I HAVE lots of visible, embarrassing, stubborn pores on my face, especially around my nose, forehead and chin. It’s so visible that people will actually stop and stare, and it looks even more obvious in photographs!

It’s really unattractive and discouraging when a guy stares at your pores! I have oily and acne-prone skin. However, my main concern is my pores. I have used different products that promise to visibly reduce the size of pores, however, they don’t seem to work and those products are very expensive! I believe a lot of people out there suffer from big pores like I do. What can we do to make it less visible? – Stubborn Pores

It looks like these pores are getting more attention that you are! Karen Cheah, H2O Plus technical consultant, explains that excessive sebum production by overactive oil glands can sometimes result in enlarged and even blocked pores. Pores that are clogged tend to be more visible as well, as debris and build-up of dead skin cells stretch pore size and widen pore passage.

Those with oily skin tend to have larger pore size as dirt can get trapped easily, making you more prone to breakouts. The secret is to clean your face effectively with the right skincare.

Your regimen should include products which not only give a cleansing action, but contain active ingredients that will regulate sebum flow. Try to avoid over-zealous exfoliation, harsh cleansers and minimise sun exposure. This will help minimise oil production on your skin. The trick is to keep your skin clean and well-hydrated. A well-hydrated skin naturally stems the skin’s need to produce more sebum.

Start your day by cleansing with H2O Plus Sea Clear Mattifying Cleansing Mousse, a water-based daily cleanser to clean excess oil and pore-clogging debris. This gentle foaming cleanser is an oil-free formula that removes impurities without stripping away surface moisture. It helps to minimise pores and prevent breakouts. The astringent effects of olive tree leaf extract effectively helps prevent the formation of excess surface shine.

After cleansing, tone and restore the pH balance of your skin with H2O Plus Sea Clear Mattifying Toner. This refreshing, dual-phase toner removes trace impurities and mattifies shine. It is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to eliminate dead surface cells, remove impurities and tighten pores. Enriched with marine-sourced essential minerals, it works synergistically with a sea mineral complex to ensure vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed at cellular level.

Complete your routine with Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel, which delivers a clear, matte complexion that lasts all day. It has micronised silica, phospholipids and a oil-controlling marine blend that naturally absorbs excess oil while delivering water-light moisture. The micronised silica minerals help minimise pores, visibly refine skin’s texture and diminish surface shine.

For an all-day flawless look, the Face Oasis Shine Neutralizing Gel can act as your foundation base. To protect from the damaging effects of the sun, top off with Face Oasis Hydrating Lotion SPF 30. Its scientifically advanced formulation helps the skin resist damage from environmental stress with broad spectrum sunscreens, UV-active technology and moisturising marine botanicals.

Regular exfoliation can help firm skin and refine pores. Try the H2O+ Aqualibrium Sea Mineral Scrub, a mildly exfoliating, oil-free scrub with soft, spherical beads to gently polish away without being abrasive or irritation, while the advanced marine formula improves skin texture and facilitates moisture penetration.

Finally, clay-based masks are best for tightening pores. The H2O+ Aqualibrium Sea Mineral Mud Mask, rich in minerals and mud, deep cleanses and purifies the skin while stimulating cell renewal. Kaolin clay, allantoin and oil-controlling marine blend make a perfect balance of providing deep cleansing and soothing hydration.

With proper skincare, your skin sebum levels will improve along with a visible change in pore size.

H2O Plus will be giving Stubborn Pores a H20 Plus Aqualibrium Sea Mineral Scrub and Mud Mask, altogether worth RM208.

AT the moment, my hair is dry, frizzy and unmanageable. I perm and colour my hair as well. My hair easily gets oily. Does that mean I have an oily scalp? I wash my hair every day using normal hair shampoo followed by an ordinary conditioner. I hardly do any treatment for my hair. Any solution so that my hair looks better and becomes much more manageable? – Rachel

According to Aveda trainer Adrian Sin, a healthy scalp is the source of beautiful and healthy hair. When your hair feels oily, it’s because of active secretion of sebum by sebaceous glands on the scalp. Other factors such as hormonal changes, climate change (from cold to warm), stress, styling product build-up, incorrect shampoo or application of hair conditioners may cause irritation and oily scalp too.

As such, it’s important that you use a shampoo that will help clean the oil and still maintain the natural balance of the scalp. Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo provides daily care for your scalp with rosemary, a natural antioxidant, and peppermint that helps cools and invigorate the scalp.

Too many chemical procedures such as perming, colouring and straightening (rebonding) can cause dry hair especially when you don’t do regular hair treatment. A normal shampoo and conditioner will not be able the deliver the best results when you have coloured and permed your hair. If you don’t want to undergo salon treatment, try a weekly hair masque at home instead to ensure hair moisture is replenished.

Use Aveda Dry Remedy Conditioner daily after your shampoo and Dry Remedy Treatment Masque weekly to achieve smooth, silky hair. This will provide extraordinary moisture and suppleness to instantly transform even the driest, most brittle hair without weighing it down.

Aveda’s patent-pending Deep-Moisture Complex, a high performance blend of buriti oil, pomegranate and palm-derived conditioners, penetrates hair for deep moisturisation. You could also use Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo when your scalp has achieved a balanced condition, or you may alternate using both shampoos to care for your hair and scalp.

To further enhance the condition of your hair, add on Aveda Smooth Infusion after washing and conditioning your hair. It induces smoothness by creating a sleek new surface on hair, reducing frizz and fly-away hair. It also offers defence against humidity up to 12 hours. Complete your hair regimen with Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener (on dry hair) to ensure a frizz-free and shiny look.

Aveda will be giving Rachel a bottle of Dry Remedy Shampoo and a Conditioner, altogether worth RM186.

HERE’S a chance to get your “always wanted to know but didn’t know who to ask” beauty questions tackled. E-mail your queries to beautyq@thestar.com.my to be answered fortnightly by beauty professionals from beauty or skincare houses. The queries should be beauty-specific and may be on skin or hair concerns, cosmetics or products, too. Please include your name, address and contact number. Published letters will receive a gift. All the best in your beauty quest!

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