Argh, pores! (with pics)

[Kracken]

I have visible pores over most of my face, nose, forehead and cheeks the worst. I currently use glycolic acid toner, double cleanse twice daily with cleansing water then a sonic brush thingy, have to moisturise pretty well as my skin also gets dry. I think they are getting worse!! Has anyone found any products that help? I am also prepared to invest in a facial every few weeks- would an extraction or microdermabrasian facial help? Thank you oh wise ones!

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Everyone has pores, it's just another marketing thing these days. In the 80's we didn't even know we had them, it was just 'our skin.'

More products for us to buy so we don't feel paranoid about our less than air brushed skin.

Sorry, rant over

[Kundry]

I hate to break it to you, you have perfectly normal pores. Step back from the mirror and look at them from the distance everyone else does, they will look a lot better! Also spend some time looking at other women's faces - you'll see everyone has them.

It does sound like you are over doing the cleansing - double cleansing and a sonic brush is overkill. Pores are not doors. They do not open and close. You can't tighten them or close them up by getting the contents out. They just are.

Facials generally are about pampering not doing anything useful. Ditto microdermabrasion. Retinols can also make them look smaller as they exfoliate but also help you build thicker skin and increase collagen.

The things on your nose are sebaceous filaments - you can't get rid of them as they just come back, you'd be extracting everyday. However what would help is switching from glycolic to salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is oil soluble unlike glycolic so dissolve the top black bit of and makes them look a million times better. Popular options on the Amazing Faces Quiche are Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion, Nip and Fab Dragon's Blood pads, Pixi Glow tonic, Clearasil pads and Paula's Choice 2% BHA (which is my favourite).

You would see most benefit from switching to salicylic and adding a retinol. But you would still have pores.

[Marylou2]

Sorry to interject but I'm also interested in this. Is there a specific retinol that you would recommend Kundry?

[Kundry]

LRP Redermic, Avene Ystheal, Paula's Choice or Skinceuticals. Or check in at Amazing Faces with the people buying prescription strength from internet pharmacies

Actually the Amazing Faces people are a sane lot with no time for industry bullshit so worth having a look anyway

[Kracken]

Thanks guys, I take the point that everyone has pores . I am feeling a bit rubbish at the moment and I think I am probably dwelling on very silly things! Thank you so much for the Salicylic acid tip, will swap to that.

[Kundry]

Don't worry It's easy to get obsessed - I went through a phase of obsessive mirror staring from 1 inch away. It was amazing how much better it looked when I stepped back one foot

[capsium]

I agree with others. Your pores are normal. Makeup can reduce appearance though. For example, this works:

//www.echemist.co.uk/p-garnier-5-sec-perfect-blur?metrics=gprod&sv=26140&curr=GBP&showVAT=true&gclid=CKrF5bKKwcYCFeQSwwodH-QNSg

[redroses86]

Your skin looks exactly the same as mine. I had a similar wobble last week when I questioned poor DH about the state of my 'hole ridden nose'.
Thank you for the tips, I shall look into them too.

[Marylou2]

Thanks Kundry! Your advice is much appreciated! .

[Alwaysrushingaround]

I too felt that foundation only enhanced the appearance of my pores , and on the advice of the wise ladies here on style and beauty I tried using lanacane as a primer after moisturiser and before my foundation. Best result ever. Visible pores are much reduced and it's cheap and easily available !

[Georgethesecond]

My skin is exactly the same and I have always worried about mine too.
I use the clinique toner with salicylic acid and I think it helps a bit.
I also use a fake tan mixed with my moisturiser in the summer which I think makes me look a bit better.