Skin Concerns

Blocked Pores & Enlarged Pores

Clearing congestion, refining texture and helping enlarged pores appear less noticeable.

TREATMENTS FOR BLOCKED PORES & ENLARGED PORES

UltraClear

Cold Fiber Laser resurfacing with less downtime and deep collagen renewal.

Chemical Skin Peels

Resurfacing peels for clearer, brighter, smoother skin.

Axion Microneedling

Collagen-induction microneedling for scars, pores and skin quality.

111GlassSkin

Achieve a smooth, luminous, glass-like complexion with 111Glass Skin, a bespoke treatment designed to deeply hydrate, refine and revitalise your skin.

What is it

Understanding blocked & enlarged pores

Pores are small openings in the skin through which oil, known as sebum, reaches the surface. They are a normal and essential part of the skin and are most visible in areas with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, particularly around the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Because these areas naturally produce more oil, their pores may appear larger and are more susceptible to congestion.

Blocked pores develop when sebum, dead skin cells and other debris accumulate within the hair follicle. If the follicle remains open at the surface, the contents oxidise on contact with air and darken, forming a blackhead. Oxidation, not dirt, creates the colour. If skin covers the opening, a whitehead forms as a small, raised, pale bump. When many of these comedones are present together, this is known as comedonal acne.

Enlarged pores are a separate but related concern: pore size is strongly influenced by genetics, and pores can appear more prominent with excess oil, congestion, ageing, loss of skin elasticity and sun damage. Pores contain no muscles, so they cannot physically open and close, and they cannot be permanently removed. Their appearance, however, can often be improved.

At 111 Harley Street, we assess your skin to determine what is causing congestion or enlarged pores, and treatment may then focus on clearing blockages, regulating oil, refining texture, stimulating collagen, or reducing how visible the pores appear.

FAQs

Get clarity before your consultation

From blackheads to pore size, clear answers to the questions patients ask us most.

Can you permanently shrink pores?

No. Natural pore size is influenced by factors such as genetics and sebaceous activity, so pores cannot be permanently removed or closed. However, clearing congestion, improving skin texture and stimulating collagen can make enlarged pores appear less noticeable.

What is the best treatment for enlarged pores?

The most appropriate treatment depends on why the pores appear enlarged. Congested pores may benefit from treatments that clear excess sebum and dead skin cells, while pores associated with reduced skin elasticity may benefit from collagen-stimulating or resurfacing treatments.

How is a blackhead different from a blocked pore?

A blackhead is a specific type of blocked pore known as an open comedone. The follicle contains sebum and dead skin cells but remains open at the surface, causing the material inside to oxidise and appear dark.

Why do my pores look larger on my nose and cheeks?

These areas contain more sebaceous glands and naturally produce more oil, which can make pores more visible. Genetics, congestion, ageing and reduced skin elasticity can also contribute to enlarged-looking pores around the nose and cheeks.

Does salicylic acid help blocked pores?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can penetrate into oily follicles and help remove excess sebum and dead skin cells. It can therefore be useful for blackheads and congested pores, although the strength and frequency should be suitable for your skin type.