Unclogging Pores at Home with Face Strips or Peel-Off Mask
In this post, I compare my favourite product face strips by Bioré and a new product I have found recently by Garnier at a fraction of the price! Read on to find out if this can be a good replacement.
What Are Blackheads & What Causes Them?
“Blackheads are a result of dead skin cells and oils getting clogged in the pores,” says Dr. Schaffran. “When that collection of oil and dead skin cells gets exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black, leading to the appearance of blackheads on the surface.”
Already in my 40s and still have blackheads on my nose and a combination of skin. Once a week after scrab I like to use face strips for the nose and forehead.
Blackheads are very common and not only in younger years, but also as we mature. Of course majority of people who have more of blackheads tend to have oily skin type, than normal or dry. Here are some tips I wish I knew to clear my skin complexion:
1 Use the right products for your skin type. If you do not know which type you have, consult with a cosmetologist . Try blotting paper for forehead and chin, any presence of oil in these areas may mean you have oily- or combination skin. You can also try one of these quiz questions – Skin Type Quiz – Skin Type Solutions.
2 Properly clean your skin every day by removing make-up, never sleep with a make-up on. I recommend using oil cleanser first and then follow with a regular foam cleanser.
3 Try switching from cotton face towels to paper tissues instead.
4 Check and dispose old make up, do not use it on a face as it may contain and spread bacteria which turns into pimples. On the same note, wash your make up brushes once a week.
5 Drink plenty of filtered water, sleep well and eat salad, fruits daily.
Bioré Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips 6 Nose Strips
Pull the plug on clogged pores. Pore Strips are the deepest way to clean your pores. In just one use, BiorÉ® Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips invigorates skin with tea tree oil and witch hazel and are effective at getting rid of pore-clogging build-up, dirt and oil that can cause blackheads. Plus, with regular use they can actually reduce the appearance of your pores! (from Boots.com)
Buy from Boots
Face Strips to remove Blackheads
Bioré strips are good to qualify, these stick well and do their job by unclogging pores and clearing the blackheads.
My tip is to use a face towel or muslin cloth in hot water then hold for a few minutes on the area to clean. On wet skin put the strips and use a dry towel to go over. After leaving for about 10 minutes remove the strip with upward motion slowly.
This technique to me always gives the best result. Of course, it cannot be compared with steam facials with extraction by professionals, but works well in between facials.
Until recently I have paid £8.99 for 6 Bioré strips from Boots. I found an amazing alternative – the PureActive peel-off mask by Garnier.
I like it and it only costs £3.99 for 50 ml.
Charcoal Peeling off Mask
After years of using the Bioré face strips, I have tried the alternative from Garnier. I did not think it will be as effective as the stripes. the consistency is on a liquid-side. You need to work fast and put enough product without overusing it, otherwise it will take forever to dry.
I liked that it contains charcoal and salicylic acid for antibacterial purposes. I think that a lot of negative comments is really comes from not applying the right amount of the product. I would encourage everyone to try again and find how much exactly do you need for the result. Here below are some tips for the best effect.
How to remove blackheads
Also, use after applying a warm towel for a few minutes to open up the pores.
Spread some amount of mask on the nose, avoid the eye area! Do not use too much of this product.
Wait until the mask or strips are fully dry, it takes about 10-15 minutes.
Do not leave it for longer than this as it can be hard to remove it afterwards, but use a warm wet muslin cloth if such a thing happens.
I use muslin cloth to remove any remainder of product. I wash that muslin cloth with other towels without any issues.
After 10 minutes the mask is dry and I gently peel off the mask upwards.
Any residue I simply remove with a wet towel.
The results were amazing!
The mask is a cost-saving product, considering how many times I can use it for this price.
By using the charcoal mask, I also avoid disposing a plastic that comes with stripes, so better for the environment.
It removes blackheads very well and I will recommend and will continue using it.
A bonus it also has salicylic acid to treat spots.
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