SHRINK YOUR PORES……. MY FACIAL ROUTINE, MY JOURNEY!!!!

If you know me well then you know how obsessed I am with pores. When I meet people I just can’t help noticing enlarged pores on their faces, I know its horrible but wanting smaller invisible pores has been an obsession of mine for a very long time. While science has informed me that I cannot eradicate pores, I am doing my best in making them appear as small as possible.

First of all what are pores? They are those tiny dots you see on the surface of your skin; they are actually the openings of hair follicles. Each one contains a sebaceous gland, which produces your skin’s oils. Pores are more noticeable on some parts of the face, like for me my nose (doesn’t help that it’s not exactly a small one). Sometimes the size of your pores is genetic, your skin type too, can play a role.

Naturally dry skin tends to appear pore less, while oily skin often has more visible pores. As openings on the facial surface we know that pores can get clogged by dirt, sweat, and too much oil build-up. This “clogging??? causes pores to enlarge (ugghh), and can then lead to an even worse problem, Acne.

The key to making pores appear smaller is to keep them clean and clear. I have put together a list of things you can do.

THE REGIMEN

Cleanser: I suggest using a face wash that contains Glycolic acid, its exfoliating power removes dead cells from the skins surface, and reduces minor discoloration. I use the Neostrata Glycolic face wash and love that it is a foamy cleanser. I am always amazed by how smooth and soft my skin feels afterwards, it’s crazy! You can use any face wash that has the active ingredient, I just

like this one best.

Masks: I use a mask with activated charcoal, Origins clear improvement charcoal mask. Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers. It also has white China clay that absorbs environmental toxins. Without all that stuff down there, your skin is squeaky clean. I have been using this product on and off for about 7yrs, I use it twice a week and

its one of my favorite masks.IMG_1742

Toner: An alcohol free hydrating toner closes pores and prevents infection by blocking the absorption of bacteria. I know a lot of people prefer to use alcohol-based cleansers but personally I don’t, you should be careful with them as they can dry out your skin and make it further irritated. I don’t use any daily toners; I use the Lotion P50 from Biologique Recherche at

night 3 or 4 times a week.

Moisturizers: Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to your skin to keep pores smooth and hydrated. Avoid heavy moisturizers, which can make oily, clogged pores appear even bigger. The moisturizer I use at the moment is the Dermopurifiante by Biologique Recherche and I absolutely love it. It is slightly expensive, so if you are looking for something good that is more affordable you can try Murad Pore and Line Minimizing Hydrator. Also stick with noncomedogenic moisturizers and makeup and please read the labels of anything you buy for

your skin.

Primer to minimize Pores: you can fill in the holes of large pores so the surface looks even and smooth with a primer. My all time favorite is the Benefits Porefessional, this is one product I absolutely cannot do without. Sometimes when my foundation is on perfectly, and I can still see my pores I use it because unlike most primers that work only underneath foundation this one

works on top and blends in very well with the foundation.

Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water is the lifeblood of your organs, they need it to stay alive and look healthy. Some doctors recommend drinking at least 2 liters (0.5 US gal) of water a day, while others recommend that you drink water whenever you’re thirsty or parched. Drinking water and cutting sugary soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks from your diet

may help your pores look smaller.

I know someone might think, “please its just pores who cares???…. We do actually, because we believe beauty is associated with perfect skin, and pores are a huge part of that equation. When pores are tighter, you hardly breakout, light reflects better on your skin and it gives you an overall youthful appearance.