What enlarged pores are
Pores are the small openings of hair follicles and oil glands. Everyone has them, and they are essential for healthy skin. They become a concern when they look noticeably large — most often on the nose, inner cheeks and forehead — making the skin look uneven or textured, and making foundation settle into them. Pores cannot be closed or removed, but their appearance can often be improved.
Why pores look larger — and which layers are involved
There are three common types of visibly enlarged pores, and many people have more than one:
- Oil-related pores. High sebum production stretches the pore opening. These are typical of oily skin and often appear in the T-zone.
- Congested pores. When oil and dead cells collect inside the pore, it looks wider and darker. See blackheads and congested pores .
- Sagging or elongated pores. As collagen falls — by around 1% a year from about 20, and further with UV damage — the support around each pore weakens. Pores stretch into teardrop shapes, especially on the cheeks.
In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, the first two types mainly involve the epidermis and the pore opening, while the third involves the upper dermis and sometimes the full-thickness dermis , where collagen provides structural support. Matching the treatment to the layer is what makes the difference.
How Obliv approaches enlarged pores
- Diagnosis first. A director examines your skin from the first consultation, and Mark-Vu imaging analyses pores, oil–moisture balance and texture, so we can see what type of pores you have.
- Barrier balance. Over-stripped skin often produces more oil. Barrier care before and after treatment helps the skin stay balanced.
- RF microneedling. Potenza delivers radiofrequency energy through fine needles to remodel the skin around pores. It is used for pores and acne scars, with short downtime.
- Firming support. For sagging-type pores, treatments that work on the upper dermis — such as Sofwave for texture and firmness, or ALLTITE for the upper dermis — may help. Collagen-supporting injections like Rejuran or skin boosters can also support skin quality.
- Texture. Where the overall surface is rough, epidermal treatments such as NeoGen may be considered.
These elements come together in our Pore Refining Program .
What to expect
Pore improvement is gradual, as collagen remodelling takes time. A course of sessions, spaced to allow the skin to recover and rebuild, is typical; your doctor will advise on the interval. After Potenza, redness and slight swelling usually settle within a day or two. Many people notice smoother-looking skin over the following weeks and months. Results vary from person to person.
Caring for your skin between visits
- Cleanse gently; scrubbing does not shrink pores and can inflame them.
- Use a light moisturiser and daily SPF50+ to protect collagen.
- Avoid squeezing pores, which can stretch and scar them.
- Follow the pH-5.5-matched home care we prescribe.
Visiting from abroad
Potenza fits a short stay well given its short downtime, though a course gives the best results, so you may want to plan return visits. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, and ask us for a personalised quote.
Common pore myths
Pores attract a lot of advice, not all of it helpful. A few points your doctor may clear up at consultation:
- “Cold water closes pores.” Pores do not open and close like doors. Cold water may make skin feel tighter for a moment, but it does not change pore size.
- “Strips and squeezing keep pores small.” Pulling and pressing can irritate the pore wall and, over time, may make it look larger or leave marks.
- “Oily skin should be dried out.” Stripping oil often weakens the barrier, and many people find their skin then feels both tight and oily.
- “One strong treatment will fix it.” Pore support depends on collagen, which rebuilds gradually. A planned course is usually more effective than one aggressive session.
If breakouts are part of the picture, it is worth treating active acne first, as inflamed pores tend to look bigger and react more to energy treatments.
At a glance
- Skin layers: Epidermis, upper dermis, sometimes full dermis
- Main tools: Potenza RF microneedling
- Support: Sofwave, ALLTITE, Rejuran, skin boosters
- Sessions: A course, decided at consultation
- Downtime: Short — redness for a day or two after Potenza
- Related programme: Pore Refining
Questions about enlarged pores
Can pores be made permanently smaller?
Pores cannot be removed, but treatment may help them look smaller by reducing congestion and supporting the skin around them. Maintenance and sun protection help results last.
How many Potenza sessions will I need?
It depends on your pore type and skin. Most people benefit from a course, and your doctor will suggest the number and spacing after examining your skin.
Why are my pores getting bigger with age?
As collagen decreases, the support around each pore weakens and pores can stretch into a teardrop shape. Treatments that support the upper dermis are often part of the plan.
What is the downtime?
After Potenza, redness and slight swelling usually settle within a day or two. Your doctor will explain aftercare and when you can wear make-up.
Talk to us about your pores
Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.
