A Wren Says

“Your face looks different, like there’s’ different colors. There’s definitely blush and a pore-minimizing product.”

“OMG! You think I have a pore minimizing product on?!”

The truth was that I had only put on some blush and concealer under my eyes, no complexion product. I went to the mirror and noticed that yes, my pores have started to refine. What changed? Well, I have been using the Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask.

For a while, I had been worrying that my obsession with trying out new skincare was actually ruining my skin. I noticed that my pores started to get bigger and bigger, and the overall texture of my skin was not great. I had gone from frequently getting compliments on my skin to not only hearing nothing but being self-conscious. It is not that I needed the compliments, but it was clear to me that something had visibly changed in my skin health, and I needed to do something about it.

I had the Innisfree mask sitting in my stash for some time and just didn’t get into it. I would use it once, see no results, and not come back for several weeks. But now with not much to lose and a lot to gain, I decided to use it more frequently to see if the results it claimed were within reach.

The brand claims that with its combo of volcanic ash and lactic acid, you should see more refined pores and more even skin texture. In their sample, 100% saw results in one use. I knew that wouldn’t be me, but I wondered what would happen over a longer period of time.

The first time I used the product, in the past, I would slather it all over my face, set a timer for ten minutes and then go get stuff done. Thes time around, I shifted it. I washed my face gently and patted it dry. Then I applied it targeted to where I was experiencing the biggest issues with pore size: my cheeks and nose area. I put it on my chin sometimes to address acne. Then I would leave it on only as long as it took me to do my dental routine. And washed it off and proceeded with the rest of my skincare. I found doing it that way made it easier to incorporate the step in my routine.

The downside? This thing is more difficult to wash off than I would like. After applying it, I felt like it took a long time to get it off my fingers (which is partly why I assume people use mask spatulas). But to be honest, it was washing it off my face that was the real issue. It was essentially like it might be like a second cleanse and exfoliant, and maybe that led to the good results. Or maybe I have just been putting on way too much, and I am creating my own problem. In either case, I do my best to rinse it off and then follow with a wet cloth to ensure I got everything.

Upon immediately removing the mask on day one, I thought it wasn’t worth it. But clearly, it takes time. I have been using this for like a month now. At first it was once a week. Now I’ve gotten to twice a week. My pores are significantly tighter. And even though I don’t know if this is reason, my skin tone is also clearer. And this is after I had been struggling with hyperpigmentation in the aftermath of acne and extractions.  

This was my first ever experience with any products from Innisfree., and it was a good one. I still have a lot left in the jar and will continue using it up. I think that you are looking for a solution for your own pore issues, this is one to try. The brand recommends this for oily to combo skin types, so if you are living in a drier area or have very dry skin, this might be one to be careful with. Personally, I have been leery of clay masks in the past, but had a great experience with this one, perhaps given its creamy consistency or because I leave it on for half of the recommended time.

And I will give this disclaimer like I always do. Because it has lactic acid, please please please make sure you are using your sunscreen daily because of the acid can increase sun sensitivity.