I was asked to preview Continuous Results for this blog, and was intrigued because it’s use of pure retinal (a derivative of the mega-exfoliator, Retin A) delivered in a moisturizing foam, which was previously only done in the dermatologist’s office, claims the manufacturer. While I was more or less happy with what I’ve been using, the usual wasn’t addressing a growing concern of mine: large pores along the cheek bones–some large enough that the craters might make a good camping ground for a few wayward ants.

The kit includes a standard moisturizing cleanser and a pretty good sunscreen. The creaminess of the texture doesn’t foam well enough to use my Nutra Sonic, so I stick to the IS CLINICAL foaming cleanser and night and use the Continuous Results cleanser in the morning.

Untouched close-up. Pores haven't completely closed, but are improved.

The magic happens in the treatment, which contains:

Key ingredients:

• Retinol diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes skin texture and evens skin tone for a younger-looking complexion
• Peptides help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture
• Vitamin B5 & E help protect the skin from free radicals
• Niacinamide delivers Vitamin B3 to the skin’s surface to help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone

The retinol and niacinamide are the two key ingredients in shrinking the pores, and after a couple weeks, the results are awesome. I no longer have to do those make up tricks to deflect the light. Downside is, it’s pretty potent, so I alternate and do it every other night. The company also uses a level system–once you’ve plateaued with one set, you can move up to a more effective strength, thus the name, “Continuous Results.”

Even my family is noticing improvements. A few days ago Clo Clo and I were out in the yard and she asked if I had any makeup on, which is a clear indication that I’m about to leave the premises on some blog adventure and she’s never to thrilled about that unless she’s going too. I told her I didn’t have any makeup on, and she replied, “Well then, why does your face look so smooth!” My mother also noticed when I went up for a quick visit to check on her before her radiation treatments, and first thing she said was “What you doing coming in here looking so young?”