Paula's Choice

If you've been reading my past posts, you might know by now that I have oily/combination skin that's also sensitive with enlarged pores. It's been a difficult journey trying to find products that can clean my skin well without being so harsh that it makes it flare up.

Someone recommended that I try Paula's Choice. It's relatively affordable and so far I've been very pleased with the results. I have almost no breakouts and my pores look smaller as a result of being able to get rid of the gunk in there. 

I got a whole range of products to try as they promise to minimize the appearance of large pores and so far, I think it's working. The combination of stuff that I'm using or have tried from Paula's Choice has made my pores appear smaller and my skin fresher and cleaner.

Step 1: Skin Balancing: Oil-Reducing Cleanser

The first step to any skin care regime is to cleanse. I decided on the Oil-Reducing Cleanser. It's for Oily/Combination skin, a cream to foam cleanser that reduces excess oil to balance skin, as well as remove makeup and impurities. We all know that enlarged pores look... well enlarged... because they are filled with impurities. What we commonly know as blackheads. I was cautious as I thought this cleanser might be too harsh. But I jumped on board anyway.

I'm happy to report that I'm on my 2nd bottle now as it has been effective yet gentle enough for my skin. I must admit that I don't use it to clean makeup. I always use micellar water to remove makeup before washing my face with this.

Step 2: Resist: Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid)

After my skin is clean, I go straight to the exfoliant. This is a daily leave-on liquid exfoliant. It contains salicylic acid - meant to gently and naturally exfoliate skin, reduce visible signs of sun damage, reduce pore size, and melt away those impurities clogging pores. 

Step 3: Resist: Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA

I only use this once a day, at night time. Because it's 4% BHA, I didn't want to be too hardcore about it. Although I think out of all my steps, this item is the most effective. I feel a slight tingle feeling after applying this but not burning. I use this for the same reasons, for my enlarged pores.

Step 4: Resist: Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

I use this twice a day, to provide weightless hydration and an exclusive mix of antioxidants and grape-derived resveratrol. Together with skin-restoring and nourishing ingredients - hyaluronic acid and pore-improving niacinamide. Hyaluronic Acid (aka hyaluronan) is naturally produced by our bodies and its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist - i.e. to fight wrinkles. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3, helps the skin retain moisture, minimise pore appearance and regulates oil. 

Step 5: Resist: Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

So with all the BHA products, you MUST use sunscreen when you go out. I use this under my foundation and powder. Not only is it sunscreen, but I find it works very well as a primer for my makeup. There's a slight tacky feel after applying so it's perfect for makeup. Sometimes I use this and face powder and it gives a good barely there makeup look.

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I do use other sunscreens and moisturisers not from Paula's Choice but that doesn't belong here.