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Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
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Is Pico Laser Really the Best Laser for Pores?

By SL Aesthetic Clinic
  • Published Date:
Last Updated:
March 23, 2026
Pico Laser Treatment for Large Pores

TL;DR 

  • Pico laser can help minimise the appearance of pores by stimulating collagen and tightening the surrounding skin.

  • It is effective for pores, but if your goal is purely to target texture and pore size, there are more dedicated lasers better suited for that purpose.

It is not uncommon for pores to be a common Singaporean skin problem, given our climate.

While there is really nothing wrong with it, some people may dislike how it makes their skin texture appear. 

The pico laser has long been sought after for minimising pores – but is it really the most efficient for pores? Let’s find out.

 

Can Laser Shrink Pore Size Permanently?

Unfortunately, a laser treatment cannot shrink your pore size permanently, but it can minimise their appearance significantly for an extended period.

What Causes Enlarged Pores Diagram

A pore is a small opening in the skin that connects to a hair follicle and sebaceous gland. Its size is largely determined by genetics and skin type, which cannot be changed by any laser treatment. Lasers can improve the appearance of pores by tightening the surrounding skin and stimulating collagen, but they cannot physically shrink the pore itself.

However, lasers can effectively deal with two main causes of enlarged pores: excess oil and elasticity loss. When a laser targets and heats the deeper layer of the skin, it triggers collagen and elastin production, which leads to the tightening of the walls of the pore, making it look more refined and smaller. 

Why Are Results Not Permanent?

While the new collagen stays in your skin, it does not stop the body’s natural process and other external factors:

  • Ageing: Collagen breaks down as you age, leading to skin sagging and pores to become more noticeable.
  • Oil production: Oily skin will continue to expand the pore to allow the sebum to reach the surface.
  • Sun damage: The skin’s elasticity is damaged by exposure to UV rays.

Decoding the World of Lasers

Laser Effects on Pores Diagram

There are many types of lasers available today to address pores. To make it easier to understand, we can broadly group these lasers into two categories: ablative and non-ablative.

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layers of the skin, promoting regeneration and improving deeper skin issues. It is usually only used for very enlarged pores and if you have significant texture issues and deep acne scars. 

  • What happens to skin: By peeling away the topmost skin layer, the body is compelled to develop an entirely renewed, smoother epidermis.

  • The catch: Ablative laser treatments require considerable downtime. Expect skin redness, peeling, and scabbing that may last for a week. This treatment may not be ideal for darker skin tones since it can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Types of Ablative Lasers

Fractional CO2 Laser: This type of laser works by vaporising microscopic columns of tissue, which tightens the skin surrounding the pore as it heals. The formation of new collagen makes the skin firm and smooth, resulting in minimised pores.

Erbium YAG Laser: This type of laser is more precise than a CO2 laser. It is often preferred by patients who wish to have a shorter downtime. An Erbium laser works by removing skin layers with precision and less residual heat damage to the surrounding area, which effectively addresses textural irregularities in the skin, as well as enlarged pores.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers are gentle skin stimulators and this type of treatment does not damage the skin’s surface. The energy from the laser’s light beams bypasses the epidermis and directly penetrates into the skin, delivering energy right into the dermis.

  • What happens to the pores: The laser beams create “micro-injuries” underneath the skin’s surface to stimulate the production of collagen without causing any open wound on the skin’s surface.

  • The catch: Laser for pores using the non-ablative method require more sessions compared to ablative lasers; however downtime is minimal to none.

Types of Non-Ablative Lasers

Fraxel Dual: This type of laser is the classic option for dealing with enlarged pores. It uses two wavelengths, which target pores structure and pigmentation separately.

C&B Laser: Otherwise known as “Baby Laser,” this type of laser is a great option to introduce your skin to lasers. It is effective for maintaining the younger skin’s small pores and radiance before signs of significant ageing appear.

Pico Lasers: These lasers do not use heat, but pressure (photoacoustic energy). It uses ultra-fast laser pulses to cause less damage to skin and speed up recovery. Specifically for enlarged pores, pico laser uses a “fractionated” lens during treatment. This process forms bubbles of tiny air beneath the skin, called Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). New collagen is then formed as the skin begins to heal these bubbles.

Why Do My Pores Look Bigger After Laser?

Seeing your pores look larger than before your treatment is a common and temporary occurrence. This is a phenomenon called “The Orange Peel Effect.” This usually happens because of:

  • Crust and Dehydration: The skin’s moisture barrier disrupts temporarily following a laser treatment. The surface of the skin becomes extremely dry as it prepares to shed, making it appear less plump. Your skin will look rougher and the indentations of the pores will appear more obvious due to dehydration.

  • Edema or Localised Swelling: The micro-injuries in the skin caused by the laser’s heat will lead to the swelling of the surrounding skin. As the tissue surrounding the pore swells, it can expand the pore opening, which can make it look wider and visible for the first few days.

  • Purging: The heat from the laser may loosen the debris and sebum in the follicle, which move to the surface, causing the pore to look stretched.

There is no need to panic when you notice your pores become larger following a treatment as this “texture flare-up” will resolve within a week as the skin heals from swelling and collagen-rich skin resurfaces.

How to Maximise Your Laser Investment

Treating your skin to a laser procedure is giving it permission to reset. However, the longevity of the treatment’s results will depend on your daily skincare and lifestyle habits. You need to follow-up with the right aftercare to keep your skin pore-free.

1. Active Maintenance: Once your skin heals and your doctor gives the go-ahead, include salicylic acid or a gentle retinoid in your daily skincare to promote cell turn over and prevent pore clogging.

2. Double Cleanse: Clean your face by using an oil-based cleanser, then a water-based one to make sure that debris and sebum are thoroughly removed from your pores. 

3. Sunscreen Always: Sun-protection is a non-negotiable if you want to protect your investment and see the best results on your skin for long. Without protection, UV rays can easily damage your new and vulnerable skin cells, which makes it challenging to maintain the enhancements you have paid for.

Which is the Best Laser Treatment Suited for Your Skin?

The best laser for your skin depends on your skin type, concerns, and overall goals – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. 

While Pico lasers are often marketed as a go-to treatment for pore issues, they’re not necessarily the default choice for everyone, especially if you have existing skin concerns. For concerns focused purely on pore refinement and skin rejuvenation, C&B laser may be more suitable. 

That said, most people with enlarged pores also have other underlying skin issues, such as pigmentation or uneven texture. For the best results, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach and plan treatments based on your skin as a whole, rather than targeting just one concern with a single laser.

Book an appointment with SL Aesthetic Clinic to know which treatment is suited for your skin.

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