Bye-bye pores and blackheads: Neutrogena Pore Refining Mask (Neutrogena Pore Refining Mask Oil-Free)

Member Name: velissaria

Product:	Neutrogena Pore Refining Mask Oil-Free
Date:	26/06/09 (85 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Delivers what it promises; can be used both by men and women, teens+

Disadvantages: Unpleasant, kind of 'medicinal', smell

Pores are small openings on the surface of the skin and allow it to perspire. They are usually most apparent in the T-zone - the forehead, nose and chin - but if they are clogged with dirt, dead cells and oil, or if they become infected with bacteria, they will enlarge and become more visible. They will also prohibit the effective moisturising of the skin, so we must keep them clean. Scientists say that pore size is fixed and determined mainly by our genes, but they may become slightly larger with age, or with repeated exposure to the sun, or if they are clogged. So, although we cannot actually make them disappear, we can keep them clean, tighter and less visible.

As a teenager my skin was oily and even now in my late 30s it can still become oily with the wrong products. Then, the pores become quite large and visible. This is how and why I decided to try this product. You'll find it for around £4 on the internet (2oz - 56 grams).

The company says that it is an intensive 5-minute cooling oil-free gel mask. They recommend you to use it 2 to 3 times a week by applying a generous layer over face, avoiding the eyes, leave for 5 mins, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

My experience:

It is indeed a pleasant blue-ish cooling gel that's easily applied without the mess I associate with clay masks. It visible reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin to be more even and soft. I don't usually have time to apply it 3 times a week but I apply it as needed when I feel my skin dirty and oily, and it works. It cleans and tightens the pores, and washes off very easily and quickly without leaving any residues. It makes the skin feel fresh without causing any irritations, thanks to the aloe it contains. Other ingredients include: Eucalyptus (gum tree) leaf extract, peppermint leaf extract, menthol, the proven exfoliant and anti-acne agent Salicylic acid, allantoin and an alpha and beta hydroxy formula which can also lighten the skin from small uneven patches. This is the reason, however, you must wear a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen, esp. after use, and not to use it very often if you have an over-sensitive skin.

Summary: Ideal for younger skins with acne and more mature skins with pores