A leading skin expert has issued a strong warning against using pore strips to remove blackheads on the nose, revealing a more effective and gentle approach to achieving clear, blemish-free skin.
In a frank discussion, Dr. Sophie Shotter, a renowned dermatologist, exposed the common misconceptions around “nose blackheads” and provided her professional advice on the proper way to address this skincare concern in a post on TikTok.
“Blackheads on the nose are such a common concern,” Dr. Shotter began. “These are blocked pores that have got sebum in them that’s been oxidised because it’s open to the environment. That’s actually what most of us call blackheads but on the nose, those are not. They’re sebaceous filaments. Those teeny, tiny little white strands that you’re trying to rip out with a pore strip, they’re crucial and healthy and normal and please do not try to strip them away.”
According to the skin expert, the temptation to use pore strips to remove these sebaceous filaments can actually do more harm than good. She explained that the adhesive in pore strips, combined with the forceful ripping motion, can potentially damage the skin and lead to long-term consequences.
“Pore strips contain adhesive which in its own right is problematic for the skin but that ripping off motion will potentially damage your skin as well as stripping of its natural oils leading to overproduction in the long term,” Dr. Shotter warned.
Instead of relying on pore strips, the dermatologist recommended a more gentle and effective approach to controlling oil production and minimizing the appearance of pores on the nose.
“If you want to help to control the oil production on your nose and keep your paws tight and reduce actual blackheads then focus on treatments like the hydrafacial and on products like AHAs or BHAs and retinol that keep your paws tight and minimise oil production,” she advised.
We love COSRX’s AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner which help clear skin of impurities, dead skin cells and clogged pores. At £19.95, this Korean beauty hero clears pores and improves skin texture, whilst glycolic acid and betaine salicylate work to remove dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores.
Follow it up with the BHA Blackhead Powder Liquid from CosRx which works to keep breakouts at bay – preventing pores from harbouring spot-causing dirt and oils, so your complexion looks poreless.
For a real skin treat, the Glow Juice Refining Enzyme Mask from Earth Harbor is packed full of AHA and BHAs to naturally exfoliate, refresh, and tighten skin. It can even be used as a spot treatment for a quick fix for larger pimples.
Retinoids are a powerful tool for tackling blackheads. They help prevent pore clogging, the main cause of blackheads, and speed up skin cell turnover to shorten the lifespan of existing acne. For severe blackheads, prescription retinoids may be most effective, but there are also excellent over-the-counter retinol products that can provide significant benefits. We love the sell-out Ella & Jo Nourish and Glow Superfood Oil, which can regenerate, hydrate and plump the skin.
By incorporating these gentler, targeted treatments into their skincare routine, Dr. Shotter believes her patients can achieve clear, healthy-looking skin without the risks associated with pore strips.
“Sebaceous filaments are crucial and healthy, and you shouldn’t be trying to strip them away,” the skin expert emphasized. “With the right approach, you can effectively manage your skin concerns without causing long-term damage.”
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