Now for the good news: If your skin is on the normal or oily side, dermatologists say that you can benefit from using pore strips to treat blackheads. "Oily skin does best with pore strips since there are more blackheads to address," says Dr. Patel.
Pore strips are unlikely to cause any real damage. However, they may cause redness and skin irritation, especially for those with skin disorders like rosacea or psoriasis, or for patients using prescription acne medications.
Pore strips can damage more sensitive, thin skin and even pull out both skin and hair. That's why there's a warning within the instructions to only use nose strips about once a week. Overusing nose strips can make your skin actually look worse. Pore strips can be abrasive, causing skin irritation and turning red.
While you might not be able to rid your skin of pores, it's true that nose strips can temporarily make pores look smaller. By removing blackheads, the strips clear out the black- or brown-colored blockage. This can make pores appear as if they're smaller or gone.
Try in-office treatments for blackheads
Sometimes a good course of action for stubborn blackheads is by manual extraction, but it should always be kept in the hands of a professional. Otherwise, you risk scarring your skin. Your dermatologist might also recommend a chemical peel or microdermabrasion.
Close the holes temporarily with cold water.
Cold water makes your pores contract, which makes them look smaller. Try splashing some cold water on your face or holding a cold washcloth against the blackhead holes. This won't shrink them permanently, but it works as a good temporary fix.
While pores strips possibly can be effective at removing buildup inside the pores, the effects are not long-lasting, and the strips can cause more harm than good to the skin.
These studies have consistently shown that the strips improve airway resistance and minimize snoring. These nasal strips are recommended by many pharmacists as a safe and effective drug-free treatment to alleviate bothersome congestion and snoring associated with colds and allergies.
When used properly, though, nose strips can clear the pores temporarily and make them appear smaller, Shah says. Shari Marchbein, a New York City-based dermatologist, points out that strips need to be used repeatedly, as often as once or twice a week as pores can quickly get clogged again.
The white stuff that comes out of your pores like thin strings when you squeeze your nose is called a sebaceous filament. It's mostly made up of sebum (oil that your skin produces) and dead skin cells. This substance typically collects in pores around your nose and chin.
Using a strong retinol, because of the increased cell turnover, makes your skin more delicate, so anything abrasive—or really sticky, like a pore strip—can potentially rip the top layer of your skin off. A similar effect could happen if you're on a strong acne medication.
They work best when they are used right after your skin has been exposed to moisture. Applying pore strips right after a shower or after the skin has been exposed to steam are both perfect times. Moisture helps pores slightly open, loosening the plugs and allowing for easier removal.
If strip is difficult or painful to remove, wet strip thoroughly until it slides off easily. Forceful removal of the strip should be avoided and may cause skin abrasions. If this occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. Do not use more often than once every three days.
As a rule, nasal strips have no significant drawbacks, with the exception of a possible reaction of the skin to the adhesive with which the nasal strip adheres to the nose and the possible risk of skin damage when the strip is removed.
The strips are designed to hold the wearer's nostrils open to improve breathing, reducing congestion and snoring. They have been available since 1993. Athletes soon began wearing them, and Minneapolis-based manufacturer CNS Inc.
Do snoring strips work? As we shared before, the answer is not really. This is because, in short, these band-aid-like strips and dilators can provide short-term, temporary relief, but there is no substantial evidence to indicate that they accomplish anything more.
Pore strips may make your pores appear bigger over time
Removing blackheads has to be done by extraction and should be done by an expert. Pore strips might get you a quick cosmetic fix, but it won't stop enlarged pores from coming back (via Allure).
Pore strips give a quick, albeit temporary, improvement of blackheads. So in that respect, pore strips do work. But for a long term fix for blackheads, pore strips aren't the best way to go. Once you've yanked the strip off of your face, go ahead and take a look at what's been captured by the glue.
Are Pore Vacuums Effective at Clearing Pores and Blackheads? “Pore vacuums certainly can be an effective tool in helping to regularly clear pore congestion, however they're not essential component to a skincare routine,” says Dr. Reszko.
While cellophane tape could possibly remove surface dead skin cells, it's unclear how effective this method is in removing clogged gunk in your pores. Don't use masking, duct, industrial, or any other type of tape that could be harmful to your skin.
Dermatologists can offer specialized treatments, such as microneedling, to minimize the appearance of large pores. ... They also note that these at-home devices are less effective than professional treatments. Laser treatments are another option. Lasers can reduce oil production and decrease the size of pores.