Medically reviewed by:Dr. Karem Harb
Enlarged pores are particularly noticeable on the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Excess oil, clogged pores, sun damage, and changes in skin elasticity can all contribute to their appearance. Genetics also plays a role, so pore visibility differs from person to person.
Although pores cannot be permanently eliminated, the right skincare routine can help make them less noticeable. Some people may also benefit from professional treatments, particularly when enlarged-looking pores occur alongside acne scars or uneven skin texture.
At Hortman Clinics in Dubai, treatment selection should begin with an assessment of the underlying concern rather than choosing a procedure based on pore size alone.
This guide explains why pores appear enlarged, how to treat large pores effectively, which skincare measures may help, and which professional treatments may support smoother-looking skin.
Table of Contents
Why Do Pores Become Large?
Pore visibility is influenced by genetics, oil production, skin aging, and sun exposure. Several factors can contribute:
- Excess oil: Sebum can make pores, particularly around the nose and forehead, appear more prominent.
- Clogged pores: Oil and dead skin cells can accumulate, making pores more visible.
- Age-related changes: Reduced skin elasticity may make pore openings more noticeable.
- Sun damage: Long-term ultraviolet exposure can damage collagen and contribute to loss of skin firmness.
- Acne and acne scarring: Blackheads can make pores more visible, while acne scars can create uneven texture around them.
- Genetics: Pore size and visibility vary naturally between individuals.
The distinction matters because congestion, oiliness, and acne scarring do not necessarily respond to the same treatment.
How to Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores at Home
One of the first steps in treating large pores is following a consistent, dermatologist-recommended skincare routine. Professional procedures performed by a dermatologist may complement these measures.
Here are a few at-home measures that may help reduce the appearance of large pores:
Use a Gentle Cleanser
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises using a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily. This helps remove excess oil, sunscreen, makeup, and impurities without unnecessarily irritating the skin.
Avoid harsh scrubs and excessively hot water, as irritation can make skin texture appear more pronounced.
Try Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) helps exfoliate inside the pores and loosen accumulated oil and dead skin cells. It may be particularly useful for oily skin, blackheads, and congestion.
It is helpful to start with an appropriate formulation and frequency for your skin type. Overuse can cause dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
Consider Retinol or Prescribed Retinoids
Retinoids may help manage clogged pores and acne and can improve some signs of photoageing over time. They are not a permanent solution for pore size, and irritation can occur, particularly when treatment is introduced too quickly.
The appropriate product and frequency depend on your skin type and tolerance. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before using a retinoid.
Apply Sunscreen Every Day
The American Academy of Dermatology advises using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun damage can reduce skin firmness and make pores appear more noticeable.
Apply sunscreen every day to help protect the skin from further UV damage.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer supports the skin barrier and helps maintain comfortable, balanced skin. Oily skin can also benefit from appropriate moisturization.
Which Professional Treatment for Large Pores Is Right for You?
When at-home skin care measures do not give you the desired improvement in your skin pores, seeking professional treatment from a trained, experienced, and licensed dermatologist is recommended.
In addition to identifying the cause of your large pores, they can also help address persistent congestion, uneven texture, collagen loss, and associated acne scarring.
Here are some of the professional treatments available for large pores at Hortman Clinics, Dubai:
| Feature | Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing | HALO Hybrid Laser |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fractional ablative laser creates controlled microscopic thermal injury in the skin. | Combines ablative and non-ablative fractional wavelengths. |
| Best suited for | Enlarged pores with acne scars, rough texture and fine lines. | Enlarged pores with uneven texture and photodamage. |
| Skin type | Selected skin types; darker skin tones require careful assessment because of pigmentation risk. | Suitability depends on skin type and pigmentation risk. |
| Treatment area | Face / selected resurfacing areas | Face & Neck |
| Mechanism of action | Controlled thermal injury encourages skin renewal and collagen remodeling. | Fractional laser energy targets different skin depths. |
| Expected improvement | Smoother texture and improvement in pores, scars and selected fine lines. | Improved texture, photodamage and appearance of pores. |
| Recovery involves | Redness, peeling and downtime. | Redness and sensitivity; recovery depends on intensity. |
| Limitation | More downtime and careful patient selection may be required. | Results depend on skin condition and treatment settings. |
| Risks | Pigmentation changes, prolonged redness, irritation and other laser-related complications. | Pigmentation changes, redness and irritation. |
| Price per session | Starts from AED 3,000 | Starts from AED 4,700 |
| Feature | UltraClear | MOXI Laser |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fractional laser resurfacing stimulates skin renewal and collagen remodeling. | Non-ablative fractional laser improves skin texture and surface quality. |
| Best suited forLaser | Rough texture, acne scars, fine lines, pores and photodamage. | Mild pigmentation, uneven skin tone, early sun damage and visible pores. |
| Treatment area | Face / selected areas | Face & Neck |
| Mechanism of action | Controlled fractional resurfacing supports collagen remodeling. | Non-ablative fractional energy stimulates skin renewal. |
| Expected improvement | Smoother texture and improvement in pores, scars and fine lines. | Improved tone, texture, pigmentation and pore appearance. |
| Recovery involves | Recovery depends on treatment depth and intensity. | Usually lighter recovery; temporary redness or sensitivity may occur. |
| Limitation | Intensity needs to be tailored to skin type and downtime tolerance. | May not be sufficient for deeper scars or more advanced textural concerns. |
| Risks | Pigmentation changes, redness, irritation and healing-related complications. | Redness, irritation, sensitivity and pigmentation changes. |
| Skin type | Settings are adjusted according to skin type, tone and treatment depth. | May suit different skin types following professional assessment. |
| Price per session | Starts from AED 3,675 | Starts from AED 3,675 |
| Feature | Morpheus8 RF Microneedling |
|---|---|
| How it works | Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. |
| Best suited for | Enlarged pores associated with reduced firmness, uneven texture, laxity and acne scars. |
| Treatment area | Face; other areas depending on assessment |
| Mechanism of action | RF energy and microneedling stimulate collagen and tissue remodeling. |
| Expected improvement | Improved texture, firmness, pores and selected acne scars. |
| Recovery involves | Temporary redness, swelling or sensitivity may occur. |
| Limitation | May not provide the same surface resurfacing effect as an ablative laser for some concerns. |
| Risks | Redness, swelling, pigmentation changes, infection and other procedure-related complications. |
| Skin type | May suit a range of skin types with appropriate settings and assessment. |
| Price per session | Starts from AED 1500 |
Price Disclaimer: Prices may vary depending on the treatment plan, area treated, and current packages or promotions. Please contact us for the latest price.
Other Treatment Options for Large Pores
Laser treatment is not necessary for everyone. Depending on the main concern, a dermatologist may recommend one of the following options:
- Professional extraction: May help clear blackheads and comedones, but does not permanently change pore size.
- Chemical peels: Selected superficial peels may help with congestion and uneven texture. The formulation and strength should be chosen based on skin type and pigmentation risk.
- Conventional microneedling: May improve certain textural concerns. It is different from radiofrequency microneedling and is not suitable for every skin condition.
Which Treatment Is Best for Different Large Pore Concerns?
The best treatment depends on what makes the pores look enlarged.
| Primary Concern | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Mild sun damage, uneven skin tone and superficial pigmentation concerns | Medical skincare (using peels), MOXI |
| Oily skin and blackheads | Salicylic acid, professional extraction, or dermatologist-guided skincare |
| Enlarged pores with reduced skin firmness | Morpheus8 RF Microneedling or other collagen-remodeling treatments |
| Enlarged-looking pores associated with acne scars and uneven skin texture | Fractional Co2 laser |
| Uneven skin texture and sun damage | HALO hybrid laser |
| Rough skin texture, fine lines and selected signs of photodamage | UltraClear |
No single treatment works best for everyone. The most suitable option for you depends on the clinical examination, skin tone, medical history, and expected recovery.
Why Choose Hortman Clinics for Large Pores Treatment in Dubai?
If you are considering treatment to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, Hortman Clinics in Dubai can help you explore suitable options based on your skin concerns.
- We offer a wide range of dermatology services, laser treatments, and advanced aesthetic technologies in Dubai.
- Our DHA-licensed dermatologists and laser therapists use advanced technologies such as HALO, UltraClear, MOXI, and Morpheus8.
- Our doctors begin with a personalised consultation to assess the causes of enlarged pores, discuss suitable treatment options, and explain potential risks, downtime, and expected outcomes.
If enlarged pores, oily skin, or uneven texture are affecting your skin, our dermatology team can help you explore appropriate treatment options.
Book a consultation at Hortman Clinics, Dubai, to learn more about enlarged pores and suitable treatment options.
Medical Review & Clinical Accuracy
Pores are naturally occurring structures in the skin and cannot be removed completely. However, a dermatologist-recommended skincare routine and professional treatments may reduce large pores.
There is no single best treatment for everyone. Salicylic acid and other appropriate skincare measures may help with clogged pores, while selected resurfacing or microneedling procedures may be considered for associated acne scars or uneven texture. Our dermatologist can help determine the best approach.
Applying ice does not shrink pores. When ice is applied, the cooling of the skin may temporarily reduce the appearance of the pores, making them less visible.
No single vitamin or mineral deficiency is known to enlarge your skin pores.
Reduction in pore size can take several weeks, while collagen-remodeling treatments may require many sessions over several months to show results. The timeline varies by treatment and individual response.
Retinol may help improve the appearance of pores in some people, particularly those with oily skin or mild acne. Results vary, and irritation is possible. Retinol and retinyl palmitate should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding in accordance with dermatology guidance.
Medical Review & Clinical Accuracy
Written by: Hortman Clinics Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by:Dr. Karem Harb
Hortman Clinics periodically reviews and updates its health information as medical evidence, technologies, and clinical recommendations evolve.
Last medically reviewed : October 22, 2026
Before and After
Explore real before-and-after results from patients treated at Hortman Clinics. Results vary between patients and may depend on factors including anatomy, skin type, age, medical history, treatment parameters, and individual response. All published patient images are used with appropriate patient consent.
HORTMAN CLINICS NEWS
Related News
We are here for you. Always.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.
