Soft Spoken

Pores: can’t live with them, can’t live without them. While pores are an important aspect of skin health, we usually tend to view them in a negative light: they’re too big, they’re too clogged, they’re too visible. Though it’s impossible to eliminate or even really shrink pores, we are able to make them a little less prominent.

Protect yourself: Sun damage causes skin to lose elasticity, causing the face to sag and wrinkle and the pores to widen. Keep sunscreen on hand whenever you get out in the sun, and don’t save it for the swimming pool.

• Try Sue Devitt Microquatic Blue Anti-aging SPF 30 Primer. This specially formulated anti-aging primer is infused with Blue Algae extract and powerful SPF 30 to reduce redness and provide protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Get smooth: Exfoliation scrubs away the outer layer of dead skin cells and promotes new cell growth.

Lather up: Use a cleanser to remove dirt and oil that causes pores to clog and appear large, not to mention cause acne and other skin irritations.

Set the Tone: after cleansing and exfoliating, apply a toner to tighten the pores for a “shrinking” effect.

• We like Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizer. The high-performance formulation gently exfoliates to remove dirt build-up, absorb excess oil and tighten skin. Your complexion is left looking firmer and fresher; pores appear invisible.

Stay Hydrated: moisturized skin produces less oil thus making pores appear smaller.

• We suggest Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer. Fade discolorations, shrink pores, smooth fine lines and tighten slack skin with patented Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE, which also helps to protect skin cells from future damage.

Turn up the heat: a five to ten minute facial steaming opens and deep cleans the pores.

Treat the cause of the problem: topical treatments can help to deep clean the pores as well.

• We recommend Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner. This technologically advanced product is infused with powerful Apha and Beta Hydroxy Acids, Silicone Dioxide and Japanese Eijitsu Rose to exfoliate, tighten and refine the pores for skin that’s glowing and healthy.

Try on a mask: there are a variety of over the counter masks, muds and deep cleansing products that are specially formulated to reach down into the pores, removing dirt and oil.

• Try Borghese Fango Active Mud Mask. This energizing mask exfoliates and purifies pores for toned, youthful looking skin. Enriched with natural botanicals and the unique Acqua di Vita Complex, this creamy formula nourishes, moisturizes and invigorates the skin.

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1. Choosing the Right Facial Cleansers
2. 10 Beauty Myths Debunked
3. Putting a Stop to Shine