01/05/2026
Pore Strips
“Pore strips are devices that can be applied to the skin to remove blackheads and dead skin cell debris that can clog pores,” explains double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD. “They are usually made up of a waterproof fabric-like layer with one side coated with a polymer that is supposed to attach only to the sebum within the pores and a non-sticky adhesive that allows the strip to attach to the skin (usually on the nose).”
To activate them, you have to wet the skin before applying the pore strip so the resin and adhesive can work. After waiting about 10 to 15 minutes, you then gently pull the strip (and hopefully some blackheads) away. “Technically, water provides a positive charge that helps the polymer bind to the negative charge within the pores,” DeRosa says.
Benefits of Pore Strips for Skin
The perks are clear for this one: Pore strips get the gunk out of your pores. “The original pore strips worked solely on a strong adhesive that pulls out the buildup of dead cells and debris in blackheads,” Ciraldo says. “Since blackheads are clogged pores that are open to the air, all the debris in them oxidizes and they look like little dots of black dirt. It is visually impressive to see a long strand of debris come out of pores on removal of the strip.”
While it seems like an easy way to exfoliate, Ciraldo notes that the original strips don't improve the appearance of skin between each pore. “The newer generation of pore strips also incorporates charcoal for its oil-absorbing benefits so there is a more matte surface to be expected if you use the charcoal strips,” she says. “The charcoal strips are black like charcoal, and the solely adhesive strips are white like glue.”
