How pore strips work and the 10 best pore strips of the year
Pore strips aim to shrink pores and remove blackheads from skin. But do they really work? Dermatologists weigh in.
King said that charcoal is porous and may help to absorb excess oil (though she noted any beneficial effects of the ingredient are marginal). Both she and Lancer previously recommended the Boscia Pore Purifying Charcoal strips, but they are currently sold out. One top rated alternative is Livaclean’s charcoal pore strips, which received a 4.1-star average rating from nearly 300 reviews on Amazon. Although they cost approximately $16, you receive 60 pore strips per pack.
Jolvka’s pore strips are marketed toward men and can be used on the nose, forehead and chin. They contain salicylic acid, an additive that King said penetrates into pores to remove sebum. Salicylic acid helps prevent pores from becoming congested and can help remove clogs that have already formed, making these pore strips great for those with acne-prone skin.
Although reviews for these peel-off strips are limited — they have a 4.3-star average rating from four reviews — innisfree is a popular skin care brand and the brand claims its strips are dermatologist-tested. They utilize volcanic clusters from the Jeju Island off the coast of South Korea to help extract dirt and grime trapped inside the pores. Each pack comes with six pore strips designed for the nose.
This 2-in-1 nose kit from Yes To utilizes a charcoal cleanser that is infused with a combination of salicylic acid and tomates to help reduce blackheads. The single-use nose mask comes in a small package, which is useful if you need a quick skin fix on the go. Lancer said single-use face masks and pore strips like this one may be valuable to individuals with limited access to their usual skin care regimens, like frequent travelers. After using a cotton swab to spread the mixture onto the nose, place the accompanying pore strip on top and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes.
Designed for the nose, this pore strip is infused with charcoal, antibacterial volcanic ash and antioxidant-rich bamboo extract, additives that work to reduce the size of pores. It also contains aloe, sacred lotus flower and allantoin, a chemical compound known for hydrating and protecting skin from irritation. These ingredients soothe skin and reduce redness that may occur during treatment.
To thoroughly treat blackheads, this product contains three strips that together leave pores clean and smooth. The first strip dissolves sebum to open up pores, prepping skin for the second strip, which removes blackheads and dead skin. The third pore strip cleans and soothes skin while tightening pores, utilizing ingredients like sage, peppermint oil and tea tree oil.
Peace Out’s pore strips lift dirt, excess sebum, oily wax and dead skin cells up from within pores. They are infused with vitamin A, which minimizes and refines the appearance of pores after they’re cleaned. Peace Out packs include four pore strips that specifically target blackheads and four that contain DMAE, a compound that works to diminish the look of enlarged pores. The brand also offers Peace Out Acne Serum, an acne product that contains salicylic acid and helps treat blemishes.
Each bright yellow Starface pore strip is infused with aloe vera extract, which helps calm any potential inflammation caused by removing the pore strip from the face. Starface claims this product is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin to utilize in their skin care routines. The pore strips are also Leaping Bunny certified and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances and dyes, according to the brand.
These pore strips are made with non-comedogenic hemp seed oil, meaning it does not cause acne. It also features tea tree oil, which offers both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin, and witch hazel extract, which can help calm redness and regulate oil production.
Pore strips work best for people with non-sensitive skin that is oily and prone to blackheads.
Lancer added that pore strips cause the normal skin cell barrier shield to be removed, which can lead to unwanted inflammation for those with sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for an alternative to pore strips or products to help enhance their efficacy, consider these three drugstore recommendations.
For those who struggle with blackheads and whiteheads, King suggested using a product with salicylic acid — like this face scrub, which also contains charcoal to help draw oil out of skin.
Wipe your face with these pads after working out to avoid the buildup of dirt and oil in pores. The pads contain salicylic acid to combat acne, and King said they are a great product to use on the go or while traveling.
King said retinoids are an important component of any skin care regime. Retinoids increase the turnover of skin cells and reduce their "stickiness," making them less likely to clump together and clog pores. This adapalene gel is available over the counter.
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