Q&A
What Helps With Enlarged Pores?

What helps with enlarged pores depends on the cause. Oil-driven pores may respond to skin Botox and good cleansing, congestion to HydraFacial and retinoids, laxity to collagen-stimulating devices such as Thermage FLX or Sofwave, and scarring to lasers and boosters. At Re:berry Hongdae, a doctor identifies the cause first. Pores can look smaller, not disappear.

Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.

Re:berry Clinic Hongdae

Why do pores look enlarged?

Pores are openings for hair follicles and oil glands. They look larger when excess oil stretches them, when dead cells and sebum clog them, when surrounding skin loses firmness with age, or when acne leaves textured scars. Genetics and skin type also matter. Our Enlarged Pores page explains each cause in depth.

Which in-clinic treatments may help?

For oily skin: skin Botox

Micro-doses of botulinum toxin placed in the skin can reduce oil output and make pores look smaller for about 2 to 4 months. See Skin Botox for Enlarged Pores.

For congestion: HydraFacial

Vortex cleansing and extraction clear debris from pores, giving a smoother look straight away. Regular sessions help maintain it.

For laxity: collagen-stimulating devices

Thermage FLX (radiofrequency) and Sofwave (ultrasound) heat the dermis to stimulate collagen, which can tighten the skin around pores over 2 to 6 months. See Thermage FLX for Enlarged Pores.

For texture and scarring: lasers and boosters

Lasers such as Genesis or pico treatments, and boosters such as Rejuran Healer or exosomes, may refine texture over a course of sessions.

What can I do at home?

  • Cleanse gently twice a day, and after heavy sweating.
  • Use a BHA (salicylic acid) product a few times a week for oily, congested skin.
  • Consider a retinoid, if your doctor agrees, to improve cell turnover and collagen.
  • Choose non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.
  • Avoid squeezing pores, which can cause inflammation and scarring.

How long until I see a difference?

HydraFacial gives an immediate but short-lived effect. Skin Botox usually works within 1 to 2 weeks, while collagen-based devices take months. Setting expectations by cause helps you judge progress fairly.

Why combine treatments?

Most people have more than one cause, such as oil plus early laxity. Re:berry designs a combination of treatments rather than relying on one, for stable improvement over time. Pricing depends on plan and is confirmed in writing at consultation. Results vary by individual. Request a consultation via our Booking page.

At a glance

  • Oily pores: Skin Botox, oil control, retinoids
  • Congested pores: HydraFacial, BHA, regular cleansing
  • Lax pores: Thermage FLX, Sofwave, boosters
  • Scar-related pores: Lasers, Rejuran, exosome therapy
  • Everyday: Daily sunscreen to protect collagen

Related questions

Can pores be permanently shrunk?

No treatment permanently shrinks pores. Treatments can make them look smaller, and collagen-stimulating approaches may give longer-lasting improvement, but oil production, aging and sun exposure continue. Maintenance and home care help keep results. Daily sunscreen helps protect the collagen around pores.

Do pore strips or ice help?

Pore strips remove surface debris temporarily but can irritate skin. Cold may tighten the look briefly. Neither changes the underlying causes, so they are best seen as short-term cosmetic tricks. Squeezing or harsh scrubbing can inflame skin and make pores look worse over time, so gentle, consistent care is the better approach.

Why are my pores bigger in summer?

Heat and humidity increase oil and sweat, which can make pores look larger, especially in Seoul's humid summers. Lightweight products, regular cleansing and oil-control treatments can help during these months. Many people find their pores look smaller again in the cooler, drier months.

Before you book

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.

Still have a question?

A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.