Lady Macbeth probably seemed like a real loony toon. But come on... Is it really that hard to imagine yourself in front of the bathroom mirror muttering, "Out damned spot"? Or damned ingrown hair, or a stubborn dry patch that recurs in the same place no matter how much moisturizer you slather on? The TRUTH is, there are certain skin issues that are more intractable and infuriating than others-- issues that we would kill to fix once and for all. (OK, not kill-- that's a little too Macbeth.)
So ... with that said... I would like to share with you a few strategies for solving these most vexing of problems. These are Tips and tactics I have found to be effective and I hope you will find these things just as helpful as I have. . I do not want to overwhelm anyone with every single issue at one time, so I have broken it down into parts that I will put up each day for you to come back and read the next 'Problem' and the 'Strategies' to fix it... Today we will talk about our PORES:
Prominent Pores
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If you look in the mirror and all you can see are tiny dark dots, first you need to get your vision checked. Kidding! Blackheads and enlarged pores can afflict anyone (not just teenagers. Or in my case the skin issues started as an adult), and according to Dermatologists, they may be more common in older women now than ever before
( I actually see quite a few older women with my job and something I have noticed myself, on their chins and cheeks and they are always very large and darker then the average clogged pore ya know? But what i am most curious about is the ladies that have not so great skin..as in: bumpy, uneven texture, scarring, very large pores just in certain areas. Are these the ones who "picked" or used too many harsh ingredients? If so.. uh oh)
Also--- a lot of primers, BB Creams, and high-definition products are loaded with silicone--which does a great job of spackling over pores in the short term but can lead to clogging overtime.
A)
Break them down.
As pretty much everyone knows at this point... blackheads aren't dirt -- they are plugs of sebum and dead skin that have darkened because of oxidation. And even if you don't have blackheads, dermatologists warn that clogging can actually stretch your pores over time if you never clean them out.
- Step one in your attack: Washing with a Salicylic Acid Cleanser (I like Garnier Grapefruit Cleanser). Or you may try one with Benzoyl Peroxide ingredient if you know your skin responds better (I like any of the OXY 10 products). Just make sure and let the cleanser set on your skin for a few minutes like you would a treatment to allow proper time for product to work. This step is the best for dissolving sebum because it's oil-soluble, so it can really get into the pores.
- A Good Exfoliation: Ideally with a scrub containing either chemical or physical sloughers. The dead skin cells in those plugs are held together by the extracellular matrix and microscopic fiber called tonofilaments. A combination of chemicals like Glycolic Acid and exfoliating crystals can get rid of both. ( I like Olay Regenerist Thermal Mini Peel -- which is a scrub that contains Glycolic Acid and has a relaxing warm sensation on the skin.) (for a little potency I like Algenist Triple Action Micropolish and Peel).
Stay Clear.
Collagen-boosting Retinoids also help minimize pores over the long haul.Pores don't just get stretched out from being clogged. Collagen in the skin is also responsible for squeezing pores closed beneath the surface of the skin -- and it breaks down as we get older. It's also worth investing in a face brush (I use the Clarisonic Mia and also the DDF Revolve Professional 500x will more than get the job done). . The vibrations are a good way to loosen blackheads and deep- clean the pores.
As for Pore Strips, don't bother. The idea is great, but they are about as effective as scotch tape (go ahead.. just compare the two).
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Go to a Pro.
Dermatologists have a few high-powered weapons in their arsenal that can blast big pores and blackheads. If you still haven't seen the results you want... Stronger Peels (think 20 to 30 percent Glycolic Acid or higher) deliver immediate, effective exfoliation, and intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and LED treatments can painlessly boost collagen without harming the surface layers of the skin.
Then there's the Isolaz, which pairs a handheld vacuum with a therapeutic light similar to IPL. I can't tell you how much I love the idea of a tiny Dyson sucking everything out of our pores, but critics say it amounts to little more than an expensive facial. (When I lo0ked to see who Derm's recommended it for, Jeannette Graf laughed, "Anyone who can afford it"--a typical session costs $300 to $400.)
As for Pore Strips, don't bother. The idea is great, but they are about as effective as scotch tape (go ahead.. just compare the two).
Dermatologists have a few high-powered weapons in their arsenal that can blast big pores and blackheads. If you still haven't seen the results you want... Stronger Peels (think 20 to 30 percent Glycolic Acid or higher) deliver immediate, effective exfoliation, and intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and LED treatments can painlessly boost collagen without harming the surface layers of the skin.
Then there's the Isolaz, which pairs a handheld vacuum with a therapeutic light similar to IPL. I can't tell you how much I love the idea of a tiny Dyson sucking everything out of our pores, but critics say it amounts to little more than an expensive facial. (When I lo0ked to see who Derm's recommended it for, Jeannette Graf laughed, "Anyone who can afford it"--a typical session costs $300 to $400.)
Here is a little extra I want to throw in...
it is one of my favorite DIY recipes for minimizing pores. The feel and results of this treatment remind me of several of my higher end luxury pore treatments. It's simple and easy so ENJOY seeing those lil' devils disappear!
BAKING SODA PORE MINIMIZER
- After you've washed your face, place 2 tbsp of Baking Soda in the palm of your hand and add just enough water to form a thick paste. Massage the paste into your face for about 30 seconds, resisting the urge to scrub.
-Rinse the paste away with Cool water (which also helps close pores the same as it closes and seals the cuticles in hair - Warm water will open things up and the cold closes).
-You should notice that your pores are smaller almost immediately. After a week of this regime you'll see visible results as your skin becomes clearer and less prone to breakouts.
PEACE x ;)
