Pore strips have been a skincare staple since 1997 when Biore launched the first generation of blackhead removal strips.1 The promise of clearer skin and the satisfaction of seeing what gunk the strips pulled out of pores made them an instant hit. Twenty-five years later, people are still using these quick and easy strips as part of their regular skincare routine.
What Are Pore Strips?
Basic pore strips look like a contoured bandage. They’re usually shaped to lie across your nose, chin, or forehead. The strip is commonly made of a woven material layered with a polymer that adheres to skin oils and a mild adhesive that sticks to your skin.
The main purpose of pore strips is to remove blackheads and potentially make pores less visible. Some strips include ingredients to surface the oil between pores. Other strips are part of a multi-step system that includes products to apply after removing the strips.
How Pore Strips Work
Using pore strips is a simple process. First, you should cleanse your skin and thoroughly wet the area where you’ll be applying the strip. After removing the backing material to expose the adhesive side, smooth the strip over the appropriate area, usually the nose, chin, or forehead. Let the strip dry for 10 to 15. It will feel slightly stiff to the touch once it’s dried.
You should remove pore strips starting from the outer edges, slowly pulling the strip away from your skin. Holding the skin taunt with one hand can reduce pulling and irritation. The strip peels away from the skin, taking with it oil and other gunk that settled in the opening of the pores. You can often see small plugs of yellowish or brownish material on the surface of the strip.
Are Pore Strips Effective for Treating Blackheads?
Blackhead is another word for an open comedone. They are pores that have become blocked with sebum, dead skin, and other debris. The top of the pore remains open, and the trapped material oxidizes, giving it a dark appearance.
Blackheads are not the only type of dark blemishes that can appear on your face. Sebaceous filaments are tiny fibers that help move oil from inside the pores to your skin’s surface.2 The filaments can develop a dark color and look like blackheads. They can be especially prominent on your nose.
Pore strips are effective at removing small amounts of debris from the surface of your pores.3 They can pull out darkened oil from sebaceous filaments or the topmost part of a blackhead. However, they cannot clear out debris from deeper within the pores. They are also not effective on whiteheads or other types of acne.
Who Should Use Pore Strips
Pore strips are helpful for people who have visible blackheads and want to quickly improve their skin’s appearance. The pore strips will remove the top layers of the gunk, and the skin will look less congested. They won’t prevent blackheads from returning, so they should be part of a skincare routine that addresses oil build-up and clogged pores.
If you have sensitive skin, check the ingredients on the pore strips. Some have fragrances that can irritate the skin. If you have other types of acne, pore strips might be too harsh for you. Do not use pore strips on whiteheads, open sores, or dry flaky skin. Stop using pore strips if they cause irritation or excessive redness.
If you have questions about pore strips or the best skincare options for you, speak to a dermatologist or aesthetician near you.
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