In a perfect world, we could all go to a Dermatologist for our skin problems, who would tell us to drink more water, eat healthy, reduce stress, and some skin-related tips from an expert. And while stress cannot be taken out of our lives completely, a counselor could help with ways to cope with the stress that exists. But who has the time and money for that?
The easiest ways to improve life: exercise, drink water, eat well, take a multivitamin...
But the world is not perfect. I am not a Dermatologist, and I cannot provide the cure-all skin care that will rid the world of acne.
Recently, I decided that I will try to drink more water, take the steps instead of the elevator, and eat at least one vegetable a day. Start small so it will last. Do the little things that will eventually become habit. What I really want to do is have clear skin, smaller pores, and no blackheads. So this project started with a simple Google search: "How to minimize pores". I came across many websites,
threads, and how-to columns.
http://www.wikihow.com/Minimize-Pores-Naturally
http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-minimize-pores/slideshow?page=1#slide-1
Other
than Burt's Bee's Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub at $8,
everything else on the 10 slide article at refinery29.com is $30+ a
product, up to $75. I am all about spending some money to have great
skin, but buying a cleanser, exfoliator, toner, moisturizer, and good
make-up for $30 each is a bit much to experiment on new products. Everything I have tried has been $12 or under!
http://www.makeuptalk.com/t/54282/help-with-huge-pores
This
was my favorite thread I came across while furthering my Google search
to "products to minimize pores". It has links to two other threads and
offers products, recipes for masks, and more.
I wash my face with a Sirius Beauty Sonic Skincare System (Oscillating
Brush) that I bought off Groupon awhile back, but there are many brands
of these available. Almost immediately, my skin felt tighter and
clean. I use it daily with whatever cleanser I am using, and use an
exfoliator once a week.
My first plan of attack:
Olay Regenerist detoxifying pore scrub($10) and Witch Hazel as toner ($4). Witch hazel cleans and tightens skin for smaller pores. After using it for a couple days, the witch hazel dried my skin and I realized it would be important to have a good moisturizer. I bought Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer ($12) and really like it, but I'm sure there are other great ones out there. It's all natural and doesn't leave skin oily. I've also read that
moisturizers for anti-aging have ingredients in them that will smooth
your skin and make your pores appear smaller.
Cleaning your skin regularly and figuring out what works best with your specific skin type is a process but it starts with a good cleanser. The witch hazel is working great now that I added a moisturizer. I really wanted a spot treatment for pimples that still popped up, so I bought Clean & Clear spot treatment that is a salicylic acid paste. It's not my favorite because it goes on white and is supposed to clear as it dries, but it doesn't. I found out if I put it on under my moisturizer it becomes clear. I used to simply wash my make-up off before bed, but starting a routine was actually easier than I thought it would be.
Pores can't become smaller but they can look smaller. My current attempts at having clear skin has been working, my pores aren't as visible and my skin is clearing up. The best way to start is to just wash your face and add what is working and take away what is not. You can't have better skin unless you try. Below is a summary of what I am currently using and I will continue with updates or improvements as I find them. I'll also do a later post about make-up and the products I have tried to control red skin, along with a few tips and techniques to have a better day.
Current Skin Regimen:
CVS Hydrating Daily Facials (to remove make up)Witch Hazel
Spot treatment (as needed)
Moisturizer
Until another post,
Melanie
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