the basics Note: Please be aware that even with careful consideration and adherence to usage guidelines I cannot guarantee that the products recommended below will not cause problems for your rosacea-affected skin. Rosacea is a frustrating disorder that can cause skin to flare with little or no provocation, even from the most benign cosmetic ingredients. […]

Once a pore is emptied and the unsightly blackhead is removed, it can take a period of time for the pore to heal and close up. Maintaining the regimen of gentle cleansing, exfoliating, and absorbing oil can go a long way toward making this happen. If your skin can tolerate Retin-A, Renova, or Differin, these […]

In general, the process for dealing with blackheads and large pores is fairly similar to the way you deal with blemish-prone skin, although if pimples aren’t present you don’t need the topical antibiotics and antibacterial agents. Bacteria are not involved in the formation of blackheads. I understand the frustration of battling blackheads. Insidious and glaring, […]

the basics Twice a day: Gentle cleanser Recommended cleansers: Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Skin; Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser; Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclean; Paula’s Choice One Step Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin; Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Cleanser. NIGHTTIME: Makeup remover Recommended makeup removers: Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover; Nivea […]

There is no way around it: Even if you are battling blemishes, you still need to minimize sun damage by using an effective sunscreen. In fact, it’s especially important because, as part of that battle, you should be exfoliating the skin, which can make it more susceptible to the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, the last thing […]

Pore strips in all their varying incarnations are meant to remove blackheads. You place a piece of cloth with a sticky substance on it over your face, as you might do with a Band-Aid, wait a bit for it to dry, and then rip it off. Along with some amount of skin, blackheads are supposed […]

This isn’t a pretty topic, but it is a fact of life and human nature that just leaving a blem­ish or blackhead alone is almost impossible. Fortunately, gently removing a blackhead or blemish with light-handed squeezing can actually help the skin. Removing the stuff inside a blackhead or especially a pimple relieves the pressure and […]

Some facial masks, particularly masks that are part of a skin-care routine for acne, contain sulfur, which can have some benefit as a disinfectant for breakouts (Source: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, June 2004, pages 459-462). However, it is an unnecessary (compared to other options) and fairly strong substance to use to disinfect the skin, […]

Trying to separate out the information about microdermabrasion is like trying to de­cide if you should get a new car. It looks really good from the outside and seems to do everything, plus the salesperson makes it sound like a great investment—but what are the risks (cost, insurance, safety)? And beyond that, are there better, […]