There’s something so grossly satisfying about using a pore strip. Looking at all the gunk from your skin almost feels therapeutic. It’s why people can’t get enough of viral pore strip removal videos and photos. But, what is the pore strip actually doing (besides providing #content gold)? We asked board certified dermatologists Dr. Purvisha Patel, Dr. Craig Kraffert, and Dr. Jame Heskett for the rundown on everything strip related. Do they actually work? Will they fix our blackhead issues for good? They break it down, ahead.
What is a pore strip?
Pore strips are strips of material with an adhesive on one side to adhere to and pull out open comedones, aka blackheads. Blackheads happen when oil in the pores of the skin is exposed to air and oxidized, resulting in a darkened appearance.
How do pore strips work?
The adhesive truly grabs the oil and pulls it out, voilá—the blackhead is taken out. “The ability of the strip to adhere and clear the pores is a variable factor, and pore strips may not work for everyone, especially those that may have adhesive allergies,” explains Dr. Patel.
There’s something so grossly satisfying about using a pore strip. Looking at all the gunk from your skin almost feels therapeutic. It’s why people can’t get enough of viral pore strip removal videos and photos. But, what is the pore strip actually doing (besides providing #content gold)? We asked board certified dermatologists Dr. Purvisha Patel, Dr. Craig Kraffert, and Dr. Jame Heskett for the rundown on everything strip related. Do they actually work? Will they fix our blackhead issues for good? They break it down, ahead.
What is a pore strip?
Pore strips are strips of material with an adhesive on one side to adhere to and pull out open comedones, aka blackheads. Blackheads happen when oil in the pores of the skin is exposed to air and oxidized, resulting in a darkened appearance.
How do pore strips work?
The adhesive truly grabs the oil and pulls it out, voilá—the blackhead is taken out. “The ability of the strip to adhere and clear the pores is a variable factor, and pore strips may not work for everyone, especially those that may have adhesive allergies,” explains Dr. Patel.