Beauty: Pore wars

Picture / Carolyn Robertson

The oil-production of some skins in hot weather feels like it rivals the output of a Saudi oilfield. Heat stirs the sebaceous glands up and spurs them into producing more oil. Thankfully help is at hand with a selection of products that help absorb oil without drying or aggravating the skin further - and just about everyone needs help with the dreaded T-zone.

Shiseido Pureness Pore Purifying Warming Scrub

$44 for 50ml

Don't think oily skin can handle rough treatment. It can't. The whole Pureness line is gentle and has a hand in rebalancing skin. This is a lovely scrub that warms up on impact with the skin, clears out pores and removes oil that shouldn't be there.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Garnier Pure A Intensive Night Treatment

$13.99 for 40ml

This works nocturnally to hydrate oily skin as much - or as little - as it needs, as well as tightening and unclogging pores with salicylic acid, zinc and hydrating cucumber extracts. What's more, it's a deterrent for potential trouble in the form of imperfections - a nice name for "zits".

From selected supermarkets, department and variety stores and pharmacies.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula

$42 for 200ml

A no-nonsense, fragrance-free cleanser that gets rid of dirt and excess oil from the skin's surface, while a special berry extract helps to normalise excess sebum. The only possible hitch is the menthol - in there to cool skin down - as it can be a potential irritant to sensitive skin. Excellent, user-friendly pump bottle. Would not look out of place in any bathroom.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers

$47 for the compact; $12 for the refill

These powder-free tissues come in a pretty fantastic black leather-look case with its own mirror. Almost worth the enlarged pores to get one of these. They mop up excess oil and perspiration from the skin, which means you can dab away any time during the day in style without having to resort to powder.

From Smith & Caughey's Queen St.

L'Oreal Pure Zone Anti-Imperfection Hydro-Gel

$17.99 for 50ml

It sounds so hi-tech it deserves a part in a sci-fi movie. In fact, it's a moisturiser designed for oily and combination skin that uses salicylic acid to help get rid of impurities and tighten pores as it goes.

From selected department stores, pharmacies and supermarkets.