Dysfunctional Planner

I feel as I have gotten older my pores have also increased. Large pores are not attractive but I cleanse my face twice a day so my pores are treated.

I am trying to look after my skin.

I am going to talk about what has helped my pores and what I am going to invest in to help them further.

Why you have large pores

• Genetics ( I blame my mother)
• Sun damage
• Mistreatment of pores
• Not washing your make up off

The truth about pores is that they shrink but, and this is a big but , they will never disappear and they can’t shrink completely.

A little TLC will help this.

A few Pore truths

Firstly we need our pores. Like the rest of our body they work hard for us and generally we mistreat them and underestimate their importance.The hair follicle allows the oil created by the oil glands to reach the surface and lubricate our skin. The skin’s natural oil, sebum, helps keep the skin supple, moisturized, and healthy.

So blockages to this skin stop this from happening. Which is why we need to exfoliate especially if you have oily skin like me.

how to help your pores shrink ( slightly)

• Keep your skin clean
• Cleanse
• Exfoliate
• Moisturise

That’s pretty much it right?

Things I have learned

I don’t wear makeup day to day. I like it to be able to breath and stay cleaner for longer. But let’s face it I live in London and get the bus to work. My face is ensconced with pollution on a daily basis. Perhaps a barrier would help that?

The only exfoliates I use are chemical ones. Those grainy exfoliates with peach seeds or walnut can actually do more harm than good. They can make your pores bigger so don’t waste your money. So don’t use them on your face!! I accidentally bought one so my elbows knees and feet now have a new treatment.

Cleansing Rose balm

I use a balm cleanser and so far Elemis Rose balm cleanser is my favourite I feel like I am having a facial everytime I used it. I couldn’t get on with Drunk Elephants Jelly cleanser but I take it when I am on holidays as it is nice and small.

Indie Lee

I use Indie Lee toner or my peach Elemis one. Both of which are gentle and my skin doesn’t feel dry afterwards. everyones skin is different and if these two don’t work for you then find something that does.

Skincare is personal

It is really important to try things before you invest in. I went out and bought Clinique which is such a popular brand but on me it stripped my skin and dried it out.

Dry skin means flakiness which is generally a lid to trap your pores. Dry skin is your enemy. We want out pores to hydrate our skin naturally and with a little help from us!

Matryxal

Okay I bought this because I wanted it to help with my skin. I visibly notice a difference in my timelines ( ha ha this is a spelling error but it suits! Fine lines) and my pores. I stopped using it for a few weeks and wondered why I wasn’t happy with my skin. I am almost running out so Cult Beauty will be getting my money on pay day!

I love this product.

Exfoliation Alpha H

Exfoliating is key to healthy skin. It literally makes it shine. It removes all the dead skin cells and declogs those pores. Scrubbing physically at those black heads and white heads isn’t going to help.

Don’t be afraid of this because it’s chemical. Acids are natural and they aid the skin.

My top products are… alpha H yup. This stuff is called gold for a reason it tingles when you put it on but in a refreshing way!

I have never had dry or patchy skin when using it!

future care

My skin isn’t finished though I still have things I should add to it. I am looking for products that contain nicinamide and azeliac acid. These two products are great for blemishes and the general conditioning of your skin.

I can wait to try the Paula’s choice serums they will be my next investment. The prices aren’t too bad but I may try some Ordinary products first!

I want to introduce nicinamide and Azelaic acid into my skincare. Apparently these are dermatologist secret weapons!. My battle with my skin continues but I am seeing improvements!