Large pores are one of the most common reasons visitors book a skin clinic in Seoul. Skin boosters can help some types of pores, but not all. This guide explains which boosters help, which do not, and when a laser or RF treatment is the better choice.
Skin boosters can make large pores look smaller, but how much depends on the cause. For oily pores, skin Botox (micro Botox) reduces oil and tightens the surface for about 2–3 months. For pores stretched by loss of firmness, collagen-stimulating boosters such as Juvelook can help over a few months. Deep, scar-like pores usually need RF microneedling or fractional laser. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, skin Botox starts from ₩129,000 and Juvelook from ₩299,000 for 2cc (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Why do pores look large?
Pores are the openings of hair follicles and oil glands. Everyone has them, and their size is partly genetic. They tend to look larger for three main reasons, and identifying yours is the key to choosing the right treatment:
- Oil. Active oil glands, common on the nose, forehead and cheeks, stretch the pore opening and make it more visible, especially when combined with shine.
- Loss of firmness. As collagen declines with age and sun exposure, the skin around pores loosens, so pores can look elongated or teardrop-shaped, often on the cheeks.
- Scarring and texture. Past acne can leave enlarged, scar-like pores with uneven edges.
Many people have more than one cause. See our large pores page for how we assess them.
Can skin boosters really shrink pores?
No treatment can permanently remove pores, because they are a normal part of skin. What treatments can do is make pores look smaller by reducing oil, tightening the surrounding skin or smoothing the texture around them. Skin boosters help with the first two causes. They are less effective for deep, scar-like pores, which usually need more structural remodeling.
Which skin boosters help large pores?
| Treatment | Best for | How it helps | Downtime | Price from (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Botox | Oily, shiny pores | Reduces oil and tightens the surface | A few hours | ₩129,000 (full face) |
| Juvelook | Pores from loss of firmness | Stimulates collagen around pores | Bumps 1–3 days | ₩299,000 (2cc) |
| Rejuran Healer | Thin skin with mild pore stretching | Supports skin repair and thickness | Bumps 1–3 days | ₩259,000 (2cc) |
| HA skin booster | Dehydrated skin that makes pores look worse | Plumps and smooths the surface | Bumps 1–2 days | ₩99,000 (2cc) |
Skin Botox for oily pores
Skin Botox places tiny, diluted droplets of toxin just under the skin surface. This is thought to reduce oil output and relax tiny muscles around the follicles, so the surface looks smoother and less shiny. It does not freeze facial expressions when done correctly. Effects usually last about two to three months. Learn more on our skin Botox page.
Juvelook for pores caused by loss of firmness
Juvelook combines PDLLA and hyaluronic acid. The PDLLA prompts new collagen in the dermis, which can firm the skin around stretched pores. Results build over two to three months and work best after two to three sessions. See Juvelook.
Polynucleotide and HA boosters
Rejuran Healer and HA boosters mainly improve overall skin quality and hydration. Better-hydrated, thicker skin can make pores less noticeable, but these boosters are usually supporting players for pores rather than the main treatment.
When are lasers or RF better for pores?
If your pores are deep, scar-like or combined with acne scarring, energy-based treatments usually do more than boosters:
- Potenza RF microneedling heats the deeper skin through fine needles to remodel collagen around pores and scars, with 2–4 days of redness.
- Pico fractional creates microscopic remodeling zones under the surface to refine texture, with 1–3 days of redness.
- Laser toning can help oily, large-pored skin look more refined over a series, with no downtime.
Many plans combine a device with a booster, for example RF microneedling followed by skin Botox. Compare options in skin Botox vs HA skin booster and Potenza.
How doctors build a pore plan
A sensible pore plan starts with diagnosis rather than a product. At consultation, the doctor looks at where your pores are, whether they are round or elongated, how oily the skin is and whether there are acne scars. Round, oily pores on the nose and inner cheeks usually point toward oil control, such as skin Botox. Elongated, teardrop-shaped pores on the outer cheeks suggest loss of firmness, where collagen stimulation makes more sense. Irregular, pitted pores alongside scars usually need RF microneedling or fractional laser. Many people need a combination, staged over one or more visits, and the doctor will explain the order and timing in English.
Who is a good candidate?
Usually a good fit
- Oily skin with visible pores on the nose and cheeks
- Cheek pores that have stretched with age
- People wanting smoother makeup application
- Those with realistic goals of smaller-looking pores
Talk to the doctor first
- Active inflamed acne (treat this first)
- Neuromuscular conditions, for skin Botox
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of keloids or lumps after injectables
What results can you expect?
With the right treatment for the right cause, most people notice pores that look smaller and less shiny, and skin that feels smoother. Skin Botox shows an effect within one to two weeks. Collagen-based boosters take two to three months. Energy-based treatments improve gradually over a series.
Pores will not disappear, and they may look larger again as effects wear off, with heat, humidity or oily skincare. Maintenance treatments and a good routine help keep improvements. See skin Botox results.
Home care that helps pores
- Cleanse gently twice a day; avoid harsh scrubs.
- Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Consider ingredients your doctor recommends, such as salicylic acid or retinoids, once skin has recovered from treatment.
- Wear sunscreen daily, because sun damage loosens the skin around pores.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
Skin Botox can cause small bumps that settle within hours, mild bruising and, uncommonly, temporary changes to facial expression if toxin spreads to deeper muscles, which is why dosing and depth matter. Collagen stimulators can cause bumps for a few days and, rarely, small nodules. Polynucleotide boosters are salmon-derived, so anyone with a fish allergy should tell the doctor. Energy-based treatments can cause temporary redness and, rarely, pigment changes, especially on tanned skin.
A licensed doctor should confirm which treatment suits your pores and skin type. Read side effects and when to contact us.
How much do pore treatments cost in Seoul (2026)?
At Dernia, skin Botox costs ₩129,000 for the full face with a Korean toxin, or ₩199,000 including the neck. Juvelook is ₩299,000 for 2cc and ₩549,000 for a 4cc full-face session. Potenza RF microneedling is ₩299,000 per full-face session or ₩799,000 for a 3-session course.
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. Full details on the skin Botox price page.
Planning pore treatment around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send close-up photos and your dates through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Treat from day two onward.
- Sequence carefully. If combining RF microneedling and boosters, do the device early in your stay.
- Getting here. Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Skin Botox and boosters usually allow flying the next day. After RF microneedling, keep skin clean and moisturized and avoid makeup for a day. Our aftercare guide explains more.
Frequently asked questions
Can skin boosters permanently shrink pores?
No. Pores are a normal part of skin. Boosters can make them look smaller for months, but maintenance is needed.
What is the best booster for oily pores?
Skin Botox is commonly used for oily, shiny pores because it reduces oil and tightens the surface for about two to three months.
Does Juvelook help large pores?
It can help pores that look larger because of loss of firmness, as it stimulates collagen. Results build over two to three months.
Are lasers better than boosters for pores?
For deep or scar-like pores, RF microneedling or fractional lasers usually do more. For oily pores, skin Botox is often effective.
How long does skin Botox last for pores?
The smoother, less oily look usually lasts about two to three months.
How much is skin Botox at Dernia?
Skin Botox starts from ₩129,000 for the full face with a Korean toxin, excluding 10% VAT.
Want smaller-looking pores?
Send us your concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines your pores in person, explains in English which treatment fits the cause, and confirms your plan and price first.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.