What Are Enlarged Pores?
Pores are small openings that release oil and allow hair growth — everyone has them, but they become more visible when stretched by excess oil, congestion or a loss of surrounding skin elasticity. They’re most noticeable across the nose, cheeks and forehead (the T-zone), where oil glands are more active.
Enlarged pores often go hand in hand with oily or acne-prone skin. If active breakouts are your main concern, our Acne & Breakouts page has more relevant information.
What Causes It?
- Excess oil production, which stretches the pore opening over time
- Loss of skin elasticity with age — pores lose the surrounding structural support that keeps them looking tighter
- Genetics — pore size and skin type are largely inherited
- Sun damage, which breaks down collagen and elastin around the pore
- Chronic congestion — repeated blackheads or blocked pores can stretch the opening permanently over time
How We Assess It at Cosmetic Skin Co
While pore size can’t be changed permanently, its appearance can be significantly improved. At your consultation, Lisa will assess your skin type and oil levels and build a plan combining professional exfoliation, texture-focused treatment and the right home skincare.
Recommended Treatments
- Microdermabrasion — Microdermabrasion — mechanical exfoliation that clears congestion and refines surface texture, helping pores appear smaller.
- Dermastamp (Microneedling) — Dermastamp (Microneedling) — microneedling that stimulates collagen production, helping firm the skin around pores over a course of treatments.
- Skin Peels — Skin Peels — chemical exfoliation that helps clear congestion and improve overall skin texture and tone.
- IPL Skin Rejuvenation — IPL Skin Rejuvenation — a broad-spectrum light treatment that supports this concern alongside its wider skin rejuvenation benefits.
A combination of professional exfoliation and collagen-stimulating treatment tends to give the best results — Lisa will confirm the right plan at your consultation.
Recommended Skincare
- Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Lisa’s own go-to, used with every client in clinic; ultra-fine reusable microfibre pads that lift makeup and daily oil buildup from congested pores.
- Antioxidant Gentle Gel Cleanser — Antioxidant Gentle Gel Cleanser — gently foaming cleanser formulated for oily, combination or problematic skin; helps keep pores clear without over-stripping.
- Barrier B — Barrier B — 10% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid serum that helps balance oil production, which can make pores appear less prominent.
- Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF50+ — Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF50+ — broad-spectrum daily SPF; sun damage breaks down the collagen that keeps pores looking tighter, so daily protection matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can enlarged pores be permanently shrunk?
Pore size itself can’t be permanently changed, but their appearance can be significantly refined with the right combination of treatment and skincare.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your skin and goals — Lisa will give you a personalised estimate at your consultation.
Will my pores get worse if I stop treatment?
Oil production and congestion can build up again over time, which is why an ongoing skincare routine helps maintain your results between treatments.
Is there any downtime?
Most pore-refining treatments involve little to no downtime — specifics depend on which treatment is chosen.
Can I have pore treatment in summer?
Yes — summer treatments can still go ahead, as long as your skin is well prepped beforehand and you continue to follow your post-treatment care instructions.
Book a Consultation
Ready to talk about refining your pores? Book a free skin consultation with Lisa and get a treatment plan tailored to your skin.