Pore Strips 101: Do Pore Strips Work? Dermatologists Answer

What Are Pore Strips and Do Pore Strips Really Work?

It’s important to note that not all pore strips are created equally. Most pore strips are coated with an adhesive material and work by attaching to the pore plug and surrounding skin.

So

how do you use pore strips? The basic steps as seen on our products state to:

1. Wash your face and apply a generous amount of water to your nose.

2. Then, take off the backing of the pore strip, firmly press the strip on your nose bridge, and wait 10-15 minutes before taking it off.
3. Pore strip removal should be done carefully and slowly. No need to pull pore strips off fast for more effective use.

When the nose strip is removed, the top layer of skin can come off with the extracted dirt and oil. “Bioré pore strips work through c-bond technology rather than adhesives, safely removing dirt, oil, and blackheads,” says Dr. Henry. This c-bond technology works like a magnet to connect to pore plugs, lifting out deep-down grime, oil, and blackheads from even the most clogged pores. Either way, seeing all that gunk removed after an application is surprisingly satisfying!

Absolutely! Pore strips are an excellent choice when trying to get rid of blackheads. “Pore strips are perfect for unclogging pores which minimize the appearance of pores and improves skin texture,” says Palmer.

When you keep your pores free of plugs they are less likely to become inflamed or turn into active acne. “Just one use will powerfully remove deep down dirt, debris, and oil,” says dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. “After one use, your pores will appear smaller and with regular use, they will reduce in size,” says Dr. Henry.

Like we mentioned before, most pore strips are made with a general adhesion formula which isn’t good for your skin. “Pore strips made with cationic bonds act as a magnet to safely remove dirt, oil, and blackheads. Therefore, they do not cause damage,” explains Dr. Henry. For the sake of your skin, use nose strips with c-bond technology rather than adhesives and be sure to follow the directions on the box.

Like with any skincare product, pore strips are not for everyone's skin. If you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist before using pore strips. For example, if your skin is more sensitive from sunburns, avoid using pore strips until it is healed as they could lead to further irritation. If you are using medications like a retinoid, it may make your skin susceptible to irritation. Likewise, if you have more severe skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, pore strips should be avoided. Pore strips are one of the best options to unclog your pores, but if you have questions about certain medications you should visit your dermatologist.

How Do Pore Strips Work? Your Questions Answered

We understand how use-cases for pore strips may differ depending on your individual skin type. Here are some common questions we’ve noticed about pore strips that we can answer:

• Can pore strips remove deep blackheads on the nose? Similar to what was stated earlier, pore strips are a great way to remove dirt and debris. For deeper blackheads inside the nose, this may be slightly harder to obtain. Nevertheless, pore strips, especially deep cleansing strips, still work effectively to safely remove most oil.
• Do pores close after blackhead removal? A blackhead hole will never necessarily “close” up even after blackhead extraction. The pore is still open. However, a consistent skincare routine helps to prevent further blackhead build up and reduce the rate at which oil clogs the pore.
• How often should I use pore strips? Use pore strips once a week as part of your greater skincare routine.

What happens if you leave a pore strip on overnight? We do not recommend leaving pore strips on for long periods of time. Leaving pore strips on overnight may rip off the top layer of your skin, damaging it, and make removing blackheads less effective. Follow the instructions on your product for best results.