Enlarged pores and blackheads are very common skin concerns, and at Skin Architect we have extensive experience in treating both. We offer a range of advanced in-clinic treatments designed to refine pores and clear congestion. Our skilled skin therapists can also recommend medical-grade skincare to help you manage and improve these concerns at home.
To determine the most suitable treatment for your skin, we offer a free remote skin consultation. Simply send photographs of your skin, and one of our advanced aesthetic therapists will assess your concerns and advise on the most effective treatments or products.
Blackheads, also called open comedones, are small dark spots that form when the opening of a hair follicle becomes blocked with oil, debris or dead skin cells. When this mixture is exposed to air, it oxidises and turns dark, giving the characteristic black appearance.
Blackheads develop when excess oil, dead skin cells or impurities clog the opening of a pore. Although anyone can experience them, they are most common in people with oily skin or acne-prone skin. Enlarged pores also make blackheads more likely, as they provide more space for oil and debris to collect. Factors such as hormonal changes, stress and certain dietary habits can increase oil production, which in turn contributes to blackhead formation.
Oily skin
Excess sebum production can stretch the pores, making them appear larger. This is common in individuals whose sebaceous glands are naturally more active.
Ageing
As the skin matures, elasticity and firmness gradually decrease. When the skin becomes less able to bounce back, the pores can stretch and appear more visible over time.
Insufficient skincare
Lack of regular cleansing, exfoliation or SPF can contribute to enlarged pores. UV damage may also permanently weaken pore walls, causing them to dilate. When oil, impurities and dead skin cells accumulate, pores can become blocked and increasingly stretched.
Genetics and hormonal changes
Genetic skin type, as well as hormonal fluctuations, can influence oil production and pore size.
In-clinic treatments
Deep exfoliating facials and chemical exfoliation treatments help clear congestion, smooth the skin and refine the appearance of pores. These treatments remove dead skin cells, lift oil from the pores and promote a fresher, clearer complexion.
Home skincare
Using the correct skincare can help regulate oil production and prevent pores from becoming larger over time. Proper cleansing, exfoliation and daily sun protection play a key role in maintaining pore health.
For personalised advice, we recommend a free remote skin consultation, where one of our skin specialists can assess your skin and recommend the most suitable products for at-home use.
A deep exfoliating facial with blackhead extraction is an excellent option for removing existing blackheads. This type of facial typically includes cleansing, exfoliation, microdermabrasion and manual extraction. Regular treatments every four to six weeks help prevent new blackheads, reduce excess oil and maintain clearer pores.
For clients prone to breakouts and oily skin, chemical exfoliation treatments can offer deeper resurfacing and help reduce congestion and blackheads.
To address enlarged or permanently dilated pores, collagen-stimulating treatments such as microneedling can improve skin texture and tighten pore appearance over time.
A tailored routine usually includes a foaming or clarifying cleanser, gentle exfoliants and targeted treatments such as retinol. Daily SPF is essential to protect the skin and prevent further pore enlargement.
For managing blackheads at home, it is important to use an exfoliating cleanser, a retinol-based product and a non-comedogenic SPF. These help to prevent clogged pores, regulate oil production and protect the skin from further congestion.
However, skincare products alone will not fully remove existing blackheads. The most effective approach combines regular in-clinic treatments with a suitable medical-grade skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs.
Effective blackhead removal usually involves a combination of in-clinic treatments and the right medical-grade skincare. At Skin Architect, our deep exfoliation and blackhead extraction facial is an excellent option for clearing congestion, removing existing blackheads and helping to prevent them from returning.
To help minimise enlarged pores, it is important to use an exfoliating cleanser, a retinol-based product and a non-comedogenic SPF. These work together to regulate oil production, improve skin texture and prevent pores from becoming further enlarged. Retinol is often considered one of the most effective ingredients for refining pores and supporting smoother, clearer skin.
Enlarged pores are best treated through a combination of in-clinic procedures and targeted medical skincare. Regular deep exfoliating facials can help to clear congestion, remove blackheads and reduce excess oil, which in turn minimises the appearance of pores. Microneedling treatments can also be highly effective, as they stimulate collagen and help to tighten and refine pores for longer-lasting improvement.
Location: Skin Architect (Inside Listers Health)
Listers Mill, Heaton Road, Bradford, BD9 4SH
E-mail: info@skinarchitect.co.uk
Phone : 01274 982121
If you would like to find out more about a treatment we offer then a callback from a member of our team is a great option.
Please complete the form below so that we can reach you and provide us with some details on your enquiry so the most suitable member of our team can give you a call. You will have the opportunity to select the date of your callback and either a morning, afternoon or evening call back slot.
Please note we are unable to provide call backs on Sunday’s or Bank Holidays.