SKIN CONCERN GUIDE
Texture and Enlarged Pores
Texture and Enlarged Pores
Texture and Enlarged Pores
Visible pores and uneven texture can have several different causes. Oil and congestion, reduced collagen support, surface build-up, sun damage and acne scarring may look similar, but they do not always respond to the same treatment.
Visible pores and uneven texture can have several different causes. Oil and congestion, reduced collagen support, surface build-up, sun damage and acne scarring may look similar, but they do not always respond to the same treatment.
What best describes your concern?
What best describes your concern?
Select the closest match. You can explore more than one pathway if your concerns overlap.
Select the closest match. You can explore more than one pathway if your concerns overlap.
ENLARGED PORES WITHOUT ACTIVE BREAKOUTS
My pores remain visible even when my skin is not congested.
View recommended approaches →
OILY OR CONGESTED-LOOKING PORES
I notice oiliness, blackheads, whiteheads or frequent blockage.
View recommended approaches →
ROUGH, DULL OR BUMPY TEXTURE
My skin feels uneven or lacks surface smoothness.
View recommended approaches →
CREPEY OR SUN-DAMAGED TEXTURE
My skin looks thin, lined, weathered or uneven from cumulative sun exposure.
View recommended approaches →
UNEVEN TEXTURE AFTER ACNE
I have depressions, indentations or lasting surface changes following breakouts.
View recommended approaches →
MIXED TEXTURE OR I’M NOT SURE
Several descriptions apply, or I cannot identify the main cause.
View recommended approaches →
Pores do not literally open and close
Pores do not literally open and close
Pores are normal openings in the skin and cannot be permanently removed. Their visibility can change depending on oil production, congestion, follicle size, collagen support, surface texture and sun damage. The aim of treatment is to improve their appearance—not to eliminate them.
Pores are normal openings in the skin and cannot be permanently removed. Their visibility can change depending on oil production, congestion, follicle size, collagen support, surface texture and sun damage. The aim of treatment is to improve their appearance—not to eliminate them.
Recommended treatment pathways
Recommended treatment pathways
The most appropriate starting point depends on what is making the texture or pores more noticeable. A professional assessment should confirm treatment suitability, particularly before energy-based or resurfacing procedures.
The most appropriate starting point depends on what is making the texture or pores more noticeable. A professional assessment should confirm treatment suitability, particularly before energy-based or resurfacing procedures.
01 — START HERE
The treatment category most closely matched to the concern.
02 — CONSIDER NEXT
Alternatives or additions based on anatomy, goals and treatment tolerance.
03 — REVIEW
Assess the response before adding another treatment category.
01
IMPROVE PORE APPEARANCE
Enlarged pores without active breakouts
Best suited to established pore visibility where congestion is not the main problem.
START HERE
RF microneedling
RF microneedling creates controlled treatment points within the skin to support dermal remodelling. It may gradually improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven texture where reduced collagen support is contributing.
CONSIDER NEXT
Non-ablative fractional laser
When pore visibility is accompanied by broader uneven texture or early photoageing and a laser-based approach is suitable for the skin.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
When texture is more established, improvement after the initial course is insufficient and the person is suitable for a stronger resurfacing treatment with greater downtime.
Review after a planned course
Improvement is gradual. Review the result after a planned course—commonly around three treatments—rather than judging the pathway after one session.
WHY THIS ORDER
RF microneedling provides a collagen-remodelling starting point without immediately moving to a more intensive ablative treatment. Fractional CO₂ can be considered later when the likely benefit justifies the additional recovery and risk.
01
IMPROVE PORE APPEARANCE
Enlarged pores without active breakouts
Best suited to established pore visibility where congestion is not the main problem.
START HERE
RF microneedling
RF microneedling creates controlled treatment points within the skin to support dermal remodelling. It may gradually improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven texture where reduced collagen support is contributing.
CONSIDER NEXT
Non-ablative fractional laser
When pore visibility is accompanied by broader uneven texture or early photoageing and a laser-based approach is suitable for the skin.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
When texture is more established, improvement after the initial course is insufficient and the person is suitable for a stronger resurfacing treatment with greater downtime.
Review after a planned course
Improvement is gradual. Review the result after a planned course—commonly around three treatments—rather than judging the pathway after one session.
WHY THIS ORDER
RF microneedling provides a collagen-remodelling starting point without immediately moving to a more intensive ablative treatment. Fractional CO₂ can be considered later when the likely benefit justifies the additional recovery and risk.
01
IMPROVE PORE APPEARANCE
Enlarged pores without active breakouts
Best suited to established pore visibility where congestion is not the main problem.
START HERE
RF microneedling
RF microneedling creates controlled treatment points within the skin to support dermal remodelling. It may gradually improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven texture where reduced collagen support is contributing.
CONSIDER NEXT
Non-ablative fractional laser
When pore visibility is accompanied by broader uneven texture or early photoageing and a laser-based approach is suitable for the skin.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
When texture is more established, improvement after the initial course is insufficient and the person is suitable for a stronger resurfacing treatment with greater downtime.
Review after a planned course
Improvement is gradual. Review the result after a planned course—commonly around three treatments—rather than judging the pathway after one session.
WHY THIS ORDER
RF microneedling provides a collagen-remodelling starting point without immediately moving to a more intensive ablative treatment. Fractional CO₂ can be considered later when the likely benefit justifies the additional recovery and risk.
02
CLEAR BLOCKAGE FIRST
Oily or congested-looking pores
Best suited to visible pores accompanied by oiliness, blackheads, whiteheads or recurring blockage.
START HERE
Congestion-focused treatment
Begin by addressing excess build-up and blockage. The appropriate plan may include professional congestion treatment, hydrodermabrasion, carefully selected superficial peeling or professional extraction where suitable.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peel
When oiliness, surface build-up and mild comedonal congestion are contributing to the uneven appearance.
RF microneedling
When congestion is controlled but established pore visibility or textural unevenness remains.
Review congestion stability
When active blockage needs to be settled before considering collagen-remodelling treatment.
WHY THIS ORDER
Treating the appearance of pores without first managing active blockage may miss the main cause. Once congestion is stable, collagen-remodelling treatment can address texture that remains.
02
CLEAR BLOCKAGE FIRST
Oily or congested-looking pores
Best suited to visible pores accompanied by oiliness, blackheads, whiteheads or recurring blockage.
START HERE
Congestion-focused treatment
Begin by addressing excess build-up and blockage. The appropriate plan may include professional congestion treatment, hydrodermabrasion, carefully selected superficial peeling or professional extraction where suitable.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peel
When oiliness, surface build-up and mild comedonal congestion are contributing to the uneven appearance.
RF microneedling
When congestion is controlled but established pore visibility or textural unevenness remains.
Review congestion stability
When active blockage needs to be settled before considering collagen-remodelling treatment.
WHY THIS ORDER
Treating the appearance of pores without first managing active blockage may miss the main cause. Once congestion is stable, collagen-remodelling treatment can address texture that remains.
02
CLEAR BLOCKAGE FIRST
Oily or congested-looking pores
Best suited to visible pores accompanied by oiliness, blackheads, whiteheads or recurring blockage.
START HERE
Congestion-focused treatment
Begin by addressing excess build-up and blockage. The appropriate plan may include professional congestion treatment, hydrodermabrasion, carefully selected superficial peeling or professional extraction where suitable.
CONSIDER NEXT
Superficial chemical peel
When oiliness, surface build-up and mild comedonal congestion are contributing to the uneven appearance.
RF microneedling
When congestion is controlled but established pore visibility or textural unevenness remains.
Review congestion stability
When active blockage needs to be settled before considering collagen-remodelling treatment.
WHY THIS ORDER
Treating the appearance of pores without first managing active blockage may miss the main cause. Once congestion is stable, collagen-remodelling treatment can address texture that remains.
Still experiencing regular breakouts? Explore Acne and Breakouts →
03
REFINE THE SURFACE
Rough, dull or bumpy surface texture
Best suited to surface-level unevenness without obvious depressed scarring.
START HERE
Superficial chemical peel
A professionally selected superficial peel can help improve surface build-up, dullness and mild unevenness. Peel type and strength must be chosen for the individual skin and concern.
CONSIDER NEXT
Hydrodermabrasion
When the texture is accompanied by congestion or the person wants a gentler treatment with limited recovery.
Non-ablative fractional laser
When unevenness appears deeper or persists despite appropriate surface-focused treatment.
Review skin response
When the surface has been treated appropriately but unevenness remains.
WHY THIS ORDER
If the concern is primarily at the surface, begin with a surface-focused treatment before progressing to deeper collagen remodelling.
03
REFINE THE SURFACE
Rough, dull or bumpy surface texture
Best suited to surface-level unevenness without obvious depressed scarring.
START HERE
Superficial chemical peel
A professionally selected superficial peel can help improve surface build-up, dullness and mild unevenness. Peel type and strength must be chosen for the individual skin and concern.
CONSIDER NEXT
Hydrodermabrasion
When the texture is accompanied by congestion or the person wants a gentler treatment with limited recovery.
Non-ablative fractional laser
When unevenness appears deeper or persists despite appropriate surface-focused treatment.
Review skin response
When the surface has been treated appropriately but unevenness remains.
WHY THIS ORDER
If the concern is primarily at the surface, begin with a surface-focused treatment before progressing to deeper collagen remodelling.
03
REFINE THE SURFACE
Rough, dull or bumpy surface texture
Best suited to surface-level unevenness without obvious depressed scarring.
START HERE
Superficial chemical peel
A professionally selected superficial peel can help improve surface build-up, dullness and mild unevenness. Peel type and strength must be chosen for the individual skin and concern.
CONSIDER NEXT
Hydrodermabrasion
When the texture is accompanied by congestion or the person wants a gentler treatment with limited recovery.
Non-ablative fractional laser
When unevenness appears deeper or persists despite appropriate surface-focused treatment.
Review skin response
When the surface has been treated appropriately but unevenness remains.
WHY THIS ORDER
If the concern is primarily at the surface, begin with a surface-focused treatment before progressing to deeper collagen remodelling.
04
REMODEL PHOTOAGED TEXTURE
Crepey or sun-damaged texture
Best suited to roughness, fine creasing and uneven texture associated with cumulative sun exposure.
START HERE
Non-ablative fractional laser
Non-ablative fractional treatment may improve texture and support gradual remodelling while generally involving less recovery than ablative resurfacing.
CONSIDER NEXT
RF microneedling
When visible pores, early laxity or broader collagen support are also priorities.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
When photoaged texture is more established and greater improvement is prioritised over lower downtime.
Review recovery tolerance
When a more intensive resurfacing option is being considered after assessment.
WHY THIS ORDER
Start with an approach proportionate to the severity of the texture concern. More intensive resurfacing should only be considered when the expected benefit outweighs its additional downtime and risk.
04
REMODEL PHOTOAGED TEXTURE
Crepey or sun-damaged texture
Best suited to roughness, fine creasing and uneven texture associated with cumulative sun exposure.
START HERE
Non-ablative fractional laser
Non-ablative fractional treatment may improve texture and support gradual remodelling while generally involving less recovery than ablative resurfacing.
CONSIDER NEXT
RF microneedling
When visible pores, early laxity or broader collagen support are also priorities.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
When photoaged texture is more established and greater improvement is prioritised over lower downtime.
Review recovery tolerance
When a more intensive resurfacing option is being considered after assessment.
WHY THIS ORDER
Start with an approach proportionate to the severity of the texture concern. More intensive resurfacing should only be considered when the expected benefit outweighs its additional downtime and risk.
04
REMODEL PHOTOAGED TEXTURE
Crepey or sun-damaged texture
Best suited to roughness, fine creasing and uneven texture associated with cumulative sun exposure.
START HERE
Non-ablative fractional laser
Non-ablative fractional treatment may improve texture and support gradual remodelling while generally involving less recovery than ablative resurfacing.
CONSIDER NEXT
RF microneedling
When visible pores, early laxity or broader collagen support are also priorities.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
When photoaged texture is more established and greater improvement is prioritised over lower downtime.
Review recovery tolerance
When a more intensive resurfacing option is being considered after assessment.
WHY THIS ORDER
Start with an approach proportionate to the severity of the texture concern. More intensive resurfacing should only be considered when the expected benefit outweighs its additional downtime and risk.
Fine lines are also a priority? Explore Fine Lines and Wrinkles →
Uneven pigment is also visible? Explore Pigmentation and Sun Damage →
05
IDENTIFY SCAR STRUCTURE
Uneven texture after acne
Best suited to depressions, indentations or persistent structural changes left after breakouts.
START HERE
Scar-type assessment
True acne scars are not the same as enlarged pores or general surface roughness. Ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars can require different scar-directed treatments.
CONSIDER NEXT
RF microneedling or fractional resurfacing
When broader textural scarring is present and the scar type is suitable for collagen-remodelling treatment.
Scar-specific procedures
When scars are deep, narrow or tethered and may not respond adequately to generalised texture treatment alone.
Review scar response
When treatment selection needs to be adjusted to the scar pattern and response.
WHY THIS ORDER
Identifying the scar structure first helps avoid using a broad texture treatment for a concern that requires a more targeted approach.
05
IDENTIFY SCAR STRUCTURE
Uneven texture after acne
Best suited to depressions, indentations or persistent structural changes left after breakouts.
START HERE
Scar-type assessment
True acne scars are not the same as enlarged pores or general surface roughness. Ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars can require different scar-directed treatments.
CONSIDER NEXT
RF microneedling or fractional resurfacing
When broader textural scarring is present and the scar type is suitable for collagen-remodelling treatment.
Scar-specific procedures
When scars are deep, narrow or tethered and may not respond adequately to generalised texture treatment alone.
Review scar response
When treatment selection needs to be adjusted to the scar pattern and response.
WHY THIS ORDER
Identifying the scar structure first helps avoid using a broad texture treatment for a concern that requires a more targeted approach.
05
IDENTIFY SCAR STRUCTURE
Uneven texture after acne
Best suited to depressions, indentations or persistent structural changes left after breakouts.
START HERE
Scar-type assessment
True acne scars are not the same as enlarged pores or general surface roughness. Ice-pick, rolling and boxcar scars can require different scar-directed treatments.
CONSIDER NEXT
RF microneedling or fractional resurfacing
When broader textural scarring is present and the scar type is suitable for collagen-remodelling treatment.
Scar-specific procedures
When scars are deep, narrow or tethered and may not respond adequately to generalised texture treatment alone.
Review scar response
When treatment selection needs to be adjusted to the scar pattern and response.
WHY THIS ORDER
Identifying the scar structure first helps avoid using a broad texture treatment for a concern that requires a more targeted approach.
06
IDENTIFY THE MAIN DRIVER
Mixed texture or I’m not sure
Best suited when several concerns overlap or the main cause is unclear.
START HERE
Professional skin assessment
An assessment should identify whether congestion, pore visibility, surface build-up, photoageing or scarring is the dominant concern before recommending a treatment sequence.
CONSIDER NEXT
Surface-focused treatment
When congestion, dullness or superficial roughness is identified as the main driver.
Collagen-remodelling treatment
When established pores, deeper unevenness or reduced dermal support is the main concern.
Staged review
When several contributors need to be prioritised rather than treated at once.
WHY THIS ORDER
Combination treatment should not be automatic. Identifying the dominant cause helps prioritise the treatment most likely to make a meaningful difference.
06
IDENTIFY THE MAIN DRIVER
Mixed texture or I’m not sure
Best suited when several concerns overlap or the main cause is unclear.
START HERE
Professional skin assessment
An assessment should identify whether congestion, pore visibility, surface build-up, photoageing or scarring is the dominant concern before recommending a treatment sequence.
CONSIDER NEXT
Surface-focused treatment
When congestion, dullness or superficial roughness is identified as the main driver.
Collagen-remodelling treatment
When established pores, deeper unevenness or reduced dermal support is the main concern.
Staged review
When several contributors need to be prioritised rather than treated at once.
WHY THIS ORDER
Combination treatment should not be automatic. Identifying the dominant cause helps prioritise the treatment most likely to make a meaningful difference.
06
IDENTIFY THE MAIN DRIVER
Mixed texture or I’m not sure
Best suited when several concerns overlap or the main cause is unclear.
START HERE
Professional skin assessment
An assessment should identify whether congestion, pore visibility, surface build-up, photoageing or scarring is the dominant concern before recommending a treatment sequence.
CONSIDER NEXT
Surface-focused treatment
When congestion, dullness or superficial roughness is identified as the main driver.
Collagen-remodelling treatment
When established pores, deeper unevenness or reduced dermal support is the main concern.
Staged review
When several contributors need to be prioritised rather than treated at once.
WHY THIS ORDER
Combination treatment should not be automatic. Identifying the dominant cause helps prioritise the treatment most likely to make a meaningful difference.
Explore the full Acne Scarring guide →
What different approaches can—and cannot—do
What different approaches can—and cannot—do
Different treatment categories address different contributors to visible pores and uneven texture.
Different treatment categories address different contributors to visible pores and uneven texture.
CONGESTION-FOCUSED TREATMENTS
Can: Reduce build-up, oiliness and blockage while improving temporary surface smoothness. Cannot: Permanently shrink the natural follicle or remodel established scarring on their own.
COLLAGEN-REMODELLING TREATMENTS
Can: Gradually improve pore appearance and broader textural unevenness. Cannot: Eliminate pores or guarantee completely smooth skin.
FRACTIONAL RESURFACING
Can: Provide a stronger option for established texture, photoageing or suitable scarring. Cannot: Avoid all downtime or risk. Treatment depth must be selected for the person’s skin type and concern.
A visible pore and an acne scar are not the same concern
A visible pore and an acne scar are not the same concern
VISIBLE PORE — A normal follicular opening that may appear more noticeable because of oil, congestion, genetics, collagen changes or sun damage.
DEPRESSED ACNE SCAR — A structural indentation caused by tissue change following acne inflammation. Different scar shapes may require different treatment depths and techniques.
Similar appearance does not always mean the same treatment pathway.
Treatment suitability matters
Treatment suitability matters
Skin tone, active inflammation, recent sun exposure, medical history, healing response and the risk of post-inflammatory pigment change can affect treatment choice. Energy-based treatments and chemical peels should be selected and performed by an appropriately qualified professional.
Common questions about texture and enlarged pores
Common questions about texture and enlarged pores
Can enlarged pores be permanently closed?
Is RF microneedling always the best treatment for enlarged pores?
How soon should I judge the result?
When might fractional CO₂ be considered?
Are blackheads the same as enlarged pores?
Is post-acne texture treated in the same way?
Not sure what is making your pores or texture more noticeable?
Not sure what is making your pores or texture more noticeable?
Use the Treatment Map consultation tool to organise your concerns and understand which treatment categories may be worth discussing with a qualified professional.