Q: I’ve been noticing a lot more blackheads on my nose than I’d like. Since splurging on a $100 facial during a major economic downturn doesn’t seem like the smartest financial move do, I’m considering an investment in Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. But before I fork over the dough — no matter how minimal the cost — do they really work?
A: There is something incredibly fascinating about any brand of pore strip, and that is once you pull a pore strip off your nose, you’ll be mesmerized by the amount of gunk that comes with it. What you need to remember is that pore strips should not be used more than three times a week, and that they can irritate the skin, especially if the skin is sunburned, irritated or dry. If the blackheads or whiteheads present are on the severe side, then these strips are only a temporary solution to a greater problem. In the short term, however, the $13 or so dollars might be worth it.
Tackling the problem WITHOUT using pore strips can be done, too. My advice is to purchase a blackhead extractor (Tweezerman has a fantastic version), step into a hot shower and then use the extractor post-shower. Be sure to sterilize the tool to prevent infection. Place one of the looped ends of the extractor around the offending blackhead and apply gentle pressure on both sides of the loop to push out its contents. Apply some antiseptic after the extraction process — you don’t want any more bacteria and germs hanging around.
If you don’t have an extractor on hand, your fingertips — used gently — are also a option but it’s easier to pierce and break the skin this way, which is something you definitely don’t want to do.
