At our CQC-registered dermatology clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team and experienced therapists assess your skin type and recommend a plan that suits you. We welcome patients from across Kent, including Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Deal and Dover, for professional skin treatments and tailored advice, with a plan that fits your skin and your budget.
About the Condition
Pores are the small openings in the skin through which oil (sebum) reaches the surface. Some people have pores that look larger, particularly in oilier areas of the face, and this is a normal variation in skin rather than a sign that anything is wrong.
Common features include:
- Visibly enlarged pores, particularly on the nose and central face
- Oilier skin in the affected areas
- Skin that looks less smooth or even in texture
- Pores that look more noticeable in photographs or bright light
- Blackheads or congestion within the pores
Pore appearance is influenced by genetics, skin type, sun damage and the natural loss of skin elasticity with age. Oilier skin tends to show pores more clearly, and congestion within a pore, such as a blackhead, can make it look larger.
The size of your pores is largely determined by genetics and cannot be permanently changed, but treatment can improve skin texture and make pores look smaller. If you also have spots or congestion, our page on acne explains what to look for, and our page on keratosis pilaris covers another common cause of rough skin texture. An accurate assessment helps us decide whether you need skin treatments, medical advice or simply a better home routine.
How We Treat It
Treatment focuses on improving overall skin texture and managing the factors that make pores look larger, such as excess oil, congestion and sun-related skin changes. Your first step is a skin consultation, where we assess your skin type, discuss your routine and explain the options.
Microneedling encourages collagen production to support the skin around enlarged pores, and medical skin peels help clear congestion and refine texture. Oxyjet microdermabrasion provides gentle exfoliation for smoother-looking skin. Most people see improvement from a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart rather than a single session. Individual results vary, and your therapist will explain the number of sessions likely to suit you.
Sun protection also matters, because sun damage can affect skin texture over time. A tailored home skincare routine, including gentle exfoliation and non-comedogenic products, helps maintain results between visits.
When to See a Specialist
Large pores are a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one, so there is no urgency to seek treatment. A consultation is worthwhile if you would like tailored advice on which combination of treatments and home skincare would suit your skin type.
Please have your skin looked at by a clinician if you have painful, inflamed or persistent spots or cysts, if scarring is developing, or if a spot or mark on the skin is new, changing, bleeding or not healing. If an area looks infected, or you feel unwell, please seek medical advice promptly.
Further reading: DermNet – Enlarged pores · British Association of Dermatologists
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pore size be reduced permanently?
Pore size is largely determined by genetics and cannot be permanently changed. Treatments can improve the texture and firmness of the surrounding skin, which can make pores look smaller. Individual results vary.
What causes pores to look larger?
Common factors include oilier skin, sun damage, reduced skin elasticity with age and genetics. Congestion within the pore, such as blackheads, can also make it more visible.
Which treatment is right for large pores?
This depends on your skin type and goals. Microneedling and medical skin peels are usually used over a course of sessions, while microdermabrasion offers a quicker refresh. Your therapist will recommend a combination at your consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people benefit from a course of treatments, such as micro-needling or peels, spaced several weeks apart, rather than a single session.
Will a skincare routine help between treatments?
Yes. A tailored home routine, including gentle exfoliation and non-comedogenic products, can help maintain results between clinic treatments.
Can I squeeze or extract my own pores?
We would advise against it, as squeezing can inflame the skin and may lead to marks. Our team can advise on safe ways to manage blackheads and congestion.
Get your concern assessed
First step
Skin Consultation, £50 with the therapist
Appointment
30 minutes
Availability
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Treatments for large pores
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