BonBoz Clinic

Acne Treatment

Enlarged pores

Enlarged pores are dilated follicular openings commonly found on the nose, inner cheeks, and T-zone, resulting from excessive sebum production, age-related loss of skin elasticity, and sun damage. They are not atrophic scars. Effective improvement requires sebum control, proper comedone extraction, and the stimulation of perifollicular collagen using laser treatments or RF microneedling.

Medically reviewed by BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha — BonBoz Clinic

Why Do Pores Look Enlarged?

The pore opening stretches when sebaceous glands overproduce oil and sebum accumulates inside the follicle, pushing the opening wider. As the skin loses collagen and elasticity due to aging or sun damage, the follicular walls can no longer snap back. Genetics largely determines your baseline pore size — which is why the goal is to refine and clear pores, not to "erase" them.

How Do Enlarged Pores Differ from Atrophic Scars?

Enlarged pores align directly with hair follicles, appear uniform, and often contain sebum plugs or blackheads. Atrophic (ice-pick or boxcar) scars are irregular depressions with distinct edges, caused by collagen loss following inflammatory acne. Both conditions can coexist on the cheeks and require different treatment approaches — digital skin analysis helps tell them apart.

Common Habits That Offer Little Benefit

Pore strips, "pore-tightening" toners, and aggressive scrubbing: these provide an instant feeling of cleanliness but do not change the actual size of the follicle, and harsh friction can even trigger excess oil production. Improperly squeezing blackheads at home stretches the pore opening and can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Improvement

Oil control and gentle chemical exfoliation (BHA) to keep follicles clear; topical prescription retinoids to regulate sebum production and boost collagen around the follicle walls; laser or microneedling RF to stimulate collagen and tighten the pore architecture; and structured chemical peel protocols for the T-zone. The result is refined pores and smoother skin texture — the degree of improvement depends on individual physiology and skincare adherence.

How BonBoz Approaches Pore Treatment

A dermatologist performs a digital skin analysis to distinguish enlarged pores from acne scars, assess sebum levels, and evaluate sun damage. We perform medical-grade blackhead extractions when indicated, prescribe a targeted home-care regimen, and recommend laser toning or microneedling RF when appropriate. We set clear, realistic expectations: pores can be refined, but they do not disappear.

Severity levels

1

Mild — visible only on the nose

Caused by excess oil and sebaceous filaments. Proper home care (BHA, sunscreen, proper cleansing) provides noticeable improvement.

2

Moderate — inner cheeks and T-zone

Accompanied by recurrent blackheads. Requires medical-grade comedone extraction + prescribed retinoids + chemical peel or laser toning sessions.

3

Severe — accompanied by aging and sagging skin

Follicular openings elongate into teardrop shapes due to loss of elasticity. Requires collagen stimulation (microneedling RF, laser) combined with clinical skin care.

When should you see a doctor?

  • Enlarged pores with recurring blackheads and closed comedones, despite a consistent skincare routine.
  • Uncertainty about whether you are dealing with enlarged pores or pitted acne scars.
  • Redness, peeling, and stinging after using at-home "pore-tightening" products—suspected skin irritation.
  • Interest in using retinoids or undergoing laser treatments while currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

How BonBoz treats it

Prescription skincare regimen

Doctor-prescribed topical BHAs, retinoids, and sebum-control agents—the foundation of every treatment plan.

Learn about this method →

Medical-grade blackhead extraction

Proper follicular cleansing technique that avoids further dilating the pore opening.

Learn about this method →

Laser toning (Pastelle)

Stimulates superficial collagen and reduces excess oil, smoothing skin texture and visibly refining pores over a course of treatment.

Learn about this method →

Microneedling RF

Firms the follicular walls when enlarged pores are accompanied by a loss of skin elasticity.

Learn about this method →

Cost guidance

Most improvements come from prescribed at-home skincare at a low cost. Laser toning and RF microneedling are charged per session; the doctor will outline a treatment plan after a skin analysis.

The final price follows the doctor’s recommendation after an in-person exam. A confirmed quote has no hidden extras.

Chân dung BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha

BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha

Aesthetic Dermatology

  • Graduated as a General Practitioner — Tay Nguyen University (2018)
  • Specialist Level I in Dermatology — Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, degree awarded in 2025
  • Medical Practicing Certificate No. 009784/ĐL-CCHN — Issued by the Department of Health of Dak Lak Province on 15/10/2021
  • Over 8 years of experience in aesthetic dermatology practice (since 2018), including over 4 years of practice with an official Medical Practicing Certificate
  • Primary Specialization in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Certificates in Dermatological Procedures & Minor Surgery, Microsurgery, and Lasers & Light Therapies in Dermatology
  • Certificates in Dermal Fillers, Botox, and Thread Lifts; Certificates in Emergency Resuscitation and Infection Control
  • Formerly practiced at the Aesthetic Dermatology Unit — Post and Telecommunications General Hospital (2019–2021) and Venus Sunrise Clinic (2022–2024) before joining BonBoz Clinic (2025)
  • Former lecturer in Aesthetic Dermatology Theory at Ana Aesthetic Training School (2018–2019)
  • Over 5,000 clinical dermatology cases treated
Đặt lịch với bác sỹ

Book a consultation with a doctor

Choose a date, time slot and doctor — the clinic calls to confirm within 5 minutes during opening hours. Free consultation, no commitment.

Preferred date · Preferred time · Doctor

The clinic will call to confirm within 5 minutes during opening hours (08:00–20:00, daily). This is not yet a confirmed slot.

You do not have to describe your health condition here — you can discuss it directly with the doctor at your visit.

Free consultation — no obligation, no sales pressure.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Frequently asked questions

Is there any way to permanently shrink pores?

No. Baseline pore size is genetically determined. What can be done is keeping the follicles clean, reducing excess sebum, and improving the skin's elasticity around the pores to make them appear tighter and less visible.

Does ice water or toner tighten pores?

They only provide a temporary tightening sensation due to vasoconstriction for a few minutes; they do not alter the structural size of the follicle.

Does squeezing blackheads make pores larger?

Improper self-extraction can enlarge pores and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conversely, medical-grade extractions performed with proper technique help keep follicles clear and unclogged.

Can retinoids be used long-term?

Prescription topical retinoids can be used long-term under a physician's supervision to help regulate sebum production and stimulate collagen synthesis. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

How many Laser Toning sessions are needed?

It is typically performed as a multi-session treatment plan spaced 2–4 weeks apart; the results are cumulative and require ongoing home care maintenance.

Do large pores result from not drinking enough water?

There is no evidence that drinking water shrinks pores. The primary causes are excess sebum, aging, sun damage, and genetics.

Do pore-blurring primers harm the skin?

They are not harmful as long as you thoroughly remove your makeup at the end of the day. A primer only provides a temporary cosmetic effect, not a therapeutic treatment.

Can dry skin have large pores?

Yes, this is typically due to aging and loss of skin elasticity rather than excess oil. The treatment approach focuses on collagen stimulation rather than oil control.

How soon can I see results?

With a proper home skincare routine, skin appears more refined after 6–8 weeks; in-clinic laser or microneedling RF treatments show noticeable improvements after a few sessions.

Is sun avoidance necessary?

Yes. UV radiation breaks down the collagen supporting pore walls, causing them to dilate, and increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after procedures. Daily sun protection is mandatory.

Related topics

More from our doctors

ZaloCallBook