BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
October 26, 2016
Series: Michiko Fujiwara, October 2016 | Pore Care
Series: Michiko Fujiwara, October 2016 | Pore Care
My Pore Care Routine: Finally Motivated
The three major concerns for women's skin are surely wrinkles, sagging, and enlarged pores around the nose. Recently, I've suddenly become motivated to "do something about it!" and have been tackling pore issues with various methods. But pores aren't just about dirt; dryness and sagging due to aging are also causes. This means comprehensive care is necessary. Perhaps it's precisely because it's not a simple fix that I've become so motivated (!).
Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko
My Full Pore Care Lineup
My approach is as follows. First, thoroughly cleanse pores using a beauty device with a cleansing function or an oil to remove blackheads on the nose. Use a vitamin C derivative. Ensure thorough hydration. Cool the skin to tighten it. And finally, lift it.
I'd like to introduce the items I use for this purpose.
Cleansing, Ion Introduction, Hydration, and Tightening with a Beauty Device
First, I use the cleansing function of the "HITACHI Hadacrie Hot & Cool" beauty device to remove pore impurities. I saturate a cotton pad with "Bijin Nuka Junmai Kakushitsu Junan Sui" (a softening lotion) and sandwich it in the device. Then, I press it against my nose area after turning it on. What's great about this device is its ease of use. No matter how effective a product is, if it's cumbersome to use, I know I won't stick with it, so ease of use is the deciding factor when I choose a beauty device. Furthermore, it's wonderful that it also has functions for hydration and cooling to tighten the skin.
After removing impurities, I then use the vitamin C derivative "Appresie (APPS) Kit 1% for 50ml" (mixing the APPS powder from the right bag into the left bottle with purified water) generously on a cotton pad and treat my skin with the "Warm Moist Up" function. Vitamin C derivatives are effective not only for whitening but also for controlling sebum secretion and promoting collagen production, making them beneficial for pore care. Of course, you can treat your entire face, but as I'm concerned about dryness at this time of year, I only apply it around my nose and on areas with uneven skin tone.
For the next step, hydration, I also use the device's "Warm Moist Up" function, saturating a cotton pad with a hydrating lotion and allowing it to penetrate. Pores become more noticeable when the skin is dry, so hydration is crucial. After finishing my skincare routine with cream, I use the device's "Cool Function" on the back to thoroughly cool the pore areas.
Removing Impurities with Nose Oil, and Achieving a Sleek Nose Bridge
On days when I don't feel like using a device, I opt for a nose oil. My favorite is "THREE Balancing Y Line Oil," which dissolves and removes stubborn sebum plugs and blackheads. The key point is that this oil is made from 100% natural-derived ingredients. The aroma of the essential oils is pleasant, and I love how deeply relaxed I feel while massaging. It's also wonderful that massaging not only the sides of the nose but also from the brow line upwards creates the impression of a refined, straight nose bridge. I enjoy massaging while relaxing in the bath.
Lifting is Also Essential for Pore Care
And about twice a week, I use a lifting beauty device called "NEWA" to prevent sagging. This device uses sub-dermal waves to powerfully tighten the skin and is effective against sagging. Of course, I use it on my entire face, but since the pores on the sides of my nose are caused by sagging, I treat from those areas towards my temples to address them.
This is my complete routine for tackling enlarged pores. It's amazing how a clear objective can boost my motivation for skincare, but in reality, the proper way to approach beauty is through consistent, daily care to prevent problems from occurring (!).