Enlarged pores are not harmful, and mild cases often respond to a balanced skincare routine. It may be helpful to speak with an aesthetic physician if:

• Home skincare has not improved the appearance of your pores after around three months
• Blackheads return quickly after cleansing or extraction
• Enlarged pores appear alongside persistent acne or oily skin
• Your skin texture feels increasingly rough or uneven
• You are considering a laser, injectable, or other clinical treatment and would like professional guidance

A consultation allows a doctor to identify the underlying cause and to explain which options, if any, may be suitable for your skin.

At AM Clinic, assessment is doctor-led and consultation-first. During your appointment, an aesthetic physician will typically:

• Review your skin history, skincare routine, and any history of acne or sun exposure
• Examine the skin, sometimes with magnified or digital skin analysis, to evaluate pore distribution and texture
• Identify the dominant cause, whether excess oil, reduced elasticity, clogging, or a combination
• Consider your skin type and tone, which is particularly relevant for Asian skin when planning any laser-based option
• Distinguish enlarged pores from related concerns such as acne scars or open comedones

This assessment forms the basis of a personalised treatment plan, rather than a fixed approach.

It is not uncommon for individuals to believe enlarged pores are caused by a single factor. During consultation, our physicians often find that excess oil production, reduced skin elasticity and clogged pores contribute together. Identifying the dominant cause helps guide which treatment options may be appropriate and whether a combination approach should be considered.

Non-surgical treatments for enlarged pores are generally well tolerated when planned following an appropriate medical assessment. However, every treatment has potential limitations and possible side effects that should be discussed before proceeding.

These may include:

• Temporary redness, mild swelling, or skin sensitivity.
• Mild peeling or flaking following certain treatments.
• Temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones.
• Variable response depending on skin type, pore size, and the underlying cause.
• The need for maintenance treatments, as pore size cannot be permanently changed.

Your physician will explain the expected benefits, possible risks, and appropriate aftercare before treatment proceeds.

While you cannot change your genetic pore size, everyday habits can help keep pores clear and less noticeable:

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to help protect collagen from ultraviolet damage
• Cleanse morning and night, and always remove makeup before sleeping
• Use non-comedogenic, oil-free skincare and cosmetics
• Exfoliate gently once or twice a week rather than over-exfoliating
• Address acne early to reduce clogging and the risk of stretched pores
• Keep skin hydrated with a lightweight, water-based moisturiser
• Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes
• Consider periodic professional facials as part of a maintenance routine