My Skin Care Goals
Enlarged pores and dull skin have always been nagging skin care concerns of mine. Despite my best efforts with clay masks, there seems little I can do to arrest my skin’s increasingly rough appearance. While a more dedicated skin care routine has finally tamed persistent flare-ups and facial redness, I’m still a long way off from achieving that refined finish.
Enter the new Poremizing line from K-Beauty fave SKIN 1004 (for more details about the brand’s collections, check out this Brand Spotlight), which includes the Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner and Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule. Formulated to tackle clogged pores and smooth rough skin, these potent yet gentle-on-skin products appear to fit my needs to a tee. What’s more, they come in luxe, pink-hued packaging that’ll brighten up any vanity.
The Truth About Enlarged Pores
While there’s no way to actually shrink pores, a skin care routine comprising of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing products can help gradually minimize the appearance of enlarged pores over time. The result? Softer and smoother skin that’s more youthful-looking.
salt, glycolic acid and salicylic acid, the Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner and Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule promise to slough off dead skin cells while melting away dirt, impurities and excess sebum on skin. Despite my apprehension about using pore care formulas due to my skin’s patchy track record with acids, I was ultimately won over by the brand’s inclusion of natural skin-soothers such as Madagascar centella asiatica and willow bark extract.
Read on to find out if this new skin care routine managed to perk up my lackluster skin and purify pores!
Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract (50.47%), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, willow bark extract, allantoin
Product in a nutshell: An exfoliating toner containing AHA, BHA and LHA as well as the more gentle PHA, the Poremizing Clear Toner is balanced by calming and moisturizing agents such as Madagascar centella extract, hyaluronic acid and willow bark extract. Formulated to tighten pores and brighten skin, the toner is powerful enough to tackle acne in the long term. This product can be applied day or night, but those new to chemical exfoliants should start by using the toner no more than three times a week. If you’re using it during the day, always apply sunscreen afterwards.
My take: I didn’t expect instant improvements to my skin tone during this two-week trial, but that was exactly what this toner delivered. My face looked brighter and more translucent after just a few uses. While the glow gradually faded, I was still thrilled at these changes, which rivalled those brought about by frequent sheet mask sessions.
Poor sleep and constant snacking affected my skin condition, countering some of the toner’s brightening benefits, but by the end of the trial, most of the positive skin changes remained. Whether these skin improvements are temporary or permanent remains to be seen, but clearly I’m benefiting from the toner’s effects.
One minor quibble is that my pores are still on the larger side, although some of my blackheads are now gone. Given how the toner delivered on multiple fronts while being as gentle as promised, I’ll be reaching for it on a regular basis.
Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract (50.47%), Himalayan pink salt, German chamomile flower extract, aloe vera leaf extract, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, Peptide-9 Complex
Product in a nutshell: Chock-full of hydrators such as centella asiatica and anti-agers such as peptides, this lightweight yet potent ampoule replenishes moisture and fortifies the skin barrier for smooth and resilient skin. Himalayan pink salt acts as an exfoliator while reducing redness and inflammation. Formulated without fragrances or essential oils, this formula is suitable for every skin type, including oily skin.
My take: While falling short of its pore-minimizing goals, this ampoule delivered solid hydration and brightening benefits. Massaging it into skin immediately gave my face a soft, plumped-up look, especially right after applying the Poremizing Clear Toner. Although it’s hard to tease apart the effects of the toner from those of the ampoule, I’m onto a winner here based on my brighter skin.
This ampoule was formulated for oily skin, but worked equally well on my combination skin. I was immediately smitten by its lightweight yet luscious texture, which absorbed quickly into skin to leave a calm and bright finish.
My Final Verdict:
Although my enlarged pores haven’t magically shrunk in the space of two weeks, overall I’m satisfied at how the Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner and Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule worked in tandem to deliver visible brightening benefits along with major TLC for my skin. For anyone who wants to indulge in exfoliation but worries about irritation due to extremely sensitive skin, this line is worth a try. My skin looks clearer and rosier, and although some of the results are partially attributable to better sun care and frequent sessions with my favorite sheet mask, the Poremizing line probably made the greatest difference in these skin improvements.
Achieving minimized pores may be a tougher challenge, but improving skin’s overall condition is definitely not. It’s with this goal in mind that I’m now eyeing three bestsellers from SKIN 1004’s Centella line – the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner, the Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule and the Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream. Formulated for everyday usage, they’re perfect for complementing the Poremizing line to help sustain my skin’s glow. Add the blackhead-busting Zombie Pack from the brand’s Zombie Beauty line to the mix, and I’ll be another step closer to achieving baby-soft skin.
