Monday, October 27th, 2025

Enlarged Pores vs True Acne Scars: How to Tell (and What to Do)

Q: Do I have scars or just enlarged pores?

If the surface shows shallow depressions or uneven shadows, they are likely acne scars. Enlarged pores remain level with the skin. Professional magnification analysis can confirm.

Q: Will CO₂ laser fix large pores?

CO₂ laser provides mild pore refinement but primarily targets atrophic acne scars. RF microneedling is safer and more suitable for pore tightening with minimal downtime.

Q: Can enlarged pores turn into scars?

Pores do not become scars. However, if inflammation repeatedly damages collagen around pores, true acne scars may eventually form in those areas.

enlarged pores vs true acne scars, how to tell and what to do

Many people confuse enlarged pores with acne scars — but the causes, appearance, and treatments differ. Understanding which you have helps set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary procedures.

Why Enlarged Pores Are Not Always Scars

Enlarged pores occur when oil glands overproduce sebum or when skin loses elasticity, causing follicle openings to appear larger. They sit at the same level as the surrounding skin and usually respond to texture-refining treatments.

Acne scars, in contrast, are structural — caused by collagen loss and tethering after inflammatory acne. They create permanent depressions below the surface, such as rolling, boxcar, or ice-pick types.

How to Tell the Difference: Diagnostic Checklist

If you’re unsure whether you have acne scars or simply texture irregularities, use the quick checklist below before your consultation.

Feature	Enlarged Pores	True Acne Scars
Appearance	Round, visible openings; skin remains level	Indentations or pits; skin surface dips below normal level
Texture	Slightly rough, uneven tone	Permanent depressions; may feel “bumpy” under light
Cause	Excess sebum, genetics, aging, sun damage	Inflammatory acne destroying collagen matrix
Response to skincare	Improves with retinoids, exfoliants, pore-refining serums	Minimal improvement; requires medical resurfacing
Best treatment direction	RF microneedling or light fractional laser to tighten pores	Subcision, fractional CO₂ laser, or collagen stimulators

Do Lasers Help with Pores or Only Scars?

Both Secret RF microneedling and Fractional CO₂ laser can refine skin texture — but their targets differ:

RF microneedling: Delivers energy through insulated needles, tightening pores by stimulating dermal collagen while preserving the surface. Safe for most skin tones.
Fractional CO₂ laser: Works on deeper atrophic scars by ablating micro-columns of skin to trigger healing and resurfacing.

If your main concern is pores and shine, RF-based or chemical-based programs may suffice. But if you have visible depressions, a plan for acne-scar removal in Singapore would provide stronger improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have scars or just enlarged pores?

Look at your skin in angled light. If the texture shows shallow dips or uneven shadows, they’re likely scars. If openings are round but flat, they’re enlarged pores. A skin analysis under magnification gives definitive confirmation.

Will CO₂ laser fix large pores?

CO₂ laser can refine pores slightly but is primarily designed for acne-scar resurfacing. For pore tightening with lower downtime, Secret RF microneedling or hybrid fractional devices are preferred.

Can enlarged pores turn into scars?

No — pores do not “become” scars. However, chronic inflammation or repeated acne in pore-dense areas can damage collagen, eventually forming true scars.

What to Do Next

Unsure which category you fall into? Start with a consultation to assess whether you’re dealing with surface texture or structural scars. This helps determine if you need resurfacing, collagen repair, or maintenance care.

Explore your options for acne-scar removal in Singapore.
Learn more about Secret RF Microneedling and Fractional CO₂ Laser.

This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Individual results depend on scar type, skin health, and treatment plan.