DERMAdoctor • Picture Porefect serum • Treatments

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renners on 4/27/2013 9:28:00 AM more reviews by renners

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

disappointing product, doesn't do anything that it claims too, pore size not affected by it at all.

I used on my forehead, between my brows and on my nose. zero change.

For the price you'd expect even a small result.

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Anna7 on 9/30/2012 7:38:00 PM more reviews by Anna7

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I got a 10ml sample from Sephora, and I only used it on my nose, twice a day, and it lasted for months. Disappointingly, zero effect. The product promised instant as well as long-term results - I got neither. I'm glad I didn't spend any money on it.

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graiae66 on 7/31/2012 2:35:00 PM more reviews by graiae66

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I got this product as a 100 point perk from Sephora. While I am not a chemist, I suspect it works by vasodilation, since it warns against use if you are allergic to aspirin or products similar to aspirin. In that regard, I saw shrinkage of pore within 3 small-dose uses, which was pretty amazing. However, it is pricey, and the scent is rather gross--kind of like a bitter petroleum smell. For the price and the smell, I'd rather just work on taking care of my face with other products and using my mineral veil to cover pores, but if you can get it as a perk or sample, it would be a good deal.

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applecore on 5/12/2012 2:32:00 AM more reviews by applecore

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly   Eyes: Brown    

This good for slowly shrinking pores through exfoliation and it’s unrealistic for reviewers to expect it to work instantly. I was noticing that the pores on my t zone were getting bigger with age so I wanted something to combat that and this is a preferred exfoliant on beautypedia. I have very dry sensitive skin and most AHA or BHA serums are too irritating and drying but this hasn’t done either. After about a week, there was visible reduction in pore size. I only use at night so I’m not picky about the texture, shine, and whether it works with makeup. Since this is so gentle on my skin it may not be the most effective for someone with very oily skin and/or blemishes but it’s worked very well with my sensitive skin. I appreciate that it contains potent anti-irritants and is fragrance free.

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twinkletwinklelittlebat on 1/24/2012 2:52:00 AM more reviews by twinkletwinklelittlebat

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I'm truly shocked at all the negative reviews for this product! I've used it off and on for over 4 years now (mostly on, more about that later), and every time I try something different I regret it.

I don't get any "instant" pore-shrinking effects from this product, but that's not what I'm really looking for. I can get that from a primer - I wanted a good treatment, and that's what this product is - a TREATMENT, and treatments need to be used for a minimum of 4 weeks to be effective. Yes, it does claim to reduce the appearance (just the appearance, people! Not the actual size!) of pores within minutes, which - if it works for you - is merely an optical illusion because of it's oil-absorbing properties. Mattified skin always appears to have smaller pores that greasy skin.

As for how it does work, some of it's primary ingredients are alpha hydroxy acids and retinol, which both work as chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and shed pore walls...AND treat and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. I feel like the name of this product is misleading, as it's really more of an anti-aging serum that also happens to be a pore refiner. During those times that I stopped using it for one reason or another, my skin would break out more, my pores would clog much more easily, my skin's texture was much less smooth, and fine lines became more apparent. After straying from it a couple of times since I first started using it, I knew it wasn't just a coincidence that my skin suffered when I stopped. I definitely will not stray from this product again!

As for all the claims that the product feels sticky, all I can say is that I've NEVER experienced this and that I'm guessing the reviewers facing this problem this are using too much product. I use one pump for my entire face and neck; it absorbs and dries quickly without leaving any kind of residue. Also, I only use this product in the AM, followed by SPF 30 or higher; I use Poetry in Lotion at night, so between the AHAs and retinol in those two products I wouldn't even consider leaving the house without sunscreen on. Not using a proper SPF could account for poor results; the ingredients that make the product so effective also make the skin more photosensitive and therefore more prone to UV damage, and enlarged pores are (not coincidentally) worsened by UV damage.

I can't speculate as to how this product actually made anyone's skin worse; I have nothing but praise for this product. My skin is normal to combination (and gets VERY oily in the t-zone during the summer) and usually a bit dehydrated. I've had enlarged pores for as long as I can remember, and I'm slightly acne prone. I also disagree that the price is too high; clearly anyone who thinks $40 for a serum is expensive hasn't bought many serums - most anti-aging products out there (and the ingredients in Picture Porefect put it right up there with other high-end anti-aging serums in my opinion) are significantly more expensive (I've seen other products with very similar ingredients that were easily double the cost). Obviously anything is going to seem expensive if it doesn't work for you, but what I can see from the bad reviews is that most of the reviewers gave up on the product WAY too quickly (Throwing it out after two days? Judging it after trying a one-use SAMPLE? REALLY?!?!?!?!?!??!?) or seem to be using it incorrectly. As someone who has been using the product correctly for several years now, I can assure you that this product DOES work and is well worth the money. Obviously I've repurchased this product multiple times and I plan on continuing to do so.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

xbnt on 4/16/2011 3:48:00 PM more reviews by xbnt

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Other   Eyes: Black    

The product did shrink by pores on the cheeks by a lot. They almost can't be seen now after only 2 weeks of slightly inconsistent use.
I only need a really small quantity put on every night and i think it help peel off the upper uneven layer of skin effectively. However I could not use it under makeup since it'd start flaking in 1, 2 hours.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lcstan on 4/11/2011 9:33:00 PM more reviews by lcstan

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

this expensive little product did nothing for my adult acne, oily skin, or enlarged pores. it's also fairly sticky in consistency, making it difficult to spread before it dries. perhaps it would work for a more moderate case of acne, but i sorta need the big guns. i gave it a 3 because it didn't worsen my problem.

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thefitchick on 1/24/2011 11:10:00 AM more reviews by thefitchick

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Been using this for a month. I don't notice any immediate results (in terms of mattifying or "shrinking") and haven't noticed anything longterm...in fact (hate to say this) the blackheads that I did have, are not loosened or lessened. It is sticky to apply. To me, it's just an 'eh' product. When I feel like I cannot go bare on the T-zone, I use this.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tovah on 1/11/2011 2:04:00 AM more reviews by Tovah

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Picture Porefect creates a barrier that stops sweat and break-through oil. A very little goes a long way. Nothing "cures" enlarged pores, but while this is on my face, it definitely "shrinks" my pores, and the retinol and hydroxys keep my skin exfoliated and smooth. PP also contains Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, which is used as an antiperspirant, because it closes pores, preventing sweat production, and it absorbs moisture as well. So Picture Porefect literally changes the appearance of pores when it's on skin. Picture Porefect is a terriffic exfoliant that keeps skin very clear and smooth. If you make sure it is completely, totally dry before applying sunscreen, makeup, etc., Picture Porefect can be used as a makeup primer. It's expecially good beneath Tease Zone.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Glycolate, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tree) Leaf Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow Bark) Extract, Polysorbate 20, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Retinol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* rickisyed on 11/15/2010 2:26:00 PM more reviews by rickisyed

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Hmm...i dont like this product. I have to say that it did minimize my pores to i would say maybe 20% first time wearing it, and I bet overtime this would improve my pores, BUT what I hate about this serum is that I got breakthrough shine 1 hour after makeup application, and blotted every hour after that for 8 hours. 8 soaked blotting papers. Yuck! I already have very oily skin, it did nothing to control my oil, it actually made it worse. No thanks.

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*TOP REVIEWER* janet1028 on 7/13/2010 4:57:00 PM more reviews by janet1028

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I read all of the reviews posted before writing mine. Interesting...and passionate opinions! With combo/rosacea skin and aging to boot, finding a "pore" product that takes care of the blackheads on my nose has been frustrating. And I am 55 so I've been dealing with this for years. Anyway, I've been using Neutrogena's 3in1 Stress product with 2% salicylic acid and I've used Paula's Choice as well. They've been okay, but my nose just gets more and more red because they are acids.

I've been liking my DD products - I think the recommendations that it will take months to see improvements is honest and correct. These are not prescription-strength so the results will not be the same. I don't expect it to be the same.

I've been using this for a couple of weeks and I think it has done a good job of reducing the "debris" thus making the pore appear smaller. I can't measure them - obviously - so the statement on the bottle about percentages is pretty meaningless.

To my fellow MUAers: I do want to say that some of the comments are a little misleading. Not because you are trying to mislead but maybe you don't know what these ingredients in this product are going to do. The multiple acids in here will chemically "peel" your face to a small extent. That's the idea. So to say that you have "flaking" is actually saying the product is working. I find that this product is more gentle than some of the others I have used. By that I mean that the shedding isn't so severe.

Because I have "thin" skin at this age, I can't use a scrub like many other younger women can so I am relying on the acids to do the exfoliating for me.

And I want to add something else: pores are genetically pre-determined but also are a consequence of sun damage and aging. Using these acid products make skin even more sensitive so sunscreen is absolutely essential or the problem is just being perpetuated.

In conclusion - finally!- these ingredients could very well be causing sensitivity in many who have written reviews. It's strong stuff. But it has worked for me and my type of skin - one that doesn't tolerate steaming, scrubbing, or any abrasive exfoliation.

If that is you and you have persistent blackheads, this is an option outside of the usual acne products on the market.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

audieriggs on 11/8/2009 10:59:00 PM more reviews by audieriggs

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Very sticky.. which made my freshly washed face feel dirty. I bought 2 from Sephora at $50 a piece. After months of daily use it did absolutely nothing for me. GARBAGE.

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aks081603 on 9/22/2009 2:57:00 PM more reviews by aks081603

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I had such high hopes for this product because of the reviews I read from other people who seemed to have similar skin to me; that is OILY and ACNE prone..... :( Well, no immediate results, but I stuck with it for 2 months (applies 2x daily), and still no effect on pore size whatsoever. I had realistic outcomes in mind, I wasn't expecting perfection, but NO RESULTS AT ALL. In fact, the only thing that I noticed is that in the areas I applied this product, I began breaking out in cystic acne (which I rarely get). Don't know if this is in relation to this product, but this is just what I noticed. In all fairness to the product, it may work for others who's skin condition is not hereditary......

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Wonder2Wanda on 8/19/2009 7:51:00 PM more reviews by Wonder2Wanda

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have pretty oily skin and genetically large pores (from my mom's side of the family). I was hoping this serum would help somewhat with my large pores but it's been weeks now and still nothing. My pores are the same size as they were before! Don't buy this...it's definitely worthless. Maybe if your skin has large pores due to whiteheads or blackheads you should give it a try (ask for samples at Sephora first). Otherwise don't jump the gun on this product. I have been using the queen helene mint julep mask and noticed an improvement in pore size there. It's only been two days so too early to tell but the mint mask is cheaper and so far did for me what this product could not and would not do. Never buying this again!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lebrown03 on 7/26/2009 6:52:00 PM more reviews by lebrown03

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Dark   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've had this product for about 2 weeks now and I DEFINITELY notice a difference. I had gigantic pores on the sides of my nose and now they truly appear to be gone. Like other reviewers, i placed the serum on my skin twice a day. In the morning, after washing my face, i allow it to dry then apply moisterizer and makeup. Its also helped control the midday oily skin i used to get.

My only issue is it overdries my skin in certian areas. This is minor considering it works so well in all the other areas.

I would definitely continue to use this product.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

babygirl3171980 on 4/22/2009 2:14:00 AM more reviews by babygirl3171980

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I got this at a sephora in Vegas. I think it was around forty dollars. Pretty expensive, the only reason I bought it was because of the reviews Ive read and because I had the money, lol. Ive had these Ginormous pores about an inch away from my nose and an inch under my eyes. Ive had these monstrosities since high school and only now have I discovered how to get rid of them! Ive been using this stuff for a few months, and my pores and noticeably gotten smaller. I did notice I have to put a bit on, then wait for it to dry but it does work! I wash my face in the morning, and this is the first thing I put on, followed by my moisturizer then my makeup.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

khutch1125 on 2/28/2009 8:12:00 PM more reviews by khutch1125

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

did absolutely nothing for me

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lvc80 on 2/9/2009 12:46:00 PM more reviews by lvc80

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This did nothing for me. My pores didn't look any smaller after using this consistently. And it did nothing for oil control although I didn't know if it was supposed to or not. For the price, it was deffinately a huge waste of money.

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*TOP REVIEWER* hags101 on 2/5/2009 2:53:00 AM more reviews by hags101

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

This is so expensive, but it works for me. It really makes my pores appear smaller! It does this by making the holes of your pores smoother and not as jagged. I have sensitive skin so this stuff can sting. It also contains willowbark (salicylic acid) so I do not know if it is safe during pregnancy.

If your pores are not completely clean it will make them appear even darker because it focuses the dark in such a smaller area when your pores "shrink."

I have found that the OCM has helped to make my pores nonexistent by cleaning them out completely and keeping them clear. I did however have severly bad reactions to OCM, but I did some research and found ways to make this method better. See my reviews for further info.

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Midori72 on 1/28/2009 3:02:00 PM more reviews by Midori72

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I have to agree with the last reviewer. I also received this from Sephora as a sample and it did nothing. I used it daily for a week and nothing. Don't waste your money. I'm glad I didn't.

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