Pore vs Acne: How to Choose

Pore vs Acne: How to Choose

Many patients arrive at a clinic unsure whether their concern is really about enlarged pores and old scarring, or about active acne and ongoing breakouts. This pore vs acne comparison looks at two treatment programs offered at DERNA Clinic — the Pore & Scar Solution and the Acne & Trouble Solution — so you can understand which one better matches your skin's current condition before booking a consultation.

What each treatment is

The Pore & Scar Solution is a laser-based program built around erbium and pico fractional laser technology, combined with Potenza pore treatment across the full face and a Platinum PTT full-care session. It is designed for skin that has already settled from active breakouts but shows visible texture issues — enlarged pores, shallow depressions, or old acne scarring.

The Acne & Trouble Solution is aimed at skin that is currently inflamed or prone to frequent breakouts. It combines an acne-mode laser session using the Excel V platform with aqua peel cleansing, full-face extraction, and a Blue Repair calming solution. The focus here is calming active lesions and reducing the bacterial and oil load that drives new breakouts, rather than correcting old textural damage.

Who each option suits

The pore and scar approach tends to suit people who no longer have significant active acne but are unhappy with the appearance of their pores or with scarring left behind from past breakouts. It's also relevant for anyone whose skin texture has become uneven from sun exposure or aging, since fractional laser resurfacing addresses surface irregularity broadly, not just acne-related marks.

The acne and trouble program is better suited to those currently dealing with inflamed pimples, clogged pores, or recurring breakouts in the same areas. If your main frustration is redness, active pustules, or oily congestion rather than old scarring, this is the more logical starting point in the pore vs acne decision.

Who should avoid or delay each treatment

Laser-based pore and scar treatments are generally not recommended during active, inflamed acne flares, since heat and mechanical stimulation can aggravate inflammation in some cases. People with active cystic acne, open wounds, or certain skin infections should typically address the active condition first. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients, and anyone with a history of keloid scarring or recent isotretinoin use, should discuss timing carefully with a doctor beforehand.

The acne and trouble program is gentler by design, but extraction and peeling are still not ideal for very sensitive, broken, or heavily sunburned skin. Patients with a known allergy to peel ingredients, or with very thin, reactive skin, should mention this during consultation so the approach can be adjusted.

How the session goes

A Pore & Scar Solution session generally begins with cleansing and numbing time, followed by fractional laser passes across the treated area, then Potenza pore work and a finishing PTT step to support skin recovery. Sessions can take longer than a basic facial due to the multiple technologies involved, and mild discomfort during the laser portion is common, though numbing typically reduces this.

An Acne & Trouble Solution visit usually starts with an aqua peel cleanse, followed by acne-mode laser passes over affected areas, manual extraction of clogged pores or comedones, and a calming Blue Repair application at the end. Extraction can feel uncomfortable in more congested areas, and the doctor or aesthetician will typically adjust pressure and technique based on how your skin responds.

Downtime and recovery

Redness and mild warmth are common after both treatments and typically ease within a day or two, though individual recovery time varies. After the Pore & Scar Solution, some patients notice pinpoint redness or slight swelling for a short period, and sun protection is particularly important while skin is healing from fractional laser work. Makeup can usually be resumed once visible redness has settled, but this timeline differs from person to person.

Recovery after the Acne & Trouble Solution tends to be shorter, since it is less invasive overall, though extracted areas may look slightly red or marked for a day. Avoiding heavy makeup and unnecessary touching of the treated skin in the first 24 hours is generally advised to reduce irritation risk.

Pricing

The Pore & Scar Solution is listed at 99,000 KRW, and the Acne & Trouble Solution is listed at 50,000 KRW. These figures reflect the listed program price; VAT and any consultation fee may vary, and a doctor may recommend additional sessions or add-ons depending on your skin's condition, which would affect the total cost. Final pricing should always be confirmed during your consultation.

Safety considerations

Both programs involve energy-based devices and manual procedures, so a proper skin assessment before treatment matters. Results differ between individuals depending on skin type, severity of pores or acne, and how consistently follow-up skincare is maintained. No clinic can guarantee a specific outcome, and multiple sessions are often needed to see meaningful change. If you have any chronic skin condition, are on medication that affects skin sensitivity, or have had recent procedures elsewhere, share this history during consultation so the treatment plan can be adjusted appropriately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the Pore & Scar Solution and Acne & Trouble Solution on the same day?

This depends on your current skin condition, and a doctor would need to assess whether combining active-acne care with fractional laser work is appropriate for you at that time.

How many sessions are typically needed to see a difference?

This varies by individual and by the severity of pores, scarring, or acne activity, so a specific number of sessions cannot be promised in advance; a consultation can give a more tailored estimate.

Will my pores or scars disappear completely after treatment?

These treatments aim to visibly improve texture and reduce the appearance of pores or scarring, but complete removal is not a realistic expectation, and results vary between patients.

Is one treatment better if I have both acne and visible scarring?

In many cases, active acne is addressed first with the Acne & Trouble Solution, and scarring or pore concerns are treated afterward once the skin has calmed, but this decision should be made with a doctor based on your specific condition.

What should I do before my appointment to prepare my skin?

Avoiding sun exposure, harsh exfoliants, and any new active skincare products in the days beforehand is generally recommended, and you should mention any current medications or recent procedures during your consultation.