STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

stasi7 · Nine West

Dull skin and noticable pores! Please help!

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

Exfoliate! I would suggest cleansing wash with gentle scrub, I use those daily every night, after takig make up off, get a lot of compiments on my skin. It takes away daily dirt accumulation and reduces pores. Now, I attached just an example of neutrogena products,but there are so many in drug stores, Olay, L'oreal, Aveeno, I try to change brands every time, but the principle is the same.

http://www.neutrogena.com/category/cleansers/facial+scrubs.do?nType=2

Yana

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I agree with Yana - - keep your skin exfoliated, but don't overdo it. I prefer chemical exfoliation with either alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid (usually salicylic acid). When you exfoliate, you must put on sunscreen diligently because that same layer of dead skin cells that you just removed were taking the brunt of the UV waves. After exfoliation, the fresh, soft, sensitive skin beneath is exposed.

So, in all...

Cleanse gently but deeply
Toner really isn't necessary but can be the "frosting on the cake" if you're using a really good one that is packed with antioxidants, soothing and protecting ingredients
Exfoliate using the appropriate formula or type for your skin (in general: AHA is good for dry skin; BHA is good for oily)
If you want to use a specialty product (like a serum), this is usually the point in the process in which to use it
Moisturize with appropriate formula lotion, cream, or gel.

People around here know I'm a big fan of Paula Begoun (Cosmetics Cop/Don't go to the cosmetics counter without me author). Wheth er you agree with her or like her or not, she does an excellent job of explaining exfoliation and what to look for in products.

Her skin care advice articles have been very helpful for me.

Nutrition plays a big part in how your skin glows or doesn't. I found that when I eat a clean diet, I look like a completely different person. I look alive. Clean eating for me involves several aspects, but especially reducing or eliminating sugars of all kinds (white table sugar, alcohol, simple carbs, etc.). I get my carbs from vegetables and fruits mostly (when I'm actually eating clean, which I am not right now!).

Good luck.

ico · Dooney & Bourke

pollyjean23 wrote:
Nutrition plays a big part in how your skin glows or doesn't. I found that when I eat a clean diet, I look like a completely different person. I look alive. Clean eating for me involves several aspects, but especially reducing or eliminating sugars of all kinds (white table sugar, alcohol, simple carbs, etc.). I get my carbs from vegetables and fruits mostly (when I'm actually eating clean, which I am not right now!).
Good luck.

I was going to say this!

I find eating fruits and vegetables really shows on your skin.

I second all other girls' suggestions.

I'd like to add: if you can afford it, get a professional facial. Don't go for the "extraction" because it's too harsh. But you can explain your problem, and the aesthetician will also suggest you a beauty routine to fix it.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

About 2 weeks ago I found myself seting up my computer after getting it back from the shop, and it turned on the webcam and there I was on the screen - with terrible looking skin! It looked dull and icky in ways I can't explain. I knew I had let my beauty routine go so far down hill, it wasn't reconizable. So, I dug out my serums and whatnot, and dedicated myself to using a serum under my night time moistureizer before bed. I could see a huge difference in about a week, and now that it has been closer to two weeks, I can't imaging giving up on this simple, few minute process.

I think the routine of doing it is as or more important than the products themself. But, I have been alternating between Bliss' Peeling Groovy and a Murad serum (they make several). After that soaks in for a few minutes, I put on a night cream.

Food does make a big impact, as does hydration. Good luck and let us know what you learn.

Boots · Gucci

Hydration is so important, especially as we get older (I'll be 39 next week. Ach.) Limit alcohol and drink lots of water. It really makes a difference on your skin all over your body.

I've also been using the Mia since November and it's made my skin look great (I've always had mild problem skin.) I'm genetically prone to large pores, especially around the T-zone. The Mia gets the gunk out which makes them less noticeable. It's expensive, but I bought mine with the 20% F&F last November and I love it o much that I would pay full price if this one ever broke. I then use a primer before putting on tinted moisturizer or foundation. The primer kind of airbrushes over the pores and gives me a softer appearance.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I will agree with Boots about the Mia. I loved mine so much (I too bought mine during Sephora's F&F deal) I bought a second off ebay (it was sans charger) to tuck into my gym bag, because I got sick of always having to track it down.

I had gotten lax about using it when I had my "oh shit, would you look at my pores!" moment. So, don't chalk up my goofy skin prob to it not performing...

stasi7 · Nine West

Boots wrote:
Hydration is so important, especially as we get older (I'll be 39 next week. Ach.) Limit alcohol and drink lots of water. It really makes a difference on your skin all over your body.

I've also been using the Mia since November and it's made my skin look great (I've always had mild problem skin.) I'm genetically prone to large pores, especially around the T-zone. The Mia gets the gunk out which makes them less noticeable. It's expensive, but I bought mine with the 20% F&F last November and I love it o much that I would pay full price if this one ever broke. I then use a primer before putting on tinted moisturizer or foundation. The primer kind of airbrushes over the pores and gives me a softer appearance.

I've been looking at these for a while. Maybe I should just get one already! Thanks for your help!!!

stasi7 · Nine West

pollyjean23 wrote:
I agree with Yana - - keep your skin exfoliated, but don't overdo it. I prefer chemical exfoliation with either alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid (usually salicylic acid). When you exfoliate, you must put on sunscreen diligently because that same layer of dead skin cells that you just removed were taking the brunt of the UV waves. After exfoliation, the fresh, soft, sensitive skin beneath is exposed.
So, in all...
Cleanse gently but deeply
Toner really isn't necessary but can be the "frosting on the cake" if you're using a really good one that is packed with antioxidants, soothing and protecting ingredients
Exfoliate using the appropriate formula or type for your skin (in general: AHA is good for dry skin; BHA is good for oily)
If you want to use a specialty product (like a serum), this is usually the point in the process in which to use it
Moisturize with appropriate formula lotion, cream, or gel.
People around here know I'm a big fan of Paula Begoun (Cosmetics Cop/Don't go to the cosmetics counter without me author). Wheth er you agree with her or like her or not, she does an excellent job of explaining exfoliation and what to look for in products.
Her skin care advice articles have been very helpful for me.
Nutrition plays a big part in how your skin glows or doesn't. I found that when I eat a clean diet, I look like a completely different person. I look alive. Clean eating for me involves several aspects, but especially reducing or eliminating sugars of all kinds (white table sugar, alcohol, simple carbs, etc.). I get my carbs from vegetables and fruits mostly (when I'm actually eating clean, which I am not right now!).
Good luck.
Thank you SO much for the advice. I will def check out Paula's information, too!

stasi7 · Nine West

Thank you SO much for all the help! I will def let you know how it works!! biggrin

NCshopper · Hermes

Ditto to the Mia. I've been using it since January and my skin looks so much better, especially my nose--the pores are much smaller.

daisygrace · Nine West

As age increases ,lot of skin problems occure like dark spots,uneven skin,dull skin,etc.

To solve this proble, you can use natural skin care tips or skin brightening cream which are available in the market with best reviews and doctor tested.