I am always on the lookout for new products that promise to treat large pores without over drying my skin. Combination skin as been the bane of my existence since my early teen years, and I’ve tried extravagantly priced products bought from dermatologists (usually a waste of money) and I’ve purchased store brands from large retail outlets. Some have shown promise, others worked for a few days, but none really delivered results even close to their promises.
On a recent trip to Ulta I found this cream cleanser by ROC ($8.99). Anything containing the word “cream” – other than offerings at Dunkin Donuts – turns me off. With oily skin, the last thing I need is anything creamy to add to the build up and pore blockage. I prefer products that are light, foamy, or perhaps a light serum based solution. When I saw “cream” emblazoned on the front of the tube I had assumed this was not something that would help me.
As I placed the package back on the shelf, a sales clerk came over and told me if I was in the market for a pore reducing cleanser, this was a product I needed to try. She said she had been using it for a few weeks and was astounded at the immediate results.
I’m all into “immediate results”. I don’t have the patience to be using a product for 4, 8, or 12 weeks to find out if it’s going to do what it promises. And this is exactly what happens with most skin care products on the market.
I asked if I could try it. She took me to a sink where they do their makeovers and handed me the entire tube. I actually washed one side of my face! And my skin felt absolutely marvelous!
The product isn’t thick and greasy. Actually, it isn’t even creamy! it was a light non-oil based emulsion containing tiny sandy granules that gently exfoliate. It is so gentle, in fact, that ROC recommends using this twice day – unlike other products made to exfoliate the skin and which are recommended for two or three times a week. I was sold.
After using it for two days my skin did look more radiant, and the pores were indeed “smaller in appearance.
Be aware, though, that in order for the pores to be reduced in size, the dirt / makeup / oils that were clogging them need to go somewhere! And that doesn’t always mean down the drain. This material is thick and heavy, and if it could be simply washed away with soap and water it would have disappeared long ago. Nope! This heavy conglomeration of buildup tends to work its way to the surface gradually, and by doing this, frequently turns into a tiny whitehead.
No worries though! You will most likely see a few of these tiny whiteheads during the first few days of use. They are small and they will break easily, completely disappearing. You aren’t going to break out in acne, and you aren’t going to need to change your beauty routine to accommodate red blotchy skin. These are just nature’s way of getting rid of all the thick buildup you’re trying to remove.
After only four days I was totally amazed at what I was seeing. Friends asked me if I had started microdermabrasion! My skin is smoother, pores are disappearing, and even makeup goes on more evenly.
Go to Roc.com and print out a $3.00 coupon.
