Pulling off a pore strip and witnessing all the gunk that’s been extracted from your pores is oddly satisfying. It gives you a sense of deep cleansing, which is why pore strips have become a popular addition to many skincare routines.
But are pore strips effective at removing blackheads, and more importantly, are they actually safe for your skin? We spoke to dermatologists to find out.
How Do Pore Strips Work?
Pore strips are small adhesive strips made of plastic or cotton. When applied to the skin, the adhesive sticks to the surface and pulls out oil, sebum, and other impurities from the pores. According to Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at Yale, pore strips can help remove sebum, oxidized keratin, and environmental particles that congest the pores on your nose.
However, it’s important to note that pore strips are not a permanent solution. While they may temporarily remove some oil, the pores will inevitably clog up again. Dr. Gohara recommends using pore strips as a quick fix for special events, but not as a long-term solution. It’s also worth mentioning that pore strips may not work for everyone and require correct application to be effective.
Can Pore Strips Be Harmful to Your Skin?
In short, pore strips can actually irritate your skin and do more harm than good, according to Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. The adhesive on pore strips not only clings to the dirt in your pores but also to the surrounding skin. When you remove the strip, it can cause irritation. Additionally, many pore strips contain drying additives, which can further strip the skin and cause irritation.
Dr. Murphy-Rose advises individuals with sensitive skin or eczema to steer clear of pore strips. Those with oilier skin may be able to use them occasionally, but frequent use increases the risk of skin damage and sensitivity.
Other Ways to Clear Your Pores
Instead of solely focusing on removing oil and dirt from your pores, experts suggest using products that both eliminate buildup and prevent it in the future. Here are a few effective solutions:
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Cleansers: Choose face washes that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, help slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent further blockage.
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Retinols: Retinols are vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores by increasing cell turnover. By getting rid of dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones, retinols help clear pores. Use a retinol serum at night after cleansing and before moisturizing, as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.
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Mechanical Exfoliants: Another option is using mechanical exfoliants, such as face scrubs, to unclog pores. These scrubs contain tiny particles that gently dislodge sebum and impurities. Additionally, you can use a textured washcloth with a cleanser for physical exfoliation.
Meet Our Experts
At F5 Magazine, we prioritize expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Our dermatology advice comes from established professionals who possess the necessary knowledge and experience:
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Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at Yale.
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Dr. Cyndi Torosky is a board-certified dermatologist at Pariser Dermatology in Virginia Beach.
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Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Why Trust F5 Magazine?
At F5 Magazine, we uphold the highest standards of journalism. We ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are independent, based on credible training and experience. This article was written by Bethany Heitman, a contributor at F5 Magazine and a journalist specializing in beauty, home, and lifestyle.
Read more about skincare and other topics on F5mag.com.