Are Enlarged Pores Caused by Oil, Loss of Elasticity, or Scarring?

Introduction

Pores may look more visible because of oil and congestion, loss of elasticity around hair follicles, or shallow scars that create shadows resembling pores. No method can permanently “close” pores completely, but their visibility can improve by addressing the correct cause.

Common Presentations

Oil-related pores are often most visible on the nose, forehead, and cheeks near the nose and may occur with blackheads. With loss of elasticity, pores tend to look elongated and become more obvious with age. If the surface has many fixed indentations that are not located exactly at follicle openings, acne scars may be present.

Why Does This Condition Appear?

Genetics, sebaceous glands, congestion, sun exposure, age, acne, and structural injury all have an effect. Dehydration can make the surface rough and pores temporarily more visible, but moisturising does not completely change follicle structure.

Approaches That Commonly Make the Problem Worse

A mistake is using pore strips, extracting the nose, or doing strong peels continuously to make pores disappear. These approaches may give a temporary effect but can easily irritate skin. Another mistake is choosing Skinbooster while expecting it to erase all pores when scarring is the underlying cause.

How Does DIVA Assess It?

DIVA assesses oil, congestion, elasticity, scars, and skin tone. Angled lighting helps distinguish pores from scar indentations. The plan needs to set expectations for surface improvement rather than promise that pores will be “completely tightened.”

Why Is Personalisation Needed?

At DIVA, the name of a concern is only the starting point. Two clients using the same word to describe their skin may have completely different causes, degrees of inflammation, recovery capacity, and goals. Therefore, the method is not selected only from one photo or from a service name the client has heard elsewhere. An in-person assessment helps determine what should be done today, what should be postponed, and what the client needs to support at home.

Treatment Direction at the Clinic

For oil and congestion, cleansing and keratinisation adjustment are prioritised. For loss of elasticity, RF, HIFU, or suitable regenerative methods may be considered. For scarring, structural technologies such as RF Microneedling, CO₂, or a combination may be needed depending on scar type.

Why Should Too Many Things Not Be Done at Once?

An important principle is not to try to address every issue in the same session. When skin has several goals, DIVA prioritises the concern with the greatest effect on safety or outcomes and then moves to the next stage. This approach can feel slower than doing a great deal at once, but it reduces accumulated inflammation and allows observation of how skin responds to each step.

The Role of At-Home Care

Products that control oil and congestion can help pores look smaller, but overly strong use can dry skin and have the opposite effect. Moisturising helps the surface look smoother. Results are better when the routine and procedures both address the main cause.

Assessing Results Over Time

Results should not be assessed only by how skin feels immediately after a service. Some early visible changes are due to moisture, mild swelling, or lighting; structural and pigment changes need more time. Before-and-after photos should be taken from the same angle, in the same lighting, and with the same skin condition to avoid misunderstanding. When progress does not match expectations, the plan needs adjustment rather than continued repetition of one method.

When Is Medical Assessment Needed?

Pore-like lesions that are inflamed, painful, have discharge, or change unusually need assessment. Do not self-puncture or extract deeply.

DIVA’s Perspective

Enlarged pores are not a single diagnosis. When DIVA knows which part comes from oil, elasticity, and scarring, it can select a more practical method and clearly explain the degree of improvement that may be achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this condition improve on its own? Some cases may change over time if the cause of inflammation or irritation has stopped. However, when the problem keeps recurring, leaves dark marks or scars, or affects daily life, early assessment helps avoid prolonged issues and reduces the risk of treatment in the wrong direction.

Can I start with one session? Yes. DIVA prioritises beginning with one suitable session to assess the actual response. After the first session, clients receive care guidance and clear monitoring milestones; there is no need to purchase a long package before knowing how skin responds.

How long should I wait before reassessment? The reassessment timeframe depends on the degree of inflammation, type of concern, and method performed. Do not draw conclusions after only a few days if skin is still recovering. DIVA usually bases the decision to maintain, reduce, or change treatment direction on progression, photos under the same conditions, and the at-home response.

Nguyen Hai Dang - Founder & Treatment Practitioner

General Professional References

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Acne clinical guideline; acne skin-care guidance; isotretinoin patient guidance; post-acne marks and PIH.

DermNet New Zealand: Folliculitis; sensitive skin; contact dermatitis; topical retinoids; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The articles are interpreted for client education purposes, do not copy sources verbatim, and do not replace medical assessment.