Pores the size of saucers- help!

[poreme]

AIBU to ask if there is anything that can help with this?

I am in my late 30s, have had mild acne most of my life, though had several years in early 30s where my skin was ok. Just recently, the pores around my nose and forehead are incredibly enlarged and I have had constant breakouts. I have used prescribed acne creams (retinoid, antibiotic and salicylic acid) with varying results. Mostly these creams really dry out my skin (a known side effect) requiring me to moisturise, which doesn't help with the enlarged pores and breakouts. I won't take oral medications and am too old for the pill.

Is there a light, non-perfumed, non-greasy, non-pore blocking moisturiser that has an SPF or has this not been invented yet?

Oh, and I also heard that pantothenic acid helped some people get rid of acne.

Vestalvirgin, great advice. Reducing your sugar intake to minimal levels reduces androgen production. This is why Saw Palmetto is effective, too.

OP, I ordered Clearetto online after reading the reviews on acne.org (which is a fabulous website, btw).

Also, I would give low-dose Retin A a go. And topical and oral Niacinamide (a derivative of Vitamin B3, I believe) has shown to be effective in clinical studies.

The only thing for me which was permanently successful was a sympathetic private GP who was happy to prescribe long term antibiotics. In his view as long as we monitored my health generally (which was excellent) the risks of being on a long term prescription were exaggerated and my mental well being of being spot free had to be taken account of.

Not cheap as I had to pay for the consultations and the prescriptions. I don't need it now but it was every penny.

Perhaps taking some anti-fungal medication would help remove it entirely, but you would have to research that.

My sympathetic private GP thought that. He recommended using an anti dandruff shampoo even if not obviously suffering from dandruff.

@Lass: did that solve the pores and fatty skin issue, or just the inflammation of the clogged pores?
OP asked about pores the size of saucers, so I assume that's the main problem.

Antibiotics kill bacteria, and I have heard that sometimes a messed up gut flora can be the cause of acne, so it's not likely to work for everyone.

I make up an aromatherapy remedy (carrier oil - usually almond, 10mls, with three drops each of lavender oil, clary sage and geranium.) and apply a small amount morning and evening. It has worked wonders for me, as I had very oily skin and was blessed with pores on my (rather large) nose that you could drive a Fiat Uno through. Took a week or two to show effect, but definitely made a difference.

My clarisonic brush worked wonders on the large pores around my nose. Unfortunately I had to stop using it as it was aggravating my rosacea :(

I have a little routine, which starts with generally taking care of my skin: proper double cleanse, acid toning and good moisturiser.

Make up!

Dust clean moisturised face with Mac prep and prime powder.
Use garnier oil free bb creAm like a primer
Dust face again
Use beauty blender to apply loreal true match foundation
Dust face again

Sounds a lot but works well for new

Pore strips pull the oil out of your pores so they stretch your pores even wider, and when your pores are empty they are much more noticeable.

Oh thank you, you are all amazing to come up with all these suggestions, I will read through carefully and look into what's been suggested.

Porefessional always breaks me out so be careful if you're acne prone.

I'd recommend Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair and Alpha-H Liquid Gold.

Similar skin and age here! There are some really good retinol products on the market that are also skin care, unlike the prescription creams which can be irritant. La Roche Posay Redermic R is a good budget, Sunday Riley Luna retinol night oil is divine but eye wateringly expensive (I have a sample and it's breaking my heart that it will be used up because it is $$$). Alpha hydroxy acid exfoliating toners will also help, pixi glow is a good starter, nip+fab pads from superdrug, alpha h liquid gold. AHA and retinol together will do more than any other product in my experience. You need a good sunscreen y hough, La Roche Posay anthelios 50+is great. A really nice cover all moisturiser is embryollise lait creme concentrate. A lot of this stuff is $$$, I have had bad skin for a long time and for me it's worth it as it works. It's something I prioritise over other things so no judging please!! X Also check out Caroline hirons blog and a model recommends for awesome skincare advice