Currently, I am pretty unhappy with the state of the skin on my cheeks and chin.   I have had six sessions of laser hair removal so far and I probably have a couple more to go.   My skin is covered is uneven and has what appears to be large pores.   I don't think they are pores, just the remnants of where there used to be hair follicles.   

Anyone got any product ideas to help my skin recover to its former glory?   I have tried pore minimising creams and a couple of different beauty serums.  I would rather get a good cosmetic fix before pursuing a chemical peel!

Have you tried exfoliating the pours first then using a moisturizer on them? Maybe there is something in the pours clogging them up and making them appear larger.

Have you tried witch hazel?

Yup, tried almost all of them.   I use an exfoliating cleanser most days and have a strict regime of cleansing toning and moisturising (what girls don't!).   I think that it is a reaction to the laser hair removal.  It may go over time but I want to look my best and I am looking for a potential quick fix.   I do have some witch hazel cleanser in the houe.   I will give it a go for the next couple of days.  I might also try bio oil.

If it's an inflammation maybe try some Aloe Vera cream. Or if available to you at the pharmacy some Sigma-Cort cream. Both work wonders for me when I get inflammatory or skin sensitive reactions.
ps How many sessions and how long  did it take to get rid of the wicked weeds?

Cindy

Six sessions of increasing intensity so far.   I would say that 95% of the stubble has gone for good and I am left with a few stubborn but very thin dark hairs and a few hairs without pigment that laser will not treat.   I think that I will need a couple more sessions to get rid of the rest and some electrolysis for the few remaining whit hairs.   Wearing make up, you would not notice the hairs that are left at all.

*is aware how obvious this is but is going to say it anyway!*
Lots of water from the inside and Apple Cider Vinegar from the outside, is a good base to build upon. ACV helps to restore your skins pH level which really helps it to breathe and look after it's self.
Most creams, lotions etc block the pores and creates an unnatural environment that unless you keep up with can leave you worse off. My point of view is to help what is natural not encourage methods that teach us to become reliant on something unnatural. Saying that I do use a moisturiser, Nivea Soft but only because I'm extremely poor right now. Once I'm working and can afford a moisturiser that doesn't contain a paraffin (wax) then I will.
ACV is cheap so I will always use it for the rest of life, I swear by it, for all skin and my hair as a conditioner.
So yeah a good natural based moisturiser with vitamin E sounds good! Something that works with your body not against it! ^___^

I have to echo muffin. She beat me to the rinsing with cider vinegar.

Quote from: Muffin on May 27, 2010, 05:35:12 AM
Lots of water from the inside and Apple Cider Vinegar from the outside, is a good base to build upon. ACV helps to restore your skins pH level which really helps it to breathe and look after it's self.

It's very interesting! Does it also reduce fine wrinkles, especially in the forehead and around the eyes?

Barbie~~

I have large open pores all over my face. It wasnt a result of laser but hereditary. My mom has it too. I hate my skin and have tried everything - expensive exfoliators, microdermabrasion.

Large pores cannot be permanently shrunk. simple as that. However, they can be minimized and hidden.

Please follow these steps and I assure you your skin will look flawless - take this from someone with horrible skin.

Ensure A Clean Canvas
Wash your skin and exfoliate twice a week.
Upon washing your skin use a toner - this will 'tighten' your skin making it look fresh and temporarily shrink your pores.

Apply Makeup with the Goal of Hiding Pores and Indented Acne Scars
On a toned and moistuizered face apply a makeup face primer with silicone as a primary ingredient. Silicone fills pores and indents so as to create a smooth canvas. Let set for 5-10 minutes.

Apply a foundation. I highly recommend MakeUp Forever HD Foundation, perhaps the best foundation on the market but also incredibly expensive. STIPPLE foundation with a stippling brush, this creates a pixeling technique that is ideal for problem skin.

Set foundation with a very good translucent powder which will give you a matte finish (oilyness accentuates blemishes). I again recommend MakeUp Forever HD powder.

The products I mentioned are non-comodogenic, therefore they do not cause breakouts.