Expert Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology for Enlarged Pores
Dr. Marie Hayag is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of skin texture concerns, including enlarged pores. At her Upper East Side dermatology practice, patients with visible pores and uneven skin texture receive physician-led care designed to identify the underlying causes of pore enlargement before treatment begins.
Enlarged pores are a common cosmetic concern that may develop due to excess sebum production, genetics, acne history, sun damage, or age-related collagen loss. While pores are a natural part of healthy skin, certain factors can make them appear larger and more noticeable.
Using advanced dermatologic technology, resurfacing treatments, and medical-grade skincare, Dr. Hayag develops customized pore refinement treatment plans designed to improve skin texture, support collagen production, and restore a smoother, more refined complexion. This evidence-based approach focuses not only on improving pore appearance but also on supporting long-term skin health.
What Causes Large Pores?
Large pores on the face typically develop due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective treatment approach.
Common causes of enlarged pores include:
Excess Sebum Production
Individuals with oily skin naturally produce more sebum, which can accumulate in pores and make them appear larger.
Genetics
Pore size is largely genetically determined. Some individuals naturally have larger pores than others.
Acne and Inflammation
Past or active acne can stretch pores and damage surrounding skin structures, contributing to long-term pore enlargement.
Sun Damage
Ultraviolet exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, weakening the support structure around pores and causing them to appear larger.
Collagen Loss and Skin Aging
As skin ages, collagen and elasticity decline. This loss of structural support can cause pores to widen and become more visible.
Because these factors affect the skin in different ways, effective treatment often involves a combination of therapies designed to reduce oil production, stimulate collagen, and refine skin texture.
Large Pores Treatment Options
Clear and Brilliant
Definition:
Clear and Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser designed to refresh the skin and improve tone and texture.
What it helps with:
This treatment helps refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve overall skin clarity.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients seeking early pore refinement and preventative skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
Fraxel
Definition:
Fraxel is a fractional laser resurfacing treatment that stimulates collagen production while renewing the skin’s surface.
What it helps with:
Fraxel improves uneven skin texture, acne-related skin changes, sun damage, and visible pores.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients with moderate textural concerns or acne-related pore enlargement seeking more intensive resurfacing.
Miria by AVAVA
Definition:
AVAVA is an advanced laser technology designed to target deeper layers of skin while promoting collagen regeneration.
What it helps with:
It helps refine skin texture, improve pore visibility, and address photodamage contributing to uneven skin surface.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients seeking advanced laser resurfacing for more significant skin texture concerns.
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling
Definition:
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin.
What it helps with:
It improves acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture while tightening and strengthening the skin.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients with pore enlargement related to acne scarring or collagen loss.
Aerolase Neo Elite
Definition:
Aerolase Neo Elite is a gentle laser technology designed to address multiple skin concerns with minimal irritation.
What it helps with:
It helps reduce acne, improve oil production, and refine skin texture, which can help reduce the visibility of pores.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients with acne-prone or sensitive skin seeking a comfortable laser treatment.
AviClear
Definition:
AviClear is an advanced laser treatment designed to target sebaceous glands and reduce excess oil production.
What it helps with:
By reducing sebum production, AviClear helps prevent pore congestion and acne that can contribute to enlarged pores.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients with oily or acne-prone skin where excess oil contributes to visible pores.
Chemical Peels
Definition:
Chemical peels use dermatologist-selected exfoliating solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin.
What it helps with:
Peels improve skin texture, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover for smoother-looking skin.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients with mild textural concerns or pore congestion.
Medical Facials
Definition:
Medical facials are dermatologist-directed treatments that deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin.
What it helps with:
They help remove debris from pores, improve skin clarity, and support ongoing pore refinement.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients seeking maintenance care or supportive treatment alongside advanced technologies.
Sofwave
Definition:
Sofwave is an ultrasound-based treatment that stimulates collagen production beneath the skin.
What it helps with:
By improving skin firmness and elasticity, Sofwave helps tighten surrounding skin structures that influence pore appearance.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients experiencing early collagen loss and skin laxity affecting pore visibility.
Ultherapy
Definition:
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate deep collagen production in the skin.
What it helps with:
It helps tighten skin and improve overall texture, indirectly reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients seeking non-surgical skin tightening alongside pore refinement treatments.
Glassifier Peptide Skin Treatment
Definition:
Glassifier is a minimally invasive Glass Skin treatment that uses patented spicule technology to deliver GHK peptide into the skin, visibly improving fine lines, skin texture, and pigmentation for a glass-like radiance.
What it helps with:
Glassifier addresses dullness, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, and mild pigmentation by delivering regenerative peptides beneath the skin’s surface without needles or injections.
Who it’s ideal for:
Ideal for patients who want brighter, more even-toned skin without needles, prefer minimal downtime, and are looking to improve texture, radiance, and early signs of aging.
