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Pore Refining Program in Seoul

Enlarged pores have more than one cause. We first find out whether yours are driven by oil, congestion or loose support in the dermis, then plan treatment for that cause.

What the Pore Refining Program is

The Pore Refining Program is a planned course for visibly enlarged pores, usually on the cheeks, nose and forehead. It belongs to Type C (Pores and scars) in our Skin Renewal programme. Pores cannot be closed or removed — they are a normal part of skin — but their appearance can often be refined when the underlying cause is addressed.

Why pores look larger

Enlarged pores usually come from one or more of three things:

  • Oil and congestion. Active oil glands and trapped sebum stretch the pore opening, often with blackheads .
  • Loss of support. As collagen declines — roughly 1% a year from around 20 — the dermis around each pore loosens, and pores can look elongated or teardrop-shaped, especially on the cheeks.
  • Past inflammation. Acne can leave pores that look wider and texture that is uneven.

In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, oil-driven pores are mainly an epidermis and upper skin issue, while loose, stretched pores reflect changes in the upper and full-thickness dermis . Treating the wrong layer is one reason pore treatments can disappoint.

How the programme works

  • Diagnosis. A director examines your skin and Mark-Vu imaging analyses pore size and distribution along with oil–moisture balance. Results are stored in your Skin Library.
  • Barrier and balance. Oily skin is often dehydrated underneath. We reinforce the barrier and prescribe pH-5.5 home care so the skin is not stripped into producing more oil.
  • Remodel the support. Potenza RF microneedling delivers energy into the dermis to encourage collagen around the pore walls, with short downtime.
  • Support quality. Skin boosters or Mirajet can improve hydration and smoothness; for overall regeneration, the doctor may suggest U-Pulse fractional CO2 .

What to expect

Pore refinement is gradual. Collagen remodelling takes weeks, and the skin renews on roughly a 28-day cycle, so sessions are spaced to give the skin time to respond. Most people need a course rather than a single treatment, with the number depending on the cause and the tools used. Potenza has short downtime — typically brief redness and small pinpoint marks. Results vary from person to person, and the aim is visibly smoother, more refined skin rather than invisible pores.

Caring for your skin between sessions

  • Cleanse gently with a low-pH cleanser; avoid harsh scrubs and pore strips
  • Do not over-dry oily skin — dehydration can make oil production worse
  • Use SPF50+ daily; UV breaks down the collagen that supports pores
  • Follow your prescribed home care between visits

Is the programme right for me?

It suits people whose main concern is pore size or rough texture. If you also have indented acne scars, the Acne Scar Program may cover both. If active breakouts are present, these are usually calmed first with acne treatment . The doctor will recommend the order at consultation.

For international visitors

Potenza's short downtime makes it practical during a stay in Seoul. On a single trip you can usually have a consultation, analysis and a first session, then continue on later visits with your Skin Library keeping the plan consistent. Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote.

Which pore pattern do you have?

Looking closely at where and how your pores appear can give useful clues, although only an examination can confirm the cause. These patterns are common:

  • Round, open pores on the nose and central forehead often go with shine and blackheads, and usually point to oil and congestion. Balancing oil without stripping the skin is the first priority.
  • Elongated or teardrop-shaped pores on the cheeks are more typical of reduced collagen support, and often become more noticeable from the 30s. Dermal remodelling with Potenza is usually more relevant here.
  • Wider pores alongside uneven texture or shallow scars tend to follow past breakouts, and may be planned together with scar care.

Many people have a mix of these, which is why the programme combines steps rather than relying on one device. If oil is a major factor, our oily skin page explains more, and the smooth texture goal shows how pore care fits into a wider plan.

At a glance

  • Layers: Epidermis (oil) to dermis (support)
  • Main tool: Potenza RF microneedling
  • Support: Skin boosters, Mirajet, home care
  • Sessions: A course, decided at consultation
  • Downtime: Short
  • Programme: Skin Renewal Type C

Questions about pore refining

  • Can pores be closed permanently?

    No. Pores are a normal part of skin and cannot be removed. Treatment aims to make them look smaller and the skin smoother by addressing oil, congestion or loss of support around them.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    Most people need a course rather than one session. The number depends on what is causing your pores to look enlarged and how your skin responds. The doctor will suggest a plan after diagnosis.

  • Is Potenza suitable for oily skin?

    Often, yes, though very active breakouts are usually calmed first. The doctor will also balance oil and hydration with barrier care and home care so the skin responds well.

  • Will pore treatment make my skin sensitive?

    Short-term redness is common after Potenza. We reinforce the barrier before and protect it afterwards to keep sensitivity to a minimum, and SPF50+ is important while the skin recovers.

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.