Large Pores and Oily Skin
Refine large pores and balance oil production with K-Beauty informed peels, light therapy, and barrier-respecting protocols. We don't shrink pores by stripping the skin.
Causes and Treatment
Pore size is largely genetic, but visible pore appearance can be improved meaningfully. Pores look larger when they are clogged with oil and dead skin (which stretches them) and when the skin around them has lost firmness (which fails to support the pore wall). The right plan addresses both.
Better's approach to large pores has three tracks:
- Clear what's clogging them with peels, extractions, and BBL light therapy.
- Reduce oil production through targeted serums and gentle exfoliation, never harsh stripping.
- Tighten the skin around them through Glass Skin Facials and (for advanced cases) microneedling.
The Western approach often pushes harsh exfoliants and astringents that strip the barrier, which paradoxically makes oil production rebound and pores look worse. Better's K-Beauty informed protocol works gentler and sustainably.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better treats large pores with four primary tools, often combined.
Personalized Chemical Peel
Custom-blended salicylic and lactic acid peel that exfoliates pore-clogging cells and reduces oil production. The most direct treatment for visible pores.
Forever Clear BBL
Light therapy that reduces P. acnes bacteria, calms oil-producing sebaceous glands, and refines pore appearance over a series.
Glass Skin Facial
K-Beauty barrier-supporting facial with gentle exfoliation and pore-refining serums. Used between deeper treatments for ongoing maintenance.
Microneedling
Skin needling that stimulates collagen production around the pore wall, gradually firming the skin and reducing pore appearance.
Stop the strip-and-rebound cycle. If you've been using harsh acne washes, alcohol toners, and high-strength exfoliants and your pores look worse, the answer is gentler care, not more aggressive treatment. We will simplify your routine before adding professional treatments.
How to Choose Between Them
Match the treatment to your skin type and severity.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Visible clogged pores, oily T-zone | Personalized Chemical Peel series |
| Oily acne-prone skin | Forever Clear BBL series |
| Maintenance and barrier health | Monthly Glass Skin Facial |
| Advanced pore enlargement | Microneedling series of 3 |
| Sensitive but oily | Glass Skin + gentle peel rotation |
| Comprehensive plan | BBL + monthly Glass Skin |
The realistic outcome for large pores is meaningful refinement, not full closure. Genetics set a floor on pore size that no treatment can move below. Better's approach is to clear what's clogging them, balance oil production, and firm the surrounding skin so they look minimized in real-world conditions.
Most patients see meaningful improvement after 3 to 4 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks, with continued improvement on monthly maintenance.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Pore consultations at Better start with a 5-minute skin assessment to evaluate oil distribution, pore visibility, and any active congestion. We discuss your current routine and almost always recommend simplifying.
Chemical peels and BBL sessions take 30 to 60 minutes with minimal downtime. Microneedling takes 60 minutes with topical numbing and 24 hours of redness. Glass Skin Facials run 60 to 90 minutes with no downtime.
Dr. Brechner supervises all skin protocols. Our team is trained in K-Beauty informed approaches that prioritize barrier health.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute consultation maps your pore type and the right starting protocol.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pores actually shrink?
True pore size is genetic and doesn't change. But visible appearance can be dramatically improved by clearing what clogs them and firming the skin around them. Most patients are happy with the realistic outcome.
Should I stop my acne washes?
Often yes. Many patients arrive over-treating with harsh acne products that strip the barrier and rebound oil production. We will review your routine at consultation and simplify before adding professional treatments.
How many sessions will I need?
Chemical peel series: 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Forever Clear BBL: 4 to 6 weekly sessions for active acne, then monthly. Glass Skin Facial: monthly maintenance. Most patients see results in 8 to 12 weeks.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
Will treatment make my skin oilier?
No, when treatment is done correctly. Aggressive over-treatment can rebound oil production. Better's gentler protocols balance oil rather than triggering more.
How much does pore treatment cost in Chicago?
Personalized Chemical Peel and Forever Clear BBL are priced per session. Glass Skin Facial starts at approximately $176 per session. Microneedling starts at approximately $342 per session. Series and Membership pricing reduces per-session cost. See our Specials.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to refine your pores without stripping your skin?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.