How To Use Pore Strips For Blackheads & Do They Really Work?

Pore strips have adhesive and are commonly used to clear dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It helps you make your skin smoother. You might have used pore strips to remove blackheads, dirt, and debris from the skin pores, especially on your nose, chin, and forehead. But have you ever wondered if they are good? Are they doing more harm than good? Read this article to find out and learn everything about pore strips.

How Do Pore Strips Work?

According to Cassandra Bankson, skin care expert and medical aesthetician, “Pore strips are usually made of adhesive applied to the skin, generally on the nose where pores are largest. These strips occasionally contain ingredients, such a salicylic acid to help with blemishes and blackheads. These strips adhere to the sebaceous filaments and blackheads inside the pores, and pull them out, along with top layers of the dead keratin cells called corneocytes. In other words, pore strips exfoliate and extract.”

However, pore strips do not diminish the size of pores or prevent blackheads from forming. Here is a guide for using them properly.

How To Use Pore Strip For Blackheads

Step 1: Wash Your Face

Wash your skin well with a face cleanser to clean the grime and grease off your face.

Step 2: Steam

Steam your face for around 3 minutes, or use a hot towel for 5 minutes to loosen the sebum, dirt, and debris inside the pores.

Step 3: Apply The Strip

Before using the pore strips, read the instructions and guidelines. Remove the plastic cover and place the smooth side on your nose. Gently press it to ensure proper application. Simultaneously, apply the strips to your chin, forehead, and other places prone to blackheads. You may also do a DIY pore strip by using natural ingredients like eggs and honey.

Step 4: Let The Strip Dry For Few Minutes Until It Feels Stiff

Wait for 15-20 minutes until the strip feels stiff. This ensures the strip attaches to the skin properly and pulls out as much gunk as possible.

Step 5: Peel The Strip Off

Start removing the strip from the edges slowly and carefully. Do not pull or rip it off as it may damage the skin. The blackheads should be visible on the pore strip once you remove it.

Step 6: Wash Your Face

Rinse your face with water

to remove any remaining adhesive residue. You can also apply an ice cube wrapped in a cloth to reduce redness and swelling (if any). Finish off with a toner. However, you are not done yet. Aftercare is equally important to ensure clear and smooth skin.

Aftercare

Cassandra Bankson

says, “Make sure you are protecting the skin! Use a serum containing salicylic acid to prevent the reappearance of blackheads and acne. It also prevents the pores from filling up with more sebum or oil.” She adds, “You must use sunscreen. Pore strips are exfoliating. Protect your nose with sunscreen as this is a common area that skin cancer can form, and remember that exfoliation should always be followed up with protection.” You should also moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated, as pore strips can tear the skin and dry it out.

Although pore strips are widely used for blackheads, dermatologists usually do not recommend using them. Keep reading to find out why.

Do Dermatologists Recommend Pore Strips?

No. Dermatologists usually do not recommend pore strips. It is because they can rip the skin, causing irritation and injuries. Pore strips also do not prevent or effectively treat a condition. Instead, they are a quick fix to clear gunk from deep within a pore.

That is why most dermatologists recommend using salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, as it tackles the present problem and prevents future blackheads. However, if you are in a hurry or looking for a quick solution, you can use pore strips. Here are a few things to keep in mind while buying them.

How To Buy The Best Pore Strips

When buying pore strips, ensure that you:

• Check the ingredients and avoid chemicals like parabens, alcohol, and phthalates, all of which will dry out your skin. Also, keep an eye out for potential allergens like essential oils and fragrances.
• Get a pack that includes chin and forehead strips if you wish to utilize them on other parts of your face.
  Also,
• Never use pore strips on inflamed or damaged skin.
• Seek advice from a dermatologist if you are unsure where to begin. They might be able to recommend a product depending on your specific skin concerns.

Cassandra Bankson states, “People with sensitive skin should avoid pore strips altogether. People with oily and acne-prone skin should look for pore strips with BHA to help with excess oil production. Those with dry skin should be careful with pore strips and follow up with moisturizers. Always go for a pore strip with soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.”

Caution: Avoid pore strips if you have existing skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Pore strips can further aggravate the conditions.

Quick Tip

Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. This is essential, especially after using pore strips.

While the strips are satisfying to use, there are better alternatives to reduce the appearance of pores and eliminate blackheads. Check them out.

Other Ways To Remove Blackheads

1. Exfoliation

Exfoliating the skin

eliminates dead skin cells and clears clogged pores. You can use a cloth or a soft brush to exfoliate your skin with your regular cleanser. You may also use a face scrub. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week or less frequently if your skin is sensitive.

2. Use Clay Mask

Clay masks can also help to remove dirt and grime from the pores. Look for a product that contains activated charcoal for better results. If you have sensitive skin, always follow up with a moisturizer.

3. Apply Retinol

Retinol is an effective acne-fighting agent (1). It aids in cellular proliferation, allowing dead skin cells to be pushed out of your pores and off your face. It may irritate the skin initially, so start with the lowest percentage of retinol. Also, apply it at night as it can also make your skin more susceptible to the sun.

Quick Tip

Change your pillowcases regularly to prevent the transfer of oils and bacteria that may contribute to blackhead formation.

You may also consider these professional treatments for acne and blackheads:

1. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical facial resurfacing method widely utilized in the beauty industry. In the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report prepared by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, microdermabrasion emerged as a popular cosmetic minimally invasive procedure, with a total of 522,693 treatments conducted. Of these procedures, 81% were performed on females. The national average surgeon/physician fee for microdermabrasion was $167, resulting in a total expenditure of $87,305,334 for this cosmetic intervention. This procedure removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells to improve the appearance of pores, reduce excess sebum, and prevent blackheads and whiteheads (2).

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels for acne are keratolytic and can exfoliate the skin to clear clogged pores on the nose and the rest of your face. They remove dead cells and debris and prevent acne and blackheads (3). They also reduce the probability of future breakouts.

3. Laser and Light Therapy

This treatment uses concentrated lasers to target and eliminate acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and nodules. The lasers can kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and control excess sebum production to minimize breakouts (4).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put pore strips on my cheeks?

Yes, you may use pores strips designed for cheeks. Nose pore strips are not suitable for cheeks.

What happens if you put a pore strip on a pimple?

Using pore strips on pimples and active breakouts may further increase inflammation and irritate the affected area as they contain strong adhesive.

Uncover the most effective techniques for using pore strips for blackheads. Listen to a dermatologist’s perspective on their practical benefits, how they function, and the satisfaction involved at the visible results. Click play to find out!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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