Lotions and potions for big open pores????

[mooma]

I recently bought some Clarins stuff for reducing the size of pores on the face. I took some time deciding to get that at about £15 or the Estee Lauder Idealist at £34 (which is apparently VERY worth the money). I picked the Clarins and if that doesn't work i'll try the Estee Lauder.

Do these things actually work??
Can anyone recommend a pore reducing lotion or potion other than Clarins or Estee?

Thank you!

[suki1964]

I loved the Estee laudar, didnt do a lot in the way of long lasting effects but was lovely and luxurious :)

Ther OCM has made large, open, dirty pores a thing of the past for me. Even hubby says my skin is looking great not full of "holes"

[RoseFairy]

i agree.
i have tried the pore reducing serum of clarins -a sample i got recently when they were doing the 3minitreats.
i did notice that the pores were tighter.... but...
i also noticed that they became blocked and congested. which i didn't like.
i think it somehow tightens the pore area.
it took about a week of not using it to get my pores 'cleared' again - though it was back to how they were before - at least they were clear.
i have been making sure that i don't use hot then cold water alternatively to wash my face - rather cool to tepid. also being using some ice held on the area for a few miniutes couple of times a day and that has helped - so HTH>

[harryharp]

i have been making sure that i don't use hot then cold water alternatively to wash my face - rather cool to tepid. I didn't know this. Does that make it worse then?

[Frances63]

Clinique do an open pore minimizer make up. It is just a make-up though, it will not permanently solve the problem, but it is a very effective cover up. I wouldn't go out without it on my nose!

My understanding is that there is no permanent 'cure'. Cold water tightens pores to a degree, but only while they're still cold so its very temporary!

It's not always available in the shops unfortunately but you can buy it online.
http://www.clinique.co.uk/templates/products/sp_shaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT1029&PRODUCT_ID=PROD60130

I've also tried the 'refining serum' but wasn't as impressed with that.

[MrsI07]

I highly recommend Liz Earle products. The cleanse and polish product is excellent and results are noticible within 2 weeks! I ve tried almost every thing going on the market and this is by far the best! At the moment too if you visit the website LIzearle.co.uk there is an offer on where if you buy the cleanser, toner and moisturiser for approx total of £40 you get a full size intensive repair mask free which is fabulous too!!!
Make up wise the best thing to use is the new mineral based make up thats out now, apparently its less harsh to the skin and also doesnt age you if like me you never take your make up off before bed :whistle:
xx

[RoseFairy]

hot and cold water alternatively opens the pores and the cold water does not close them immediately or as quickly. i read this suggestion on another thread. i'll try and find it and post it later.

[melancholly]

i second the recommendation for the clinique pore minimiser makeup. i had a free sample of the serum but i also didn't see that it did all that much. have a look on the clinique website for bonus time in shops near you and that way you can get a bit more for your money! you do need to register on the site to see that though.

have a go at the OCM (oil clensing method) as that seems to be the only way that has got more than one person on MSE to reduce their pores!! it also has the significant advantage of being very cheap. in case you haven't seen the other thread, here's the website:
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

[poppy_f1]

i third the clinique pore minizer

[Fern Merkin]

have a go at the OCM (oil clensing method) as that seems to be the only way that has got more than one person on MSE to reduce their pores!! it also has the significant advantage of being very cheap. in case you haven't seen the other thread, here's the website:
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

I can second that, as it has worked for me.

More recent improved success has been to use OCM ~ 3 times a week and Ginvera marvel gel twice a week. OCM alone improves the pores but my skin can feel a little 'heavy' after a week or so. Previously I have used St Ives facial scrube and that is good but this ere ginvera stuff is brill. I've started a thread on it today as I want to know more.

[mooma]

I had a read of the oil cleansing method - sounds very interesting. Although i'm a bit scared of putting oil on my face i will have to give it a go since a few of you guys have said it worked for you.

Thanks everyone x

[Fern Merkin]

I had a read of the oil cleansing method - sounds very interesting. Although i'm a bit scared of putting oil on my face i will have to give it a go since a few of you guys have said it worked for you.

Thanks everyone x


I thought that but it's nothing to worry about. I use olive oil 3:castor oil 1
and saw a difference in pores after about 2 weeks. I use face cloths rather than muslin squares as I had them anyway (asda smartprice!) I only use 1 face cloth per application - keep rinsing in hot water - then wash before next use.

I find that after a treatment the blocked pores just give up the gunk at the slightest provocation :D

Great fun!

[Tae Lia]

Nice thread, certainly giving this oil cleansing thing a go.

[suki1964]

I find that after a treatment the blocked pores just give up the gunk at the slightest provocation :D

Great fun!

isnt it just :)

I hadnt used the OCM for a few days and noticed the pores on the tip of my nose looking very grubby so done the oil treatment then literary just gave my nose a wee poke - and the gunk just oooozed out Clean and tiny looking pores again in minutes

[starlette44]

My advice is to make sure you are using a good cleanser or face wash twice daily to really clean deep down - cleanliness is the key to good skin - and then ALWAYS use toner after you cleanse as this will remove any oils/make up/dirt left on the skin (so you aren't trapping anything in the pores when you apply moisturiser) as this attributes to the pores becoming blocked and enlarged.

I did fine that Estee Lauder Idealist was very good, trick is not to use too much.

Unfortunantly large pores are often a genetic trait...I have battled with them for many years! Have you also tried a good exfoliator once a week just to keep everything squeaky clean? :o

[Gosia]

I thought that but it's nothing to worry about. I use olive oil 3:castor oil 1
and saw a difference in pores after about 2 weeks. I use face cloths rather than muslin squares as I had them anyway (asda smartprice!) I only use 1 face cloth per application - keep rinsing in hot water - then wash before next use.

I find that after a treatment the blocked pores just give up the gunk at the slightest provocation :D

Great fun!


Where do I find out more about this oil / pore clear out method???

Many thanks.

[harryharp]

Where do I find out more about this oil / pore clear out method???

Many thanks.
This tells you all about it:http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

[fanfare]

Am I right in saying witch hazel? It's one of those old fashioned things. Don't want to recommend the wrong thing....

[red]

Thanks for a great link harryharp - it is a great site!

[spookylukey]

Can anyone who uses the OCM please tell me if 'sunflower seed oil' is just regular sunflower oil from the supermarket?

[Hippygirl]

yes, it is. I use olive oil, but I'm sure sunflower is just as good. I like OCM but the effects on my 11 year old daughter have been amazing - really got rid of white and blackheads and thoroughly decongested her nose and chin.

[spookylukey]

Thanks, just need to get the castor oil then as I already have sunflower in the cupboard. I've just ordered some of the ginvera marvel gel that Fern Merkin has recommended too. I use an exfoliating scrub in the shower every morning which seems to have no effect so looking forward to trying the OCM and marvel gel.

[cheeks]

how often do you use the OCM method, and what do you use inbetween?

[spookylukey]

how often do you use the OCM method, and what do you use inbetween?

Just bumping this up as I'd be really interested to know the answer to this too...

[harryharp]

I use the OCM every other night, and just use my usual cleanser for the times in between (Sanctuary Hot Cloth cleanser at the mo- which I got with recent Boots £5 discount voucher).

How often you use, and the ratio of oils, really depends on your skin. As a guide, the more oily your skin the more often you use it and the larger percentage of castor oil. Some people use it every day, some people once a week. It's really just down to experimentation to see what your skin likes. There's more detail on the link on the first page.

[Hippygirl]

I do it 3 or 4 times a week and use an exfoliating wash or wipes in between. I use it ion my daughter once or twice a week. She just uses water and cleansing wipes in between.

[Fern Merkin]

Thanks, just need to get the castor oil then as I already have sunflower in the cupboard. I've just ordered some of the ginvera marvel gel that Fern Merkin has recommended too. I use an exfoliating scrub in the shower every morning which seems to have no effect so looking forward to trying the OCM and marvel gel.

I got my castor oil from the chemist, v cheap! When you mix the oils just make small amounts. I do 1 teasp castor to 3 teaps olive and mix them in a plastic vitamin pot. This is good because as you are dipping into it you may introduce bacteria so the less there is the quicker it's used up.

I do it about 3 times a week and the ginvera once or twice. Any other days its face wipes only which I always use before the more intensive stuff. You pretty soon get used to what your skin needs when you learn what the treatments can do for you.

Let me know what you think of the Ginvera gel, I don't know anyone else who's tried it :D If you got it from ebay from my link, mine took about7-8 days including weekend to arrive.

[suki1964]

I use castor oil and a sunflower/olive oil mix (pre mixed from Sainsburys)

I have a 100 mil bottle that I mix into - bought from one of the chemists (two in a pack) and Im doing around 30/70 ,mix. I usually use the OCM about 5 times a week - rest of the time its either just water or if wearing make up - tescos cleanse and polish.

Putting the mix into a bottle means you arent "dipping" in so you wont be getting too much bacteria in there. Two bottles means when one empties you mix up a new batch in the other bottle and clean the first one (mines washed then goes though the dishwasher on the short quick wash)

[competitionscafe]

How long does each OCM deep clean take - sounds quite time consuming reading this http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ (well compared to just washing your face) - about 20 minutes?

[harryharp]

How long does each OCM deep clean take - sounds quite time consuming reading this http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ (well compared to just washing your face) - about 20 minutes?
Not at all- 2 or 3 minutes at most.

[suki1964]

How long does each OCM deep clean take - sounds quite time consuming reading this http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ (well compared to just washing your face) - about 20 minutes?

Nooooooooooooo Unless you want it to :)

I can do mine in two mins now but now and then I put the hair up and sit back and do really give a good work out while watching the telly - about 5 - 10 mins or till me arms ache. I sometimes leave my face coated in the oils and then go on and do my nails or have or pluck or something. You will find what works for you and what your face needs as you go along