Can Botox Help Minimize Pores? Here’s What You Should Know

At Vitality Aesthetics, many of our patients in Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach tell us they feel frustrated with their pore size — especially when makeup settles unevenly or when skin looks textured no matter how consistent their skincare routine is. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
While enlarged pores are completely normal, they can still affect how smooth and radiant your skin looks. That’s why more people are now turning to Botox—not just for softening fine lines, but also for improving skin texture and minimizing the look of pores.
But does it really work, or is this just another skincare trend? Let’s take a closer look.

A Quick Refresher: How Botox Works

Botox, also known by its medical name onabotulinumtoxinA, has been FDA-approved since 1991 and is one of the most well-studied cosmetic injectables available. It works by temporarily relaxing muscle activity beneath the skin, preventing repetitive facial movements that cause lines and wrinkles over time.
When injected with precision, Botox allows the skin above those muscles to relax and smooth out — restoring a naturally refreshed, youthful appearance.

Why Pores Enlarge in the First Place

Your pores are tiny openings that serve an important purpose: they allow sweat and sebum (your skin’s natural oil) to travel to the surface. Sebum keeps your skin moisturized and helps protect your barrier — but when oil production increases or dead skin and debris build up, pores can stretch and become more visible.
Genetics also influence pore size, meaning some people are simply more prone to visible pores than others. However, even if you’ve “tried everything” — from exfoliants to retinoids — and still feel dissatisfied with the texture of your skin, Microbotox could be the missing piece.

How Botox for Pores Works (a.k.a. Microbotox)

Microbotox is a specialized technique where a diluted form of Botox is injected superficially into the skin rather than deep into the facial muscles. This method was discovered somewhat accidentally when patients noticed their skin looked smoother and more refined after Botox treatments for wrinkles.
By targeting the superficial layers of the skin, Microbotox helps regulate oil production from the sebaceous glands and calms tiny arrector pili muscles connected to the hair follicles. This leads to:
Less oil on the surface; refined, smoother skin textureSmaller, less visible pores. Skin that looks soft, fresh, and balanced — without altering your natural features.

Does It Actually Work?

Early research and clinical experience suggest yes. In one study, participants who received Microbotox treatments reported a significant improvement in the size and visibility of their pores — with most rating their satisfaction at nearly 5 out of 5. Objective skin exams confirmed measurable reductions in both pore size and oil production.
Beyond minimizing pores, Microbotox may also benefit those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps regulate excess sebum without drying the skin out.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Vitality Aesthetics, Microbotox treatments are quick, comfortable, and customized for your skin’s unique needs. Unlike traditional Botox, which targets muscles responsible for expression lines, Microbotox is placed just beneath the surface of the skin in areas where pores tend to appear most prominently — typically the forehead, nose, and cheeks.
The treatment takes about 5 minutes, and most patients notice visible improvement within a week, with results continuing to refine over the next two weeks. We do offer topical numbing as well, making it a painless procedure! Like traditional Botox, the effects last around 3–4 months. For long-term refinement, we recommend consistent maintenance treatments throughout the year.

Why Choose Vitality Aesthetics

Vitality Aesthetics is San Diego’s natural results medspa, with boutique locations in Downtown and Pacific Beach. Our woman-led team is results-driven, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping every patient look and feel their best.
We specialize in skin health and regenerative aesthetics, offering cutting-edge, non-surgical treatments like injectables and lasers that rejuvenate the skin and enhance overall confidence.
Inclusivity, excellence, and kindness are at the heart of everything we do.
Our founder and injector, Kristen Shkhaidem, NP, is a nationally board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in aesthetic medicine. Over the last decade, she has performed thousands of aesthetic procedures — and performs Botox and Microbotox treatments almost daily at both our Downtown and Pacific Beach locations.
Kristen’s precision and artistry allow her to create subtle yet transformative results, especially for patients struggling with visible pores, excess oil, or uneven texture. She’s passionate about helping patients achieve smooth, balanced, and radiant skin — and she continues to mentor a talented team of providers who share her patient-first approach.

Smooth, Balanced Skin Starts Here

If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about your pores or overall skin texture, you don’t have to settle for heavy makeup or filters. Microbotox offers a safe, effective way to achieve smoother, more refined skin — while still looking like you.
Schedule a consultation at Vitality Aesthetics in Downtown San Diego or Pacific Beach to learn how this innovative treatment can be tailored to your skin goals.