Great News: We *Finally* Found a Nose Strip That Will Clear Your Pores Without Ripping Off Your Skin
When I think back to all those times I applied a pore strip to my nose, knowing it was going to hurt like hell when I pulled it off, I'm genuinely stunned. Why were we ever okay with that? Here to atone for our shared trauma, Hero Cosmetics recently launched an updated version of those painful pore strips of yore, The Mighty Patch Nose ($18), that is *so* much gentler on skin.
Considering the nose is a hotbed for breakouts, it's about time we had a patch that would help to clear away dirt and grime from the area without sacrificing our skin. "The nose is a perfect storm to make blackheads because the pores are stretched out on a convex surface," Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, previously told Well+Good.
- Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare
Unlike traditional pore strips, this next-gen version vacuums the gunk out of your pores instead of yanking it out (seriously—why were we all okay with this?!). They're made with hydrocolloid material—the same stuff that blister bandages are made of—which "works by absorbing excess fluid, which pulls oil and dirt away from the pimple," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Dr. Patel previously told us that people who use harsh retinoids or have sensitive skin (including eczema and rosacea) should stay away from nose strips because "more irritation and even skin damage can occur," but Hero Cosmetics' gentler alternative is safe for all skin types.
Speaking of "safe for all skin types," another thing worth noting about the strips is that they don't contain any actives. While ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (which you'll often find in pore strips and pimple patches) are great for quashing zits, they can be irritating and drying on certain complexions. As a result, hydrocolloid-only patches, like these, "can be particularly helpful for people with sensitive skin and mild acne," says Dr. King.
To reap the patches' pore-clearing benefits, simply apply one to clean, dry skin before bed (or really, any time, depending on how you feel about wearing a nose strip in public), and let it sit for six to eight hours. During this time, it'll turn white as it absorbs oils and pus from your pores—that's how you'll know it's working. Each pack comes with 10 patches, which will keep you covered for many breakouts to come.
Get more info on pimple patches from a derm:
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