You Should Stay Away From Pore Strips, Here’s Why

Pore strips are a quick fix for black heads and clogged pores. A strong adhesive is used to pull away any dirt and sebum that is clogging your pores, leaving your T-Zone feeling fresh. But are these strips doing more harm than good? We think you should stay away, here’s 5 reasons why:

1/5: Pore strips don’t tackle the root of the problem

If you’re suffering from blackheads and clogged pores often, using a pore strip is only a temporary fix. The build-up and blackheads will likely return, requiring the use of another pore strip. Continuous use of these strips can be damaging to the skin, bringing us to the next point:

2/5: Pore strips can damage the skin

The adhesive used in pore strips has to be fairly strong to pull away the sebum, dirt and oil that is clogging your pores. If you have sensitive skin, this pulling action can cause irritation and potentially damage healthy skin cells.

3/5: Pore strips can indirectly lead to clogged pores and skin oiliness

Pore strips remove the dirt causing clogged pores, but they also take out most of the sebum in your pores needed to maintain healthy skin function. Sebum is a waxy secretion that keeps the skin protected and hydrated.

By stripping the skin of this substance, the pores will often overcompensate by producing extra oil to combat the dryness. Continued use of these strips will likely lead to overactive sebaceous glands, leading to an oily complexion and further blackhead formation.

4/5: Pore strips can make pores appear larger

These nose strips forcefully pull away blackheads, leaving the pore empty and exposed. This can make your pores appear larger.

5/5: There are safer, more effective methods to cleanse your pores

There are many treatments available at home to cleanse your pores and prevent blackheads from forming in the future. An essential product we recommend is one that contains Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid; this acid exfoliates the inner walls of your pores to prevent blackheads and acne from forming. Salicylic acid also regulates sebum production, this means fewer breakouts and clogged pores.

In addition to Salicylic acid, you can use physical exfoliants, face steamers, serums containing AHAs and face masks to tackle your black head problem. All of these treatments are more long-term and safer than using pore strips.