The Truth About Laser for Large Pores

Let’s face it—large pores can be frustrating. They make skin texture look uneven, can trap oil and makeup, and often seem impossible to shrink. While skincare can help, many clients come to Bad Skin in downtown Redwood City wondering: Can lasers really shrink my pores?

The answer? Yes—but with some caveats. If you’re dealing with visibly enlarged pores and want to explore long-term solutions beyond toners and serums, laser treatments may be exactly what you need.

Clients from across the Bay Area—San Mateo, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Belmont, San Carlos, Foster City, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, Fremont, Union City, Hayward, Millbrae, Burlingame, South San Francisco, Los Altos, Daly City, and more—visit us for smoother skin and smaller-looking pores.

Let’s get into the truth behind laser treatments for pore reduction.

🔍 First, What Causes Large Pores?

Before we talk treatment, it helps to understand what causes enlarged pores in the first place. Common culprits include:

• Excess oil production

• Loss of collagen or elasticity (from aging or sun damage)

• Genetics

• Improper skincare or congestion

• Acne or blackheads

While you can't permanently eliminate pores—they’re a natural part of your skin—you can make them appear much smaller and smoother.

⚡ How Lasers Help with Large Pores

Laser treatments work by stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture, and tightening the surrounding tissue. As the skin becomes firmer and healthier, pores look less noticeable.

Here are the top laser options we use at Bad Skin for pore refinement:

1. Fractional Laser Resurfacing (UltraClear or CO₂)

• Targets deep layers of the skin

• Promotes new collagen and skin regeneration

• Reduces pore size and smooths texture

• Some downtime, but results can be dramatic over a series

2. Non-Ablative Laser (e.g., Clear + Brilliant or 1540nm)

• Gentle, with minimal downtime

• Great for maintenance and mild to moderate pore concerns

• Improves radiance and refines skin tone

3. Laser Genesis or Nd:YAG

• Safe for most skin tones

• Improves redness and helps with acne-related pore congestion

• Best when done in a series

🧴 Do At-Home Products Work?

Topicals like retinoids, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and BHAs (like salicylic acid) can absolutely help maintain results by regulating oil production and supporting healthy skin turnover.

But lasers work deeper—stimulating change below the surface that no serum can reach.

We often pair in-office laser sessions with a customized at-home routine to extend results and support your skin barrier.

🕒 How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Most clients notice:

• Smoother texture within 1–2 weeks

• Visible pore reduction by week 3–4

• Cumulative results with a series of 3–5 treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart

Maintenance treatments 1–2 times a year can keep your skin looking refined long-term.

👩‍⚕️ Are Lasers Safe for All Skin Types?

Not all lasers are suitable for every skin tone—but at Bad Skin, we carefully choose devices that are safe and effective across diverse skin types.

During your consultation, we’ll:

• Assess your skin

• Choose the right wavelength and settings

• Ensure safety and comfort before, during, and after your treatment

💡 Other Options for Pore Minimization

Lasers are powerful—but they’re not the only option. We also treat large pores with:

• Microneedling or RF Microneedling: Helps resurface and rebuild collagen

• Chemical Peels: Great for oil regulation and texture smoothing

• HydraFacial or exfoliating facials: Prevents buildup in clogged pores

Often, combining treatments over time delivers the best, longest-lasting results.

📍 Why Choose Bad Skin in Redwood City?

At Bad Skin, we don’t push treatments. We educate, guide, and tailor every session to your skin’s unique needs. Whether your pores are due to genetics, acne history, or aging—we’ve got a plan.

We proudly serve clients from Redwood City and surrounding areas like San Mateo, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and beyond. You’ll find us inside Sola Salons, directly across from Philz Coffee, in a clean, relaxed space where you can feel comfortable and cared for.

💬 Final Thoughts

Lasers won’t erase your pores—but they can make them look tighter, smoother, and way less noticeable. If you’re tired of filters, mattifying primers, and products that don’t deliver, it might be time to try something more advanced.

At Bad Skin, we’re here to help you glow without the guesswork.