UNDERSTANDING PORE SIZE
Why pores appear larger than they should
Pores don't open and close like doors — but they do appear larger when stretched by sebum, debris, and loss of surrounding collagen support. The good news: all of these are treatable.
EXCESS SEBUM PRODUCTION
When sebaceous glands produce excess oil, pores stretch to accommodate the volume — making them appear significantly larger, especially on the nose and cheeks.
SUN DAMAGE
UV exposure thickens the outer layer of skin and degrades collagen, both of which worsen the appearance of enlarged pores over time.
LOSS OF COLLAGEN SUPPORT
As collagen declines with age, the scaffolding around pores weakens — causing them to appear larger and skin texture to become rougher and more uneven.
HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
Androgen surges during puberty, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause increase sebum production — directly enlarging pore appearance.
CLOGGEDD PORES
Buildup of dead skin cells, makeup, and oxidized sebum stretches pore walls — creating the appearance of enlarged, congested pores that are difficult to reduce with cleansing alone.
GENETICS
Pore size is largely determined by genetics and skin type. Oilier skin types are predisposed to more visible pores — but medical-grade treatments can significantly refine their appearance.
OUR APPROACH
Pore-refining treatments in Burnaby
Our approach targets sebum control, collagen stimulation, and gentle resurfacing — addressing every factor that makes pores appear enlarged.
Collagen Induction · Pore Tightening
Creates controlled micro-channels that trigger a collagen repair response — tightening pore walls and improving overall skin texture with cumulative results.
Therapeutic scalp massage stimulates blood flow to follicles, reduces scalp tension, and creates an optimal environment for hair regrowth.
Extraction · Hydration · Refinement
Salicylic Acid · Deep Cleansing
Salicylic acid peels are oil-soluble, penetrating deep into pores to dissolve sebum buildup, reduce congestion, and dramatically refine skin texture.
Sebum Control · Texture Refinement
Targets sebaceous gland activity to reduce excess oil production — addressing the primary driver of enlarged pores at the source.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Enlarged Pores FAQ
Can pores actually shrink?
Pore size is fixed, but pores can appear significantly smaller with the right treatments. By removing congestion, stimulating collagen, and controlling sebum, we can dramatically refine how visible your pores are.
Is there any downtime with these treatments?
HydraFacials and chemical peels have minimal to no downtime. Microneedling may cause 24–48 hours of redness and minor swelling. Aerolase has virtually no downtime.
How many microneedling sessions do I need for pores?
Most clients see meaningful improvement in pore appearance after 3–4 microneedling sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with continued improvement over the following months as collagen remodels.
What homecare helps with enlarged pores?
A consistent routine with a gentle exfoliant (BHA/salicylic acid), niacinamide, and broad-spectrum SPF makes a significant difference. We'll recommend a personalized Epicutis or iS Clinical protocol at your consultation.
REFINDED, SMOOTH SKIN
Visibly smaller pores.
Genuinely better texture.
Book a consultation at Oak Skin in Burnaby and let our team create a pore-refining plan tailored to your skin type.