How To Make Pore Strips At Home

A pore strip helps remove blackheads and dirt from your skin, mainly on the nose, chin, or forehead. It has an adhesive side that sticks to your skin and traps oil, dead skin cells, and blackheads. When you pull it off, it takes away the trapped debris, making your pores look cleaner and smaller. A store-bought pore strip contains adhesives that stick to the skin and pull out blackheads, dirt, and oil. Some strips include charcoal or clay to absorb excess oil and astringents like witch hazel to tighten pores. They may also have soothing ingredients like aloe vera to reduce irritation after use. 

Homemade pore strips also operate similarly to the ones from stores. They clear your pores of the debris, oil, and dead skin cells clogging them. However, no research studies have been conducted to back these claims.

The following are some of the reasons why DIY pore strips are preferable:

• Homemade pore strips cover your entire face.
• They are an inexpensive alternative to drugstore pore strips.
• Their ingredients are all-natural.
• They do not contain any artificial components like chemicals and fragrances.

Now that you know why many people prefer homemade pore strips, check out the next section to learn how to make them.

DIY Pore Strips To Get Rid Of Blackheads

1. Egg White Pore Strips

Egg whites are said to tighten your pores temporarily. They minimize the probability of new blackheads formation and remove the existing ones. They are also nutrient-dense and less abrasive. Egg whites may also help in removing the dead skin cells clogging your pores. However, there is no scientific proof to back these claims.

What You Need

• 1 egg white
• A paper towel
• A bowl

What To Do

1. Cleanse and wipe your face dry.
2. Crack the egg open and separate the egg white from the yolk in a bowl.
3. Apply a layer of egg white to your skin, paying extra attention to the areas with blackheads.
4. Place a paper towel on the egg white mask. Gently press it down so that it sticks in place. Let it dry.
5. Remove the paper towel after 20 minutes and wash your face with cool water to remove the egg white residue.
6. Apply moisturizer after patting your face dry.

Quick Tip

People with skin issues like rosaceaⁱ  A type of skin inflammation that causes redness, tenderness, and a tingling sensation and resembles acne. or psoriasisⁱ  An autoimmune and chronic condition that causes patches of thick or inflamed skin as a result of faster than normal skin cell growth. , or individuals on acne medications should avoid using pore strips as they may otherwise cause skin irritation and redness.

2. Sugar And Honey Strips

Honey preserves the skin’s moisture and softens it (1). Anecdotal evidence suggests that sugar’s abrasive texture acts as a natural exfoliator and is a great natural self-care ingredient for your skin. When these two ingredients are combined, they may form an effective pore strip.

What You Need

• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of honey

What To Do

1. Add the granulated sugar and honey to a small pan.
2. Heat the pan for a few minutes.
3. Once the ingredients have blended, allow the mixture to cool down for some time.
4. Apply the mixture to the skin and leave it on for at least 15 minutes to harden.
5. Gently peel off the mixture.
6. Wash your face and pat it dry.
7. Apply your preferred moisturizer.

3. Baking Soda Strips

Baking soda is claimed to be an effective skin exfoliant for removing dead skin cells. Studies show that a bath with baking soda can help remove dead skin (exfoliate scales) (2).  Therefore, it might work for blackheads. However, it has the potential to dry out your skin, which may cause irritation and rashes. Also, there is not much research on the impact of baking soda on the skin.

What You Need

• ½ tablespoon of baking soda
• ½ cup lukewarm water
• A paper towel
• A bowl

What To Do

1. Mix the baking soda and lukewarm water in a bowl.
2. Fold a one-ply paper towel in half and dip it into the mixture.
3. Squeeze out the extra water from the paper towel and spread and apply it to your nose, chin, or forehead.
4. Leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes or until it dries up.
5. Peel off the paper towel.
6. Remove any excess residue with water and pat your face dry.

4. Gelatin Pore Strips

This recipe uses gelatin to help simulate the sticky sensation and peel-off action of store-bought pore strips. Milk can help reduce blackheads by regulating oil production and keeping the skin balanced. It contains lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, preventing blackheads from forming. The moisturizing properties of milk keep the skin hydrated, while its anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritation and redness (3).

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• A bowl

What To Do

1. Wash your face to remove all dirt and grime.
2. In a bowl, combine equal parts gelatin powder and milk. Stir it until the gelatin is dissolved and a thick liquid forms. Use warm milk or microwave the mixture for around 20 seconds.
3. Allow the mixture to cool down before applying it to your face.
4. Apply the paste to the regions of your face where you wish to get rid of blackheads. Allow it to dry completely.
5. Starting from one corner, gently peel off the mask to remove it.
6. Wash your face with water.

Quick Tip

Applying pore strips at night helps your skin recover and restore its natural oils. Also, the affected area is not irritated by your makeup or sun exposure.

5. Honey And Cinnamon Strips

Honey has antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties (1). Cinnamon may help tighten pores while also hydrating the skin, though there is no scientific evidence to prove the same. This mixture may help you get rid of blackheads while leaving you with healthy skin.

What You Need

• Honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Cotton strips
• A bowl

What To Do

1. Mix the honey and cinnamon powder into a paste in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to the affected region and cover it with a cotton strip. Leave it on for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the cotton strip and wash your face with cold water.
4. After that, apply a moisturizer to your skin.

Note:

Avoid your brows, hairline, and any part of the skin that is sensitive when applying these home remedies. Also, do a patch test on your forearm before applying these DIY pore strips to your face. Avoid using them on inflamed, swollen, or irritated skin.

Sanaa Khan, a blogger, tried out three different DIY pore strips that worked wonders for her. She used milk and gelatin, honey and baking soda, and egg whites to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads that form over the nose. She said, “I’ve often found myself left with scars and redness that take more than a couple of days to settle down.” She preferred using natural ingredients over store-bought pore strips to avoid any redness (i).

However, you should be careful applying them. Here are a few tips to make the most of these DIY options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues With DIY Nose Strips

If you are making your own nose strips using natural ingredients, you might run into some problems. Here is how to fix them:

The strip isn’t sticking to the skin:

• Ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying.
• If using gelatin, let the mixture cool slightly but not too much before applying.
• Press the strip firmly onto your nose for better adhesion.

The strip is too runny or too thick:

• Add more thickening agents like gelatin or honey if it is too runny. 
• Mix in small amounts of warm water or milk to thin it out if it is too thick.

The strip doesn’t remove blackheads:

• Open up pores first by steaming your face with warm water for a few minutes.
• Apply a thicker layer and let it dry completely before peeling.
• Exfoliate before using the strip to loosen debris in the pores.

The strip is too painful to remove:

• Avoid applying over sensitive areas or fine facial hair.
• Peel gently instead of pulling it off forcefully.

The skin feels irritated or dry afterward:

• Rinse with cool water and apply a soothing moisturizer.
• If irritation persists, avoid using DIY strips too often (limit to once or twice a week).
• Test ingredients on a small area before applying them to your nose.

After using these DIY pore strips, follow the aftercare tips given below to nourish and protect your skin.

Aftercare Tips

• Aftercare involves icing and toning the skin. Rub an ice cube all over the affected area after using a DIY beauty product like pore strip to close your pores. If you are not comfortable with ice cubes, you can use cold water.
• Once that, you can resume your normal skin care routine, such as using sunscreen or moisturizer.
• You can also apply a soothing serum with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile after using pore strips. This helps calm the skin and reduce any redness or irritation.
• If your skin is oily, make sure to exfoliate once a week. Including this step in your skin care routine will help to ensure that your skin is clear, smooth, and clean.

Cassandra Bankson

, a skin care expert and medical esthetician, adds, “Make sure you are protecting the skin! A good serum, such as one containing salicylic acidⁱ  A natural odorless compound with anti-inflammatory properties that are used to treat acne, dandruff, and other common skin conditions. , can prevent blackheads and acne from reappearing and prevent those pores from “filling up” with more sebum/oil as quickly. Afterward, be sure to use sunscreen. Pore strips are exfoliating, and you definitely don’t want to do this before you go outside or sit in front of a window. Protect your nose with sunscreen as this is a common area that skin cancer can form, and remember that exfoliation should always be followed up with protection.”

Read below for a few side effects of pore strips before you embark on its use.

Side Effects Of Pore Strips

While an effective method to remove blackheads and unclog pores, pore strips can cause potential side effects:

• Skin Irritation: Certain ingredients in DIY strips may cause skin irritation, redness, or inflammation, especially if they are not diluted properly.
• Tearing Of Skin: Improper removal can potentially cause the skin to tear, leading to minor injuries or skin damage.
• Breakouts Or Acne: If strips are not properly prepared or removed, they may cause breakouts or aggravate existing acne, especially if they clog the pores or cause inflammation.
• Dryness: They may strip the skin of its natural oils, especially if it is already prone to dryness, or if the strips are used excessively.
• Allergic Reactions: You may be allergic to specific natural ingredients in DIY pore strips, leading to allergic reactions such as hives, redness, or swelling.

Some household ingredients can irritate your skin by being abrasive. Let’s learn about them in detail in the next section.

DIY Treatments For Blackheads To Avoid Altogether

1. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a well-known hack for removing blackheads. It may contain some blackhead-fighting components. But it also has unpleasant compounds that can irritate the skin. Dermatologists do not recommend using toothpaste to eliminate blackheads because it can seriously irritate and damage your skin.

2. Glue

The stickiness of glue imitates the sticky nature of traditional pore strips. However, it is not safe for human skin. It may clog your pores even more. Glue can get attached to not only your blackheads but also the natural sebum and moisture and strip them away from your skin, thus drying it out.

3. Duct Tape

Most people use duct tape for its adhesive properties to remove blackheads. However, skin care professionals strongly advise against using tape on the skin. Apart from failing to remove blackheads, it may further aggravate your skin.

Infographic: How To Make DIY Pore Strips To Get Rid Of Blackheads

If your nose feels lumpy and greasy even after exfoliating your face completely, then pore strips are your best shot at unclogging your pores and getting the gunk out. Homemade pore strips are safe, quick, and efficient ways to get rid of blackheads. Check out the infographic below if you want to make your own pore strips for a smooth and clean nose.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Final Takeaway

Pore strips are among the most popular and effective blackhead removal treatments available today. These strips stick to comedones and pull them off as you peel them. Homemade pore strips are one of the best natural remedies that you can include in your skincare routine. Using these DIY pore strips is one of the best beauty hacks alternative to applying commercial beauty products. This homemade beauty remedy is natural, quick and effective to eradicate blackheads. However, they should be used with caution. Test them on your forearm before applying them to your face. Discontinue using them if you see any signs of inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you squeeze sebum out of pores?

No. Never try to squeeze sebum out of your pores because it can injure your skin and increase the risk of scarring.

When I squeeze my nose pores why does white stuff come out?

This white stuff is called a sebaceous filament that comprises sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt. It is best not to squeeze them out as that may scratch and injure the skin.

What can I use instead of nose pore strips?

If you are wondering how to unclog your skin pores, you can use peel-off facial masks, gels, or cleansing face washes containing salicylic acid. These will penetrate deep into the pores and unclog them, and help with pore cleansing efficiently.

Why you shouldn’t use pore strips?

Despite all their benefits, pore strips can be damaging for sensitive, thin skin. They hurt your skin and can even pull out your skin and facial hair when used excessively.

How often should you use nose strips?

Limit the use of nose strips to once per week. Pore strips can be abrasive when overused and can cause redness and irritation.

Illustration: DIY Pore Strips For Blackheads: What Works And How To Make

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to make DIY blackhead strips that actually work! Check out this video and get rid of those pesky blackheads with this easy and effective tutorial.

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Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

   

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.

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