The Pore Strips Cycle
A mild but stubborn form of acne, blackheads are very common on certain parts of the face, especially the nose. For those who need clear skin fast, pore strips are a convenient way of dealing with blackheads, provided that they work and don’t end up irritating your skin. Unfortunately, blackheads have a bad habit of returning shortly afterwards. Is there anything you can do to stop or postpone this annoying cycle?
Pore strips are small strips that use an adhesive which binds to the hardened oil, dirt and bacteria in your pores. Like tape, they can be stuck to your skin and peeled off to remove surface acne such as blackheads. They are most commonly used on the nose, although they can work equally well on other oily areas of the face, such as your forehead. While I’m not going to recommend a specific brand, it’s best to use a well-made product that works for your skin type, as poor-quality pore strips may actually leave a film of adhesive gel on your skin - adding more unwanted gunk rather than removing it.
When using pore strips, one mistake to avoid is using them too often. These are not meant for everyday use. You should aim for once or twice per week, as overly frequent use of pore strips can easily irritate your skin and invite more acne. Those with very sensitive skin may be better off finding a different solution altogether.
After applying and removing a pore strip, you should follow it with the right routine. Rinsing with cold water is a smart move, as the cool temperature will cause your pores to contract protectively. Chances are the pore strip will have left your pores dilated, and warm water can dilate them further, leaving your skin vulnerable. Following with tea tree oil will help kill any bacteria still holding out in your pores, but this can be drying, so avoid this step if your skin is more sensitive. Finally, if you need a moisturizer, choose a gentle one that is non-oil-based, and apply it sparingly. These steps can help cut down the number of repeat blackheads, but if you have highly active oil glands, you’ll still be seeing a few more next week. Normalizing your oil levels requires internal methods such as vitamin B5 acne treatment.
Even when you’re doing all the right things, you may still end up with a few blackheads. The layer of skin over your nose is fairly thin and stretched tight, so it’s easy for these pores to become clogged. Don’t stress out in front of the mirror, examining your face like a scientist with a microscope. A semi-regular treatment like pore strips may be required to eliminate these spots every now and then, but if you’re following a smart clear skin routine, the fact is these blackheads should be small enough that hardly anyone besides yourself is likely to notice.
