pores - its only lunchtime but mine are all sticking out -yuck!

[dodgyroots]

you can see every pore on my chin and round my mouth - if I scrape my finger nail across my face it removes it iyswim....

I have a clean smooth face this morning but it doesn't last (used Sanctury hot cloth cleaner). Was using primer and lilylolo but recently switched to Buourgious Healthy Skin (which I like) to see if things better. Not used a primer though..

This is a pretty recent thing for me - my skin has never been congested before not so porey. Also getting a bit of facial hair (god I sound lovely don't it) and never had that before. Thankfully I'm blonde though...

Cervix - that sounds EXACTLY like my skin - i can see every pore and they are raised up (and can be scraped away like I did today!) I also get flaky dry skin too (the main reason I have ditched the mineral makeup in the short term as dryness and mineral is a really bad looking combo)

I get exactly the same! Am sitting here running my fingers over my beards bobbly chin.

It's really annoying isn't it. I have a feeling mineral makeup is marginally better for it but the dryness is a problem. Wish I had some helpful tips but sadly none..

You could try a Clarisonic. I love mine and raised pore things have gone.

Lol at scraping them. Thought i was the only one who did this ;)

I pulled mine out with tweezers. Little beige blobs

So I've been googling - I think I overactive sebaceous glands!!

One of the factors involved in excess sebum production is the presence of testosterone and other and similar hormones.Spironolactone (prescrition med) is an anti-androgen that can reduce the amount of sebum that is produced by the skin and scalp.

Jojoba oil apparently "tricks" the skin into stopping the overproduction of sebum through somehow mimicking sebum.

Well there you go then...Do you think if I went the GP and asked them to check my testosterone because of a porey chin and a few hairs they would laugh me out the door??

Jojoba is also way cheaper than the Decleor stuff so could give it a try...

Don't have the ££ for Clarisonic I'm afraid. DH would kill me..!

I have PCOS so know that's the reason for mine.

The reason mineral make up helps is its high content of zinc (I am a big BE fan). Their new blemish remedy contains sulpher too (you can smell the sulpher!). Exfoliating with a non granular exfoliant will help remove the dry patches without over stimulating the skin. I use elemis papaya enzyme peel - I've found 15ml for £4 here, which would last a surprisingly long time. If you exfoliate with a scub you are going to overstimulate the oil glands and they will just produce more sebum than you need. Also, make sure you get your cloth nice and cold after cleansing and lay it over your face. It will close the pores and then you just need to run your toner over before continuing with the rest of your skincare.

MrsMartin do you work in this industry, I've noticed you loitering around the beauty threads?

Nope - I wish I did - I'm currently saving to do a beauty course because I love it (sooooo expensive)!! I'm just one of these people who likes to learn about beauty - even if it doesn't apply to me. I worked in fashion retail management for years, currently temping as a secretary until I move back to Manchester next month. I just really love make up and skincare - esp since I found things that work for me.

Well you advice always sounds so good. I'm in Manchester, its a great place to live.

I know - I'm so excited to be coming back (lived in Manc a couple of years ago and loved it - DH is from there so we go back alot). Also, it means I can buy lots of vouchers for massages etc from groupon :o

And thank you muchly - I've actually had loads of people pm'ing me on her for advice which is great - I'm more than happy to chat beauty if people want to listen .