Poring over oily pores

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I’M a guy in my late 40s and I’ve had oily pores for several years now. It’s started with a few acne-like blemishes on the face. However, it has gotten worse lately and I’ve spots on my entire face. It looks very unpleasant although it’s not painful. I consulted a doctor and he said it was due to the oily food in my diet. He said there’s nothing much to be done except to avoid oily food as much as possible. Is there a remedy for my problem? – William

According to Damian Lee, 128Faubourg (Sothys) skin expert, your problem can be effectively countered by customising suitable products into your skincare regimen. Ideally, these products should help you to normalise the excess oil flow, speed up the skin renewal process and protect against the formation of future blemishes.

These actions specifically target oily pores and can help to lighten blemishes such as post acne scars, which can leave visible pigmented spots on the skin even after the acne is gone. This kind of blemish is often known as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.

Oily skin often gives rise to clogged pores, which in turn, causes acne when the situation is not effectively managed. Under normal conditions, our pores help to drain excess sebum (oil) from the inner layers to the skin surface.

In the case of an active and oily skin, the sebum consistency is thicker and produced in larger quantity. This causes the pore channels to swell and distend (get engorged), which gives the appearance of open pores on the outside.

A larger pore can easily get congested and lead to acne. To put your skin back on track, start with a weekly regimen of rinse off deep-cleansing using Desquacrem to rid the pores of excess oil. It has wheat amino acids to remove persistent impurities like excess sebum that causes clogged pores.

As a daily ritual, use a protective cleanser such as the Detoxifying Active Cleanser for men that comes with impurities eliminating action. It uses the synergy of essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc and copper to restore the skin’s healthy function, affected by environmental aggressions.

Constant exposures to harsh conditions can disrupt our skin pH and tilt our skin defence and in turn, trigger skin intolerance such as sensitivity bouts resulting in itch, redness and skin flakiness. In severe cases, allergic reactions can take place without warning.

A good toner to preserve the ideal skin pH would be Sothys Purifying Lotion that contains extracts of rosemary to control shine and witch hazel to refine visible pores. Good skin balancing action is required to regulate consistent oil flow, which can be derived from the use of a very light textured cream such as Hydra-Matt Fluid that evenly hydrates the skin. The suggested routine attempts to balance the oil regulation. However, in order to speed up the process of skin renewal whereby the skin texture can be smoothly restored and skin clarity enhanced, it’s essential for you to incorporate C-Renewal to boost cellular repair and regeneration.

Coached by a series of active substances comprising a month-long intensive home care programme that consists of a Microdermabrasion Mask, Double Renewal System (Peeling and Comfort Renewal Solutions) and Continuous Renewal Cream, the uneven texture and dull skin tone will be effectively restored.

To complement the home care treatment, you could try the Homme Resurfacing Cosmeceutic Treatment that instantly detoxifies and brightens the skin at the salon.

Sothys will be giving William a Hydra-Matt Fluid worth RM200.

I’m only 18 and already have major skin problems. I have large pores around my nose and cheek area, and pimples all over my face. I use a gel cleanser, balancing toner and moisturiser twice a day. I used a mask too, but I found that it made things worse. I find it really hard to get rid of the blackheads around my nose area. I tried using blackhead removal products but there doesn’t seem to be any improvement. I’m really frustrated and have spent lots of money buying different products. What should I do? – Sharon

L’oreal Paris training manager Kimberly Foo says that oily skin causes pimples, blackheads and acne most of the time. Try using Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub to effectively remove excess oil, impurities and make-up, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

It’s a gentle foaming facial scrub cleanser, and the first step in a daily skincare regimen specifically designed for oily and acne-proned skin. It is specially formulated to help control excess oil production and wash away impurities. Follow this with Pure Active Multi-Action Toner.

Moisturise the skin with Aqua Defense Moisturising Gel Cream that’s enriched with pure antioxidant fruit water and vitamin E. This is designed to provide long-lasting hydration and protect the skin from external aggressions. For your pimples, apply Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on after cleansing and toning. It helps to fight acne by drying out the pimples, removing whiteheads, unclogging pores, controlling oil, tightening pores and even out the complexion.

The key ingredients are purifying salicylic acid, anti-bacterial agent that helps control oil and purify skin; and HerbaRepair, an extract from blueberry with regenerating and repairing properties to reduce acne marks. Try not to touch your face too much and drink plenty of water. Use a scrub twice a week to eliminate dead skin cells and clear pores. Apply a mask to purify and absorb skin’s impurities.

Source:http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2012/6/14/lifeliving/11446090&sec=lifeliving