Enlarged pores
The skin's surface looks bumpy, foundation isn't smooth however carefully you apply it, and pores on the nose and cheeks are visible in the light.
Why are pores enlarged?
Pores are the channels that carry oil and sweat to the skin's surface. Their size is largely decided by your constitution, but many factors make them look bigger and more visible: very active sebaceous glands, blockages from oil and dead cells, or skin losing elasticity so the pore opening widens.
There's no way to "close" pores permanently, but they can definitely become smaller and less visible when the main cause is treated correctly.
Learn more about causes and common types
What causes enlarged pores?
Oil & blockages
- Very active sebaceous glandsExcess oil widens the pore opening, common in the T-zone.
- BlockagesBuilt-up oil and dead cells stretch the pore, easily forming blackheads.
Elasticity
- AgeingDeclining collagen around the pore makes it widen and elongate.
- SunlightUV rays thicken the stratum corneum and reduce elasticity.
Habits
- Squeezing spots, rubbingDamage to the pore wall makes it wider.
- Unsuitable careOver-cleansing makes skin produce more oil.
Common types
Concentrated in the T-zone. Needs oil balancing and deep cleansing.
Pores containing comedones. Need clearing and exfoliation.
Elongated pores on the cheeks. Collagen stimulation is needed to firm the skin.
Where should I start?
Everyone has a different cause and degree, so the most important thing is to understand your condition correctly before choosing a solution.
During your Da Ký™, we analyse your skin to determine whether your pores are enlarged mainly by oil, blockages or reduced elasticity, along with any acne and how sensitive your skin is. From there we choose a treatment that addresses the cause, rather than just tightening temporarily.
Home care
The right routine keeps pores clearer and less visible every day.
Gentle cleansing, regular chemical exfoliation and sunscreen are the three most important habits.
Recommendations we often give
- Gentle cleansing. Wash twice a day, and avoid products that leave skin tight and make it produce more oil.
- BHA and niacinamide. BHA clears pores, and niacinamide helps balance oil.
- Retinoid in the evening. Helps resurface the skin and improve firmness around the pores.
- Don't squeeze spots. Squeezing damages the pore wall and leaves scars.
At Claire, we work with cosmeceutical lines such as SkinCeuticals, ZO Skin Health, Obagi, Dermalogica and Phytomer, and only suggest a product when it truly suits your skin.
In-clinic options
At Claire, we choose treatments according to the main cause after the Da Ký™ session.
For pores enlarged by oil and blockages, Skin Gym uses LLLT light technology to deep-cleanse, control oil and minimise pores, gently and suited to regular maintenance. Bio Peel (PRX-T33) resurfaces and tightens pores without peeling.
Bio Cell uses Nanofacial technology to deliver nutrients into the skin, minimising pores, balancing oil and smoothing texture with no downtime. Peel & Glow combines PRX-T33 and Microchanneling for glowing skin and refined pores.
For pores enlarged by ageing, or with pitted scars, Derma CIT uses Dermapen microneedling to strongly stimulate collagen and restructure the skin base.
See how each treatment acts
| Treatments | Controls oil, cleanses | Refines pores | Smooths skin texture | Stimulates collagen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin GymLLLT · Oxygenation · Mask + LED · 40–45 minutes · VND 900,000 · Member VND 600,000 | ||||
| Bio PeelPre Peel · Bio active peel · Neutralise & Soothe · 50–55 minutes · VND 3,500,000 · Member VND 2,400,000 | ||||
| Bio CellSkin antisepsis · Nanofacial + Serum · Smask + Cold acupressure therapy · 75–80 minutes · VND 5,400,000 · Member VND 3,600,000 | ||||
| Peel & GlowP-Solution · T33 · Antisepsis & Microchanneling · 75 minutes · VND 7,200,000 · Member VND 5,400,000 | ||||
| Derma CITStandard numbing · Intensive antisepsis · Dermapen 12–18-pin microneedling · 100–105 minutes · VND 7,200,000 · Member VND 5,400,000 |
Main action Supporting
Depth of action
Illustrated according to each treatment's technology; actual action is adjusted to each skin.
Other options and advice
Enlarged pores often come with acne and oily skin. If you have both, see the pages on acne and oily skin to understand how we treat them together.
Claire always follows ethical medical aesthetic practice: we only recommend what truly suits you.
Related concerns
All skin concerns→Begin by understanding your skin
Da Ký™: a one-to-one consultation, unhurried, with no pressure to buy a package.