Ever use a pore strip to remove unwanted blackheads from your nose, chin or other parts of the face? These small, sticky strips can provide users with the instant (and gross) satisfaction of seeing stubborn blackheads go bye-bye. But are they good for the skin? Some skin care experts say they’re not.

Are They Effective?

How can they not be good for your skin? They get rid of gross, oily blackheads! Some say they only get rid of part of the blackhead – the top, superficial part – and leave the other half deep in your pores.

Are They Safe?

Do pore strips cause damage?

Some individuals argue that poor strips are not safe – and they have the potential to damage the skin by tearing it. Using them can result in redness, inflammation and tenderness, especially for individuals with naturally thin skin. Individuals with skin disorders such as rosacea, seborrhea, psoriasis and even acne may find that their conditions worsen with the use of pore strips.

Irritation can also occur with high hormone levels and prolonged sun exposure.

What’s the Alternative?

If you love pore strips and want to continue using them, that’s OK, but try to limit use to one time a week or less. If you’re looking to improve your skin and get rid of blackheads, dead skin cells and pollution that are dulling your skin, there’s an alternative.

The alternative is microdermabrasion, a skin-freshening procedure that can help reduce blackheads, get rid of dead and dull skin cells, and reduce the size of large pores. The microdermabrasion procedure uses a small diamond tip to slough off old skin, scarring and sun damage to reveal unblemished, vibrant skin cells below.

As the procedure sloughs off old skin, it also vacuums away dead cells, which improves circulation to the top layer, giving you a refreshed, softer appearance.

Microdermabrasion also increases collagen production, which pulls the skin tighter and leaves you with a smoother and more youthful appearance. Note: It is essential to wear sunscreen after the procedure to protect fresh, new skin.

Dr. Davis offers patients microdermabrasion in the office, and the procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average. It can be performed every four to six weeks and can be combined with other skin-rejuvenating procedures such as chemical peels.

Learn more about the microdermabrasion procedure and our other skin-rejuvenation services by calling 817-778-4444 for more information today.