Lotions & Toners & Pore-Refining Treatments…Oh My!

The quest for a smooth, porcelain-like complexion has led many a beauty junkie (including yours truly) to spend beaucoup bucks on a myriad of products–all of which promise to deliver the same coveted end-result: noticeably tighter/shrunken pores.  Some of these glad-handing miracle workers love to cross-reference a concurrent reduction in the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles; can you think of any woman in her ’30s who is not dually concerned with those pesky little signs of aging?!

I suppose I should mention: I am a female of Asian descent.  While it *is* true that, generally speaking, those who share my ethnic heritage are blessed with an innate defense against the dreaded crow’s feet, there’s a price to pay for our genetic gift.  Asian complexions tend to have pores which are greater in both quantity and dimension, leaving us with more opportunity to be vexed by equally annoying blackheads–looks like size matters, after all!  So, it really is in our best interest to find an effective–yet gentle–weapon against this epic battle for oil control; with my recent discovery of Murad’s T-Zone Pore Refining Gel, I think I’ve managed to cast a Magic Missile into the darkness [of the skin on my nose].

I’ll admit I was skeptical, at best, when I first received this treatment as part of a Sephora.com purchase.  For one thing, I was leery of the much-hyped doctor’s dermatologic brand. (It’s not hard to view Howard Murad as something like the Robert Atkins of dermatology.  As did the late Dr. Atkins, Dr. Murad operates an eponymous health center/medical group in one of LA’s affluent South Bay cities; per his bio on Murad.com he also evidently oversees a research group and laboratory, while still finding time to teach dermatology courses at UCLA med.)

I also had my share of doubts about the treatment’s efficacy simply because I had tried at least two other so-called “pore refiners”–neither provided any discernible benefit–and both were fairly expensive.  Still, I’m no different from anyone: I too am ready to buy into the belief that a smooth, porcelain complexion is but one gel/lotion/scrub away; four weeks later, the skin on my forehead, nose and cheeks is noticeably less congested.  Quelle surprise!

Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel works by way of exfoliation and regulation of T-zone oil production, using many of the usual alpha/beta hydroxy acid suspects–glycolic and salicylic acids, respectively.  Skin refinement and oil regulation occur from the action of a mild form of retinol (retinyl palmitate) and a natural astringent/pomegranate extract (punica granatum).  The end result? Less accumulation of dead skin cells trapped by excess oil, i.e. un-clogged pores that appear to be smaller or less visible.*

While, at $40 for 2 fl. oz, this pore refiner cannot be called inexpensive, it is certainly worth the price–and a little goes a long way.  One bottle could ostensibly last a good 3 months, even if used twice daily.  Murad.com and Sephora.com both offer money-back guarantees. Ulta.com also features generous merchandise discounts on a regular basis.

*Important to note: there is no way to permanently reduce either the size or number of one’s pores–genetics determine both–so don’t purchase any pore treatments which guarantee otherwise! Also, please be aware that improvement does not take place overnight, and it can take a few days to be accustomed to the stinging sensation of the retinol/pomegranate/salicylic acid combo (those with known allergies to any of those ingredients or extra-sensitive skin should not use any Murad product without first checking with a dermatologist).

Blog post by Jen #2.

Jen #2’s Beauty Bio:

Another (proudly) self-proclaimed cosmetics junkie, I am always on a quest to discover innovative–and effective–products.  As a woman of primarily Asian ethnicity, my skin tone is medium-to-olive, and the texture is porous.  This means I have oily skin, which happens to also be sensitive; finding the right combination of oil-control-meets-TLC can be difficult.