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Actually, an astringent is supposed to tighten pores too. Nothing can diminish the size of pores completely, but an astringent can temporarily shrink them. They're essentially the same thing, just different terms.
If you want some good reading about the chemistry of skin care, I really recommend flipping through Paula Begoun's Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. There's a new edition as of 2007.
Personally, I change up my skin care routine depending on the season/weather. Winter requires a heavier moisturizer, otherwise my skin dries out. I use a gentle cleanser with occasional mechanical exfoliation (using a washcloth) alongside a moisturizer with glycolic acid (an AHA) to keep my skin clear. I also use a bentonite/kaolin clay mask in the shower every couple of days to clear up my greasies, and a exfoliating scrub from Clinique every couple days in place of the cleanser/wash cloth. That is my summer routine. In winter, I often just use Dove soap and Nivea cream, with the clay mask once a week or so and the exfoliating scrub. If I get some breakouts, I use witch hazel and/or a tea tree blemish stick that I have. Works pretty well.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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