I am 55 and have oil "gusher" skin, with a few lines under the eyes. I've fought oil and blemishes since age 13 and it wasn't until I started to treat my skin like sensitive skin that I had any success. First; HANDS off - no picking, popping, or squeezing. I use a blackhead extractor when needed. I use Mary Kay time wise 3-1 bar soap and an Old Vic washcloth (can be found at Vermont Country Store, Amazon, Caswell Massey on line) - squeaky clean and gently exfoliated. A blackhead clearing astringent (Avon Clear Skin) and then a primer: Smashbox Matte: just soaks up the oil. Makeup is Loreal's Mineral powder foundation over Dermablend concealer (I have old acne scars on my cheeks), loose powder, powder blush and I'm good to go for a few hours. I like Mary Kay blotting tissues ($5/75 tissues) and always blot first, apply a touch of Smashbox to my t-zone and powder lightly. I've found that after my morning make-up application at 6:30am I usually need touch ups at 10 - 12 and 2pm. Evenings I again wash after removing eye makeup with Mary Kay eye make up remover, astringent, and then a moisturizer/oil control lotion (Mary Kay or other brands). I also like to dab a bit of eye cream on in the evenings (I like Mary Kay or Anew by Avon). Hands get FREQUENT applications of Mary Kay Timewise hand/body lotion during the day and before bed I do cuticles with almond oil or olive oil, what ever I can pick up - I rub it in real well and apply a nice hand cream.

I know this isn't what you asked for, but when I went to the dermatologist recently she gave me something called "Replenix" to try. I have tried retin-a products in the past but they were always too harsh for my skin so she recommended this. It is a retinol product which is milder than retin-a products but works like retin-a to make pores smaller and reduce sun damage and I believe it would probably eventually remove the spots you are talking about. It is not a prescription item - you can buy it on amazon and other places. There are various strengths - I started with 3x and have just ordered 6x and I think it goes up to 10x. I use a tinted moisturizer from Smashbox which I like and it has sun protection in it too I think, but it is lighter than a concealer. Good luck - I too am fair-skinned and beginning to pay for all the years when I was younger and lived in the sun, using baby oil mixed with iodine for a tan.

Okay - here's my final thoughts - Definitely like the Smashbox the best. I don't wear alot of makeup and use a light hand with my mineral (powder) foundation. The primer makes your skin feel so smooth. I noticed a difference around my eyes, which are where I have a few small lines - the primer definitely smoothed things out. I have one (yes ONE - not sure how it happened) enlarged pore, and the primer makes that invisible. I do think my makeup lasts longer. I'm not one to "check my make-up" often but I have been the last week while testing the two primers. On days I worked, my makeup looked good all day long. I'm curious as to how the primer will perform in our hot/humid months. I'm wondering if it will "melt"? I will say that while I like the primer and I see it's benefits, I don't think it is as great as the author of the book does. But for now, I'm wearing it. Oh and as for the price, you use so little of the primer, that it should last quite a while. I purchased a large size sample for $12, and I would imagine just that sample is going to last me for some time. tina

I've tried it. It is almost exactly the same as the DHC Velvet Skin Coat to me. I found a Becca primer for oily skin that works better for me than the silicone-based products. But on the rare day when my skin feels dry, I use the Monistat anti-chafe.