my pores are very large.. i can't tell if they might be scars and not just big pores? it makes my skin look dirty and uneven. the spot around my nose is really red, too. my chin is all bumpy and has tons of dark blackheads if i stretch it to look. also my skin is lighter above and a little below my lips so i look like i have a moustache that has been bleached or something. most of the other stuff is just red spots, no really deep scars. i spend so much money on moisturizers and treatments, but nothing is helping and i'm 25 now!! i've been thinking of laser or micropeel or anything at this point. do you guys think there's an easy way to fix this stuff without a major dermabrasion?

i hate that i have to wear makeup all the time. i won't even let anyone take pictures with me in them, and i want to go swimming this summer and hang out on the beach without feeling ugly.

Hi,
those definitely look like enlarged pores rather than ice-pick scars, to me. I've found that a combination of weekly lactic or salicylic peels, along with 2 microdermabrasions and regular applications of Puredeming Intense Gel has helped a lot with my enlarged pores.
I think a weekly peel could be very helpful, if you're not already doing so.

I'm of the opinion that you could get good results without undergoing anything invasive like a dermabrasion. Enlarged pores are much more easily treatable than scars, so be thankful.

Good luck and keep us updated,
Paul.

hi thanks a lot. i have a lot of red spots, too. would those peels help the light discoloration around my mouth? it makes me really self concious. i looked on ebay and saw a lot of peels. is there any one in particular i should try (or a certain percentage)? i've used lots of stuff and think my skin is pretty tough, but i'd like to see what you guys think i should order since you have more knowledge of this stuff.

Hmm. Even if you feel your skin is already fairly tough, I think it would be best to start off with either a 40% lactic peel at a pH of around 2, or a 20% salicylic peel.
Good places to look into getting peels are:
Logan wood skincare - best for lactic IMO
Makeup artist's choice - good for salicylic
Homepeels
andPuredeming

If you look in the 'Salicylic acid gets no respect' thread, there are some good recommendations in that.
Sorry I can't be more informative, I'm in a bit of a rush! Hope it's helpful anyway.