Even if you've never used blackhead patches, it's likely that you've heard of them. The cleansing strips are as enjoyable to use as sheet face masks or acne patches. Add to this their supposed ability to remove stains and you can understand their popularity.
Sejal Shah, a New York-based dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology, compares blackhead strips to heavy-duty adhesive bandages—the kind that, when ripped off, take away all the dirt lodged in your pores. To get a clearer picture of how this product actually works, we'll feature four trusted experts.
How to use nasal cleansing strips?
Unpleasant blackheads on the skin of the face cause discomfort not only in teenagers, but also in many adults with oily skin.
Their appearance is caused by the following reasons:
- Age-related restructuring of the body
- Malfunctions of the hormonal system
- Unhealthy diet
- Improper skin care
Due to these reasons, pores can become clogged with dust, grease, and cosmetic residues. All this oxidizes in the air, and black dots form, like plugs, clogging the pores. The skin does not breathe, acne and inflammation form on it. Now it requires not simple care - washing, cleaning, but strong cleansing agents.
- A very effective way to combat this problem are nasal cleansing strips. They are a semicircular patch that is glued to the nose (or other part of the face) and adheres to the entire surface of the skin, even between the folds.
- Now the clogged pores receive full contact with the surface of the patch, which contains medicinal components and a special glue to which sebum from the pores, impurities and other harmful substances stick. After removing the strip, they are removed from the skin and remain on the patch.
For blackheads
Now let's figure out how to use nasal cleansing strips:
- The first thing to do is stock up on boiled water. Now you can start the process.
- Take your usual cosmetics - foam, mousse, gel. Wash your face with it, remove fat deposits and dirt from your facial skin. The pores will be able to open, allowing access to them.
- Pour the just boiled water into a fairly wide container, lean over it so that the hot steam covers your face, but does not burn you. You need to stay above the steam for 3-5 minutes. and allow the pores to open even more.
- Now use the actual strips to clean your nose or chin. They are glued to skin well moistened with warm water and smoothed thoroughly. To obtain the maximum effect, it is necessary that the strip sticks completely, without bulges, wrinkles and bubbles, and is also well moistened with water, which activates the sticky substance of this cosmetic product.
- You can rest for 10-15 minutes. with the strip pasted, waiting for it to dry completely.
- Remove the cleansing strips from the skin with a sharp tug This is a rather unpleasant and painful procedure, and it must be performed quickly so as not to cause yourself unnecessary pain.
- Take a piece of ice and rub it on the skin where the strip was glued. This will reduce pain and close the pores so that dirt does not get there.
- Treat cleansed skin with lotion, tonic, and then your usual facial skin care products.
Using strips
If you carry out this procedure about once a week, you will soon see that it has an undeniable effect - blackheads will disappear, your facial skin will cleanse and take on a flawless appearance.
special instructions
Before using the product, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test. This is done very simply: the drug is applied to the more delicate areas of the skin (behind the ear, on the inside of the elbow). If after its removal there is no severe itching or burning, it can be applied to other less sensitive areas.
If a homemade product is used, it must be prepared immediately before use, since all active ingredients dry out very quickly and become unusable. The mixture of components for a homemade patch should be prepared in a non-metallic container so that the products do not have time to oxidize and thereby cause an allergic reaction.
If you have any dermatological problems, such as folliculitis, multiple and extensive rashes, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before use.
Nasal cleansing strips: myths and facts
Recently, on cosmetic forums and on the Internet, the topic of cleansing strips for the nose and chin has gained great popularity. This product is advertised as a panacea for blackheads and other unhealthy formations on the face, completely harmless and safe. Let's try to figure out where the truth is here and where it is advertising fluff.
So, myths about nasal cleansing strips:
- Cleansing strips completely get rid of blackheads. Not certainly in that way. These dots (or comedones) grow deep into the skin, clogging the plugs and coming out. It is this outer layer that the strips are removed. But this is not a reason to refuse them! You just need to clean them regularly, eat right, and don’t overuse cosmetics. Then the cleansing strips will be effective.
Comprehensive care is important
- Pores are narrowed when using strips. They don't actually contract, they just don't stretch any further, which is aided by the removal of dead cells, oil and dirt, which is what these strips do.
- The strips can be used very often. No, the optimal frequency of use is 1-2 times a week. This is an effective and rather aggressive remedy and should be used with caution. After all, along with dirt, they also remove sebum, which is the skin’s natural protection. Excess can be removed, but if you use the product too often, skin irritation, dryness, and acne appear.
- The strips are not suitable for sensitive skin. If you use them correctly, without abusing the frequency, and strictly following all the instructions, then there is nothing dangerous. But if you have very sensitive skin, you should first consult a doctor and use the strips very carefully, carefully observing the condition of the skin and its reaction to the procedure
Thus, it turns out that such strips are a very effective remedy, which, however, does not have a magical effect and does not give a magical result in one session. Their essence is that an adhesive patch with a special composition is glued to a problem area of the skin (most often the nose), and then removed, leaving behind excess fat, dead skin and dirt.
The real effect of nasal strips is as follows:
- Instantly cleanses the skin of impurities.
- Natural additives enhance the effect.
- Metabolic processes are stimulated, the skin becomes fresh and well-groomed.
- Gets rid of sebaceous plugs and blackheads.
- Cleansing pores and getting rid of blackheads is achieved with regular use.
What are there
It is not the base of the patch itself that is valuable, but its impregnation. This is where manufacturers provide variety:
- with coal dust;
- with clay;
- with plant extracts, extracts and other components.
The sizes of the strips also vary. The product can cover both the entire area of the nose (together with the areas around it) and part of it (including only the wings of the nose).
There are many recipes for making a homemade analogue, but such cleaning products complicate the process of self-care, especially if there is no time for additional manipulations.
The best nasal cleansing strips
Now, after the benefits of cleansing strips have been clarified, let's try to figure out which of them are the most reliable and effective? Let's look at a few popular brands.
Propeller nasal cleansing strips - this Russian company specializes in cosmetics for problem skin, offering the following types of strips:
- With D-panthenol, which restores tissue well, has a calming effect, and thoroughly cleanses the skin.
- With green tea and licorice. These components improve blood circulation, they contain natural plant substances and can be used for a long time.
- With activated carbon, it adds effectiveness, its natural absorbent properties help draw dirt out of the pores, improving results.
With coal
- Classic - very convenient for those who are just starting to use this product. Subsequently, you can resort to more potent ones, or you don’t have to change the classic type of strips.
- “Laf” nasal cleansing strips. Compared to the previous brand, their scale is less effective. But they have a slightly different purpose: much deeper cleansing of pores. They have a very comfortable shape with convexities and angles, allowing the strip to be firmly attached to any part of the face. Contains antiseptic additives and mild components to relieve irritation.
Laf
- Cettua nasal cleansing strips. Also intended for deep cleaning. There are charcoal ones containing witch hazel extract and others.
- “Black clean” nasal cleansing strip. Belarusian cosmetics for women with oily and combination skin, which is often inflamed, has clogged pores, and produces excess sebum. These strips clean pores well, get rid of toxins, and fight blackheads thanks to a component such as activated bamboo charcoal.
- Nivea nasal cleansing strips. Very soft and delicate strips, the adhesive layer is enriched with fruit acid extract. They have an effective deep effect, perfectly cleans the skin, are pleasant to the touch, and have a delicate lemon aroma.
- Bon voyage nasal cleansing strips. Very effectively removes blackheads from the skin and deeply cleanses the pores. Antiseptic, easy to use, and have a good adhesive base. Effective after the first use.
For clear skin
- Nasal cleansing strips “Bioaqua 3 step” . An effective three-step skin cleanser. Unique skin strips containing powerful ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Tree Peony, Acacia Senegal and Garden Chrysanthemum. It is used both for a quick one-time effect and for long-term results.
For a clean nose
- Nasal cleansing strips can be purchased at almost any cosmetic retail chain in Russia. Here you can find products from the world's leading brands at low prices, and a wide range of nasal cleansing strips that you can buy to suit every taste and budget. Choose a product to suit your taste, try different things, settle for the best!
Nasal cleansing strips: before and after photos
When starting the process of cleansing your face using nose and chin cleansing strips, we recommend taking photos at each stage.
Soon you will be able to clearly see the result of your labors:
- Black dots disappear or their number decreases significantly, they turn pale.
- The skin becomes less oily.
- Facial skin takes on a healthy and fresh look.
- Pores become less noticeable.
- Overall well-being improves and, of course, self-esteem increases.
Effective result
Cleansing strips for the nose: reviews
Vitex nasal cleansing strip, reviews:
- Natasha, 16 years old : “These Vitex strips help a lot! I was literally sick of black pimples on my nose, I started using cleansing strips, and they really started to disappear. Cool!"
- Olga, 30 years old: “I always suffered from oily skin, dirt accumulated, I felt discomfort, ordinary remedies did not help. Now I use Vitex cleansing strips once a week and feel much better!”
Two-stage nasal cleansing strips “Cettua”, reviews:
- Alena, 21 years old: “My loving husband has always been sympathetic to my oily skin and blackheads, but I saw that he was not very happy about them. I wanted to please my loved one, so I started using Cettua two-step nasal cleansing strips. Now I feel more comfortable and my loved one feels better!”
- Tanya, 28 years old: “Girls, I recommend Cettua two-stage nasal cleansing strips to everyone! It’s just wonderful, my skin looks like a seventeen-year-old’s!”
So, we are convinced that this product is effective for caring for facial skin, getting rid of blackheads, excess oily skin, irritation and peeling.
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Contraindications
Using harmless cleansing strips is not for everyone. Before gluing, it is recommended to steam the skin well, so this method of applying the patch should not be used:
- in the presence of rosacea;
- for problems with blood vessels;
- for sensitive thin skin.
In such cases, it is better to simply wet your nose with water. You should also not use the patch:
- if you are allergic to at least one of the components of the impregnation;
- there are skin diseases, acne with ulcers;
- with microtraumas of the skin.
Proper use of the patch will not harm the skin and will eliminate the existing problem.
