Treatments for Enlarged Pores: What's Really Behind Them
Enlarged pores are one of the most common skin concerns we see in consultations. Here's what's actually happening beneath the surface, what tends to cause it, and how we go about assessing and treating it.
What enlarged pores actually are
A pore is simply the visible opening of a follicle, the small structure in the skin that houses an oil gland and, in most cases, a hair. Every pore has a job to do, letting sebum reach the skin's surface to keep it lubricated and protected.
Pores aren't something that can be permanently closed or removed altogether, since they're a normal part of skin structure. What changes over time is how visible they are, which depends on the size of the oil gland underneath, how much the surrounding skin has firmed up or slackened, and what's sitting in and around the opening.
What usually causes them to appear
Pore visibility tends to come down to a combination of factors, rather than one single cause:
- Overactive sebaceous glands: When oil glands produce more sebum than the skin needs, the surrounding pore opening can stretch and appear larger, particularly across the T-zone.
- Loss of skin elasticity: As skin ages and collagen naturally declines, the tissue around a pore loses some of its support, causing the opening to appear more pronounced even if the gland itself hasn't changed.
- Dead skin cell build-up: When dead skin cells and debris collect around the follicle opening, they can stretch the pore and make it more noticeable, sometimes contributing to congestion or blackheads.
Genetics, sun exposure and hormonal changes can all play a role too, which is why pore concerns tend to differ so much from person to person.
How Visia Skin Analysis helps
Because pore visibility can stem from several different causes, guessing at a treatment plan isn't the most reliable approach. This is where a proper skin assessment matters.
All consultations at Zhen Skin Clinic include a Visia Skin Analysis, an imaging tool that captures a detailed view of your skin's surface and subsurface condition, including pore size, oiliness, texture and other contributing factors. This gives your treating clinician an objective picture of what's driving your specific concern, rather than relying on a visual assessment alone, so the treatment plan recommended is suited to your skin rather than a generic approach.
Treatment options we consider
Once your skin has been properly assessed, your clinician may recommend one treatment or a combination, depending on what's contributing most to your pore concern. As with any skin treatment, it's worth understanding the possible side effects alongside the potential benefits, and your clinician will talk you through these for your specific skin during consultation.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels help remove the build-up of dead skin cells around the follicle opening, supporting a smoother surface texture. At Zhen Skin Clinic, our range of chemical peels is selected based on your skin type and concerns during consultation. As with any skin treatment, there are some possible side effects to be aware of, covered in the comparison below.
Vivace RF microneedling
For pore concerns linked to a loss of skin elasticity, Vivace RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to support the skin's underlying structure over a course of sessions. Possible side effects are outlined in the comparison below.
Ongoing skin health support
Oil regulation and general skin texture concerns are often supported by a broader, personalised approach, which your clinician can discuss as part of your skin texture treatment options.
Comparing common approaches
| Treatment | Best suited to | Potential side effects | Typical downtime | General timeframe for change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical peels | Dead skin build-up and mild texture concerns | Redness and tightness, mild peeling or flaking, increased sun sensitivity; less commonly prolonged redness, breakouts or uneven pigmentation; rarely, scarring or infection with deeper peels | Minimal, some temporary redness or flaking possible | Gradual, often across a course of sessions |
| Vivace RF microneedling | Pore visibility linked to reduced skin elasticity | Mild to moderate redness, mild swelling, warmth from the RF energy, a sunburn-like sensation; rough, flaky skin can occur for a couple of days after stronger treatments | Mild redness, swelling or flaking possible for a couple of days | Gradual, typically over several weeks per session |
Downtime, side effects and how many sessions may be suggested all vary from person to person, so these figures are general only. Your clinician will set realistic, individualised expectations based on your Visia Skin Analysis results.
Getting started safely
- Book a skin consultation, which includes a Visia Skin Analysis to properly assess your skin.
- Discuss your results with your clinician, including what's likely contributing to your pore concern.
- Review the treatment options that suit your skin type and goals, along with realistic timeframes and possible side effects.
- Have your personalised treatment plan and aftercare explained clearly before your first session.
- Maintain a consistent skincare routine and sun protection to support your results over time.
You can browse examples of skin outcomes in our treatment gallery, keeping in mind that individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
Ready to find out what's behind your pore concerns?
Book a consultation with Visia Skin Analysis to get a clear picture of your skin and a treatment plan suited to you.
Book a ConsultationFrequently asked questions
Can enlarged pores be permanently closed?
No. Pores are a normal, functional part of the skin, so they can't be removed altogether. Treatments aim to improve their appearance by addressing what's making them more visible, such as oil production, dead skin build-up or reduced skin elasticity.
What's the main cause of enlarged pores?
There's rarely just one cause. Overactive sebaceous glands, loss of skin elasticity and a build-up of dead skin cells can all contribute, often in combination, which is why an individual skin assessment is important before choosing a treatment.
What does a Visia Skin Analysis actually show?
Visia Skin Analysis captures a detailed image of your skin's surface and subsurface condition, including pore size and oiliness, alongside other factors. This gives your clinician an objective basis for recommending a treatment plan suited to your skin.
What are the common side effects of chemical peels and Vivace RF microneedling?
Chemical peels can cause temporary redness, tightness, mild peeling and increased sun sensitivity, with prolonged redness, breakouts or pigmentation changes being less common. Vivace RF microneedling can cause mild to moderate redness, swelling, warmth from the RF energy, a sunburn-like sensation, and flaky skin for a couple of days after stronger treatments. Most effects are temporary, but your clinician will explain what to expect based on your individual skin.
How long does it take to see a change in pore appearance?
This varies by individual and by treatment type. Changes tend to build gradually across a course of sessions rather than appearing after a single visit. Your clinician will discuss a realistic timeframe based on your treatment plan.
How much does pore treatment cost in Perth?
Cost depends on the treatment recommended and how many sessions form part of your plan. Pricing is best confirmed during a consultation, once your Visia Skin Analysis results have been reviewed.
References
- DermNet NZ — Enlarged Pores
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- Ahpra — Advertising Guidelines and Other Guidance
- Zhen Skin Clinic — Chemical Peels
- Zhen Skin Clinic — Vivace RF Microneedling
- Zhen Skin Clinic — Skin Texture Treatments
- Zhen Skin Clinic — Treatment Gallery
- Zhen Skin Clinic — Contact & Bookings
