Can Microneedling Really Shrink Pores and Reduce Blackheads? Here’s What You Should Know

stelladestefanis
5 days ago
4 min read

Microneedling for Pore Size & Blackhead Reduction at Acupunctury

Learn how microneedling helps tighten skin, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and combat blackheads - with science-backed insights and treatment guidance.

Why Pores Look Enlarged

Everyone has pores - they’re tiny openings that allow oil (sebum) to travel from sebaceous glands to the skin’s surface. When pores look enlarged, it’s often because of:

Loss of collagen and elastin – Skin structure weakens with age, causing pores to stretch.
Excess oil (sebum) – Too much sebum can dilate pores.
Dead skin and debris buildup – This can highlight pore openings and make them more visible.
Sun damage – UV exposure breaks down collagen, worsening the appearance of pores.

Topical products can support pore health, but because pore size is influenced by deeper skin structure, surface treatments alone often fall short. That’s why many people turn to microneedling.

What Blackheads Really Are: Open Comedones

Blackheads are more than just “clogged pores.” Medically, they’re known as open comedones. They form when:

Sebum (oil) and dead skin cells accumulate inside a pore.
The pore remains open at the surface of the skin.
The trapped material oxidizes when exposed to air, turning dark.

Unlike whiteheads (closed comedones, where the pore opening seals shut), open comedones are visible at the surface. They can be stubborn to treat, especially if skin is producing excess oil or turnover is sluggish.

How Microneedling Helps With Pore Size

Microneedling is minimally invasive and safe for all skin tones. It works by stimulating your body to make collagen. This is why it’s also called “collagen induction therapy." However, it is crucial to work with an experienced and knowledgeable professional who understands the unique considerations for each individual, as improper technique or equipment can increase risks of complications like keloids or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling uses a device with ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates your body’s natural healing response, including new collagen and elastin production.

This matters for pores because:

Collagen tightens the skin around pores, making them appear smaller and more refined.
Skin remodeling improves elasticity, helping pores maintain a more natural, compact shape.
Cell turnover increases, clearing away dead cells that can enlarge pores.

Microneedling doesn’t “erase” pores - they are structural and necessary. But by strengthening the surrounding skin, pores look smoother, tighter, and less noticeable.

How Microneedling Helps Reduce Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Microneedling also benefits blackhead-prone skin in two important ways:

Supports natural clearing: The stimulation encourages circulation and skin turnover, helping pores purge excess oil and debris more efficiently.
Improves product absorption: After microneedling, skin is more receptive to targeted serums (like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and antioxidants), which penetrate deeper to keep pores clear and prevent new comedones.

Over a series of treatments, blackheads (open comedones) tend to decrease, leaving skin clearer and more balanced.

What to Expect From Treatment

A professional microneedling session at Acupunctury includes:

Consultation - A personalized skin assessment to identify your needs.
Preparation - Gentle cleansing and numbing cream for comfort.
Traditional Body Acupuncture - To target internal imbalances, and ground you before the procedure.
Microneedling procedure - A precision device passes across the skin at the appropriate depth.
Serum infusion - Soothing, hydrating, and pore-supportive serums are applied.
Recovery - Skin may look pink for 24–48 hours, similar to a mild sunburn.

A series of sessions (every 4–6 weeks) builds results gradually, refining pore appearance and reducing comedones over time.

Why This Approach Builds Lasting Results

Unlike surface-level fixes, microneedling works on the architecture of the skin. By strengthening its foundation with new collagen, it changes how pores present and helps prevent recurring blackheads. With consistent treatments plus supportive home care (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic moisturizers, daily SPF), results are long-lasting.

Risks, Best Candidates & When It’s Not a Fit

Microneedling is well tolerated by many skin types, but it’s not right for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you:

Have active acne, open wounds, or inflammation.
Are using strong retinoids or exfoliants right before treatment.
Have certain skin conditions like rosacea flare-ups.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding: The procedure is generally not recommended due to potential risks like infection, the body's healing resources being diverted, unpredictable skin responses from hormonal changes, and potential harm from numbing agents or products used during treatment.
Instead, it's advised to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to undergo the procedure.
Have unrealistic expectations (it’s a gradual, cumulative approach): Microneedling isn’t a quick overnight fix - it’s an investment in your skin’s long-term health and radiance. With each session, your skin gradually refines and smooths, helping to tighten pores, clear blackheads, soften acne scars, and ease fine lines and wrinkles. Sticking with your treatment plan series is key to reaching your goals and seeing the lasting results you deserve.

Most clients benefit from a series of sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart. Over 3 to 8 months, you’ll see gradual refining in pore appearance, reduction in blackheads, and smoother texture. Treatment series are personalized, and depend on the individual and their goals. For lasting results, maintenance sessions are typically recommended every 2–3 months.

A pre-treatment consultation is critical to determine whether microneedling is safe and beneficial for your skin.

Tips for Maximizing Your Results

To get the most from microneedling for pore reduction and blackhead control, consider:

Stick to the full treatment plan - Skip trying to rush it; results build over time.
Use supportive topicals afterward - Non-irritating serums full of calming agents, antioxidants, and pore-clearing ingredients enhance results.
Protect your skin - Diligent sunscreen use is essential to preserve collagen growth and prevent future damage.
Maintain gentle daily habits - Gentle cleansers, avoiding overly aggressive scrubs, and consistent exfoliation (when your skin allows) help prolong benefits.

The Bottom Line

Pores can’t be removed, but their appearance can be softened and refined.
Blackheads are open comedones, and microneedling helps reduce them by clearing debris and strengthening skin.
Collagen remodeling is the key to smoother, healthier, more balanced skin.

At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, we offer holistic microneedling that blends advanced technique with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to support your skin from the inside out.

Ready to refine your pores and reduce blackheads naturally? Book your appointment or schedule a complimentary consultation with us today!