysis had decreased 54.5 percent from the baseline. At the same time, changes consistent with an increase in collagen were observed in the skin samples.
  • 54.5 percent sounds like an impressive figure. However, it shouldn't be interpreted as a promise of pores that are 54.5 percent smaller.
  • It is not that every skin pore shrinks by 54.5 percent, but rather that the number of enlarged pores decreases by 54.5 percent.
• In other relatively small studies as well, fractional CO₂ laser treatment has been shown to improve enlarged pores. However, the evidence has its limitations. The studies are relatively small, treatment protocols vary, and they do not allow for the promise of a specific percentage of improvement for any individual client.

When does a laser become an attractive option?

• When pores are accompanied by sagging skin and a loss of elasticity
• When you also want to address unevenness on the skin's surface
• When there are acne scars or sun damage
• When Home Care Alone Isn't Enough

Effectiveness also has its downside. An ablative* CO₂ laser peels the skin, thereby causing intentional tissue damage. Ablative laser treatment is effective, but you need to allow time for recovery.

* Ablation generally refers to the removal, detachment, melting, or destruction of a material or tissue.

A laser is a powerful tool. When prescribed by a doctor, it is an excellent option for situations where there is a valid reason for more intensive skin rejuvenation.

Dr. Laura Juopperi

Fractional CO₂ laser – what does “fractional” mean?

A fractional CO₂ laser does not treat the entire skin surface uniformly. Instead, the laser beam creates a vast number of microscopic treatment areas side by side on the skin, leaving healthy, untreated skin in between them.

Think of a lawn that is aerated by making small holes in it. The entire lawn isn't dug up; instead, small aeration holes are made, leaving undisturbed grass around them.

The principle is similar when it comes to the skin. The energy from the CO₂ laser penetrates the skin in small, vertical areas of thermal damage. The untreated skin between these areas helps the treated areas heal.

This is exactly where the word " fractional" comes from: only a fraction, or fraction of the skin is treated at a time.

"Fractional treatment doesn't tell you anything about the laser's power. It refers to the way the laser energy is distributed across the skin," Laura emphasized.

The downside of effective laser treatment: the skin needs time to recover

A fractional CO₂ laser does not simply smooth or pamper the skin; rather, it intentionally causes controlled damage to it. After the treatment, you should also leave some time in your calendar for recovery.

The skin becomes red, meaning erythema is present. In addition, the skin may swell, feel hot, feel tight, and flake or peel.

The duration and intensity of the recovery period depend on how aggressively the skin is treated.

– Dr. Laura Juopperi

One of the most important side effects to be aware of is post-laser hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin treated with a laser as a result of the healing process.

"The risk of pigment changes mainly affects peoplewith darker skin types," Laurareassures us.

Laser treatment is always tailored to the individual's skin. Skin type, tendency toward pigmentation, and the appropriate treatment intensity determine how frequently laser treatments should be performed.

Patience is not the same as boredom or being overly cautious. Patience is an important part of good care.

 

Microbotox, or botulinum toxin treatment for skin pores

Microbotox may reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and excess oiliness, but the scientific evidence is still quite limited. In this treatment, botulinum toxin is injected in very small doses just beneath the skin’s surface. This technique differs from standard Botox treatment, which aims to weaken the function of a specific facial muscle.

The most interesting effect on skin pores is related to sebum secretion. Sebaceous glands contain receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Studies have shown that intradermal botulinum toxin treatment reduces sebum secretion.

Microbotox can be an excellent option when

• The skin becomes very oily
• Large pores are particularly noticeable in oily areas
• The goal is to reduce both shine and the appearance of pores

What does scientific research show?

In a study by El Attari and Nofal, 35 patients received a single microbotox treatment. After the treatment, the researchers reported:

• the pore size has decreased
• the number of visible pores has decreased
• reduced oiliness of the skin

No serious or long-term adverse effects were reported in the study.

That sounds promising. And it is. But that's not the whole truth yet.

The study was small. A sample size of this magnitude does not yet provide definitive answers as to how well the results can be replicated across different skin types, how long the effects last, or what the optimal dosage and treatment interval would be. There is also significantly less research data available on Microbotox than on many established aesthetic treatments.

And Microbotox isn't the answer for every large pore.

If the appearance of pores is accompanied by oily skin, the treatment’s mechanism of action is particularly interesting. If, for example, the underlying causes are acne scars or a loss of skin firmness and elasticity due to aging, it’s worth considering other treatments.

Microbotox is an interesting targeted treatment. It’s not a miracle cure for every pore, but it’s a viable option for oily skin.

– Ville Männistö

 

Enlarged Pores: What's the Best Treatment?

The best treatment for large pores can be found once you’ve first determined why the pores are more noticeable. Oily and clogged skin has different needs than skin where pores have become more visible due to a loss of firmness and elasticity. That’s why there’s no single, one-size-fits-all solution for treating pores.

The easiest way to choose the best treatment is to first consider what needs to change in your skin in order to shrink your pores.

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One enlarged pore, many possible causes

The table above intentionally simplifies things. In reality, there may be several causes behind a single person’s acne problem:

• Large pores may be caused by oily skin
• Acne scars also make pores more noticeable
• Part of the problem can also be attributed to age-related changes (skin sagging and stretching)

When a problem stems from a whole range of causes, it’s not worth searching for a single, targeted treatment. In these situations, a comprehensive treatment plan is tailored to the specific goals for each area of the skin.

When the cause of large pores is unclear, a professional in aesthetic treatments can help. They know how to distinguish between excess oil, clogged pores, acne scars, and a loss of collagen.

The best treatment is chosen by addressing the root causes, not based on trends or TikTok tips.

– Ville Männistö

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Enlarged Pores—A Cosmetologist or an Aesthetic Medicine Specialist?

Enlarged pores can be treated at both beauty salons and aesthetic clinics. The right choice depends on what you want to do for your skin and what is causing the pores to stand out.

• A cosmetologist can be especially helpful in choosing a skincare routine, cleansing methods, and cosmetics.
• A consultation with an aesthetic medicine professional is recommended when a diagnosis, prescription medications, or aesthetic treatments are needed.

Choose a cosmetologist when your at-home skincare routine needs a boost

It’s a good idea to seek help from a cosmetologist, for example, when your skin becomes oily or clogged, or when your bathroom is overflowing with jars of products but you’re no longer sure how to use them properly.

At a cosmetologist's office, you can

• design a cleansing and moisturizing routine suited to your skin type
• choose cosmetics for, say, oily or blemish-prone skin
• perform cosmetic skin care treatments
• learn to avoid excessive exfoliation at home and the buildup of active ingredients

When should you see a cosmetic medicine professional?

If, for example, large pores are accompanied by active acne, visible acne scars, or other skin changes of unknown cause, you should consult a cosmetic medicine specialist.

The assessment of a professional in aesthetic medicine is also appropriate when considering medical treatments.

• Tretinoin is a prescription medication.
• Botulinum toxin is a prescription drug
• Microneedling devices that penetrate the dermis are medical devices
• _{CO2 laser treatments} must always be performed under a doctor's supervision

The issue isn’t whether the pores are “large enough” for a cosmetic medicine professional. What matters is determining why the pores are prominent and which factors to target when trying to reduce their size.

Scientific Background of the Article