And no, you can't make your pores smaller with pore strips, either. All you can really hope to do is not stretch them out more by keeping them clear of dirt and dead skin cells with a regular scrub or exfoliating peel.
Increased Pore Size: False
If you've done a little internet hunting, you might have noticed pore strips getting a bad rap for actually causing pore size to increase. However, according to Dr. Tanzi, there simply isn't any proof that pore strips can make your pores larger.
The Final Takeaway. While pore strips are a fun and satisfying way to unclog your pores, the dermatologists we consulted are not convinced they're worth the possible damage they can cause to the skin. Stick with other, safer–albeit slightly less exciting–methods when deep cleaning your pores for better results.
What are pore strips and how do they work? Board-certified dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD, said pore strips aim to remove debris that accumulate within pores, which includes dead skin cells, oil, wax, mixed yeast and bacteria.
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.
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.
Are Pore Vacuums Effective at Clearing Pores and Blackheads? In short, yes. “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.
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.
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.
These nose strips are absolutely amazing! They work so good! These aren't too aggressive on the skin you should be fine with using them with your nose ring.
When you pull off a pore strip you can see the results—but you might be mistaken about what you're actually looking at. When removing a dried pore strip, you want to start from the outer flanks working inward, being careful not to move too fast. (This should not be treated like a strip of hot wax, you guys.)
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.
“Pore strips work by removing the superficial portion of the blackhead,” explains dermatologist and director of Minneapolis-based Zel Skin Clinic Brian Zelickson, MD. “The adhesive will stick to the upper portion including the oil or sebum and pull the 'material' out.
The Skin-Compromising Consequences
“Squeezing, picking, pulling, prodding—all of that can stretch the elastic around the pores, which makes them wider and larger, and they won't bounce back into shape.
After you remove a blackhead, your pore will appear smaller. That's because the dirt and oil have been removed. Swipe a toner, such as witch hazel, over the area to kill any bacteria you may have spread and to condition your pores. You may want to avoid directly touching the area while your skin heals.
The bad news is that pore size is genetically determined, so you can't actually shrink pores. However, some products and treatments can minimize the appearance of pores, but none of them are permanent solutions. Pore-minimizing products work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.
Apply a facial pore cleanser with salicylic acid nightly. "It's a beta hydroxy acid that has increased solubility in oil and can travel deep within pores," Dr. Feely says. You can also talk to your dermatologist about a stronger in-office chemical peel to further clear out pores.
If you suddenly see the pores getting bigger on, for example, your nose, it's the sebum glands in the pores on your nose which have been working overdrive 24-hour shifts. With all this extra sebum to bag up, your pore will eventually begin to lose elasticity aka your pore size will stretch.
Pores can become clogged with excess oil, dead skin, or dirt, or they can appear more prominent as a result of too much sun exposure. Other factors that can influence pores becoming clogged include genetics and hormones.
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.
Because pore strips aren't strong enough to remove blackheads, but are able to pull out sebaceous filaments, they end up stripping our skin of our natural oils and getting rid of the pore's protection from bacteria.
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.
Don't use them more than once a week, follow the directions, don't leave them on for too long, and rinse your face thoroughly afterwards. "After you pull the strip off, there's usually some adhesive still stuck to the nose and you want to make sure you really wash that off since it can cause irritation," Nagler says.