to wonder if there is a way to reduce the size of your pores and get rid of spots on a 40 years old face ?!

[CheshireDing]

You would think by 40 I would be spot free (well that's what my Parents used to tell me when I was a spotty teenager anyway).

Nope still got spots on my nose, lots and lots and when I use my special spot tool and 7x magnifying mirror I get rid of all the gross blackheads but then am left with big open pores on my nose.

I know I could put cold water on them but that's only a temporary measure surely, plus that still doesn't stop the blackheads.

Any modern words of wisdom appreciated or is there just no hope of me ever being spot free, sigh

Aspirin face masks are fantastic, crush 4 aspirin with a few drops of water to make a paste. Cover face in the paste and let it dry for about 10 mins. Once dry, wet hands and scrubs face and wash off.

Also, look at products from The Ordinary. They are reasonably priced and work really well. I'm currently using salicylic acid 2% and the buffet.

I don't think there's anything one can do that'll have a drastic, long-term effect on pores*.

Applying your foundation with a blender sponge helps to disguise them, as does a mattifying powder over the top.

*if anyone wishes to correct me on this, then by all means share your goddamn secrets RIGHT NOW.

You need to read the snail thread in Style & Beauty.

You might be using too much stuff. What I thought were blackheads turned out to be sebaceous filaments. I was drying out my face using a foaming cleanser, so my skin was overproducing oil. When I switched to a cream cleanser it helped no end. I now tend to use water or water with some bath salts and only put some argan oil overnight when my skin is dry. I don't tend to wear make up, so not much cleansing is needed.

For the open pores, I've found acid toners once or twice a week make a big difference and are clearing up my acne scars.

My skin is better now that I'm nearly 40 than it has been for years.

I am a great fan of the asprin facial - especially for the big lumps on my chin where the beard hairs are trying to come through.

For me, improving my diet and drinking more water (and less alcohol) was the main way. I also take multi-vits and omega3 now too.

A cream cleanser and a decent moisturiser helps.

I have pores like dinner plates and Loreal Infallible Primer is heaven sent.

The baby skin one sounds good, but does it do the job of keeping your foundation on your face for a good 12 hours? I do my makeup about 7.30am and need something that will keep it on til I get home at about 8pm.

La Roche Posay's skincare range is fantastic - Effeclar Duo has worked wonders for my skin. I've also got great results from Alpha-H Liquid Gold but it's quite pricey. Lasts ages though. And these Snail face masks are absolutely AMAZING: www.amazon.co.uk/Dermal-Korea-Collagen-Essence-Facial/dp/B009UKS7R4?tag=mumsnetforum-21

I've also stopped using any "scrubby" exfoliators as I think these do more harm than good.

For a quick cover-up fix, Meybelline's Baby Skin Pore Eraser is as good as Benefit's Porefessional (unless you have oily skin, in which case I'd go for Porefessional) and less than half the price.