You cleanse your face, take care of your skin, and your pores are still visible. That does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Pores are part of your skin. They do not need to disappear for your skin to look well cared for.
If their appearance bothers you, I start by taking a closer look. Whether the concern is congestion, shine or skin that feels less firm makes a difference to the skincare and treatments that may suit you.
Visible does not always mean clogged
Excess oil, congestion and a loss of skin firmness can make pores more noticeable. That is why more thorough cleansing does not address every concern about pores. Scrubbing hard can irritate your skin rather than help it, as the American Academy of Dermatology explains.
At FACIALIST in Zug, we talk about more than what you would like to change. I also listen to what you already use and how your skin responds. A new serum is not automatically the next step.
What your skincare at home can do
A gentle cleanser, a suitable moisturiser and daily sun protection are the foundation. If your skin is prone to congestion, look for products labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they are formulated not to clog pores.
Salicylic acid can be useful for blackheads. It helps loosen dead skin cells and clear clogged pores. What matters is whether the whole product suits your skin. The name of one ingredient does not tell you how well you will tolerate a formula. The AAD explains the role of salicylic acid in treating blackheads.
Retinol can also improve the appearance of pores, but it may irritate sensitive skin. It is not an extra step that every routine needs. Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can find guidance in the dermatology recommendations on visible pores.
When Hydrafacial may be a useful addition
If congestion and a rough skin surface are your main concerns, we can consider Hydrafacial. The treatment combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydrating skincare. First, we assess whether it suits your skin as it is now.
Expectations matter. Skin that looks clearer and smoother is not the same as permanently smaller pores. Small studies of hydradermabrasion show changes at the skin surface, but do not provide robust evidence that pores are permanently reduced in size. One such study was published in April 2024.
A facial tailored to you, rather than more intensity
With our Tailormade Facials, we choose cleansing, ingredients and skincare steps to suit your skin. This gives us room to respond to different needs rather than treating every visible pore in the same way.
A professional peel may also be an option. It helps remove surface skin cells. The appropriate type depends partly on how sensitive your skin is and which active ingredients you already use at home.
If your skin stings, flakes or feels irritated, the first priority is what it can tolerate. A more intensive treatment is not automatically a better choice. Our facial treatments and skin consultations are therefore organised around different skin goals.
Finding the right next step
Visible pores alone are not a reason for an elaborate treatment plan. If you also have deep, painful spots or develop scarring, a dermatology assessment is advisable.
You are welcome to bring your current products, or photos of them, to your consultation. Together, we look at what already works, where products overlap and whether a treatment could offer a useful additional benefit. Sometimes the next step is to leave something out.