Hair grows from the pores of the skin and the hair follicles contain oil producing glands called sebaceous glands that release oil called sebum. Sweat pores are totally different in structure and are not visible with the naked eye. People frequently refer to enlarged sweat pores, which is incorrect: the term ¡®pores¡¯ should be used.

1. Active oil production
In order to accommodate the full-scale sebum production starting with puberty, pores, a passage for discharging sebum, become larger. Since it is easy for surface dead skin cells or oil sebum to become trapped in pores, they only serve to make pores bigger.

2. Aging skin
Even if oil production is slow, everyone experiences stretched pores to some extent as they grow old. Women entering their 30s start to feel rapid decline in skin elasticity and pore-tightening power which results in stretched pores that appear larger.
3. Hereditary factors
If parents have oily skin with active oil production, their children are prone to have such skin. People¡¯s sebaceous glands react differently to a hormone called androgen which promotes sebum production. People also have different sizes of sebaceous glands.
Pores are reduced mainly by discouraging oil production and helping oil discharge and by doing so, increasing resilience of the overall skin or pores. Combined treatments depending on pore condition and cause will help maximize effects. Since pores have become larger and larger over a very long time, you cannot expect a dramatic, over-night change; 3~6 months of persistent care is required.
1. CoolTouch Laser
Laser of 1320nm wavelength combined with epidermal cooling system induce collagen synthesis of the dermis without damaging the epidermis. As new skin is formed, skin becomes more resilient and pores are tightened. You may see mild redness after procedure which will subside within hours and you may resume normal activities. 3~5 treatments with monthly intervals are needed.

2. Genesis Technique
V-beam laser with 1064nm of wavelength is used to promote collagen synthesis of the dermis and reduction in pore size. It has outstanding effects on fine lines and because of the absence of pain, anesthesia is unnecessary. Washing your face and applying makeup is possible immediately afterwards and no downtime is required. In most cases patients may schedule at least three treatment sessions as close as 2~3 weeks apart.
3. Gobayasi sebaceous gland removal
This is a fundamental interception by destroying sebaceous glands on the T-zone where most oil is produced. By suppressing oil production semi-permanently, it is removing the cause of enlarged pores. Specially designed Gobayasi fine insulating needle is inserted into every single pore to remove sebaceous glands. It is highly effective at treating recurrent inflamed acne, de-shining the nose (which results in uneven makeup) and reducing pores. This procedure is especially good for patients with a lot of blackheads in their noses (sebum collects and hardens in the pores without being expelled through the skin and the exposed tip becomes oxidized and black.) A series of treatments (about 4) spaced out about 2~4 weeks apart is recommended. Treating the nose usually takes no more than 40 minutes. If patient is older, healing period will be longer, so an interval of 3~4 weeks is more appropriate.
4. Deep sea herbal peel

100% natural seaweed powder extracted from the deep sea is applied and massaged into the skin together with active ingredients for a peeling effect. It clears the skin, reinforces resilience and shrinks pores. Mild redness and swelling is seen for 2 days following procedure and flaking will occur on days 3~5, so a total of five days is needed for skin rejuvenation.
5. Crystal peel
Fine crystal particles are sprayed over the skin¡¯s outer layer to elaborately shave the skin and glycolic acid is spread to remove remaining dead skin cells. This procedure helps oil discharge, constricts pores and brightens the skin tone. It is virtually painless and popular among students and working women because wearing makeup and going out is possible immediately afterwards. Patients need to schedule 5~10 treatment sessions as close as 1~2 weeks apart.
6. Glycolic acid peel
It is a process whereby fruit acid is applied to the surface of the skin to peel away the top cell layers. As lump of oil in pores is dissolved to clean pores, it is often used to treat acne. Ten or more peels may be needed at 1~2 week intervals to reduce pore size.
7. Dot peel
A chemical solution is applied to pores to burn away the uppermost layer of skin and allow new skin to form. You are a good candidate if you have large pores or small, dented scars. A crust will form after a week and redness and pigmented blotches will appear for 1~4 weeks after that, but washing your face and wearing makeup will not be a problem. Five or more treatments may be needed to obtain the desired result with one month intervals.
8. Laser peel

Erbium YAG laser or ultrapulse 5000C laser is the mildest form of laser peeling. A topical anesthetic is administered an hour and a half before the procedure and on the day of procedure, the whole skin appears red. The next day, a crust will form which will fall off within 3~4 days. Most people need this treatment ten times at one month intervals.
9. Taking oil control medicine
A modified form of Vitamin A, the medicine shows remarkable results in decreasing oil production and is used for oil control as well as acne treatment. It should be taken for at least three months; the effects often last longer. If you are planning pregnancy, you should consult your doctor first.

10. Ointments

You cannot achieve maximum peeling or oil-dissolving results by applying ointment or solution alone to skin. It should be performed along with other pore care procedures at your skin clinic for 3~6 months.

- Do pore minimizers actually work?
You cannot expect noticeable results using pore minimizing cosmetics sold on the market because they contain extremely small quantities of medication. They can work as a supplementary tool at home if used in conjunction with your continuous pore care treatments at your dermatologist.