What Stage in your Skin Care Routine Should you Use a Nose Strip?
The funny thing about nose strips is the fact they are one of the most popular skincare products but continue to divide beauty experts and fans opinions right down the middle.
Some adore them and achieve their flawless complexion thanks to them, while others avoid them like the plague. My understanding is that however long nose strips have been circulating the beauty shelves, a full understanding of how they work, who they work for and when to use them is still shrouded in mystery for many of us.
Which is why today I have dug into some investigating and with any luck, I have the answers for you- so let’s get stuck in and find out more about what stage in your skincare routine should you use a nose strip?
Should I wash my face before or after a nose strip?
Yes, you need to wash your face before and sometimes after using a nose strip. When you are applying a nose or any pore strip to the skin you need to ensure it is on cleansed skin. This is important as the skin can carry a number of impurities on the surface such as pollution, debris, bacteria and excess sebum. By applying any product onto dirty skin will result in you trapping all that guck and it can even be pushed further down into the pores making it become inflamed or develop into various breakouts, such as blackheads and spots.
You must also ensure your skin is wet when applying a nose strip so after cleansing would be the optimal time to do so! The question of whether you need to wash your skin after applying a nose strip is down to the specific instructions of the product used. A majority of the time you will find there are different facial acids, such as the potent salicylic acid and glycolic acid blended into the formulas and washing them off will prevent the skin from becoming too dry, tight and irritated.
What do you put on your face after nose strip?
After removing a nose strip you will find your skin would feel sensitive so it is best to avoid using anything containing high percentages of AHAs and BHAs as this can be too much for the skin and result in a number of problems, from redness to breakouts. That doesn’t however mean you can’t apply anything to the skin that can help keep it clean and clear. It’s best to opt for ingredients that are non-comedogenic, meaning they will not clog the pores. Hydrating skin favourites such as hyaluronic acid can help moisturise the skin and give the complexion a boost, especially after using a nose or pore strip as this removes any barrier of debris blocking the way for nourishing ingredients to absorb into the skin helping you see result quicker.
How do I prepare my skin for a pore strip?
For oily skin types it is best to cleanse the skin before using a gel-like formula that is not foaming (the foam can strip the skin of all vital oil needed to keep it remaining healthy and comfortable) As for dry skin, before considering to use any type of nose strip, you must consult a dermatologist or skin professional to establish whether your skin would be happy for you to use any. As effective as these products can be for oily and blemish-prone skin types they can be too harsh for those with a dry and sensitive skin type.
Top tips of preparing your skin for a pore strip:
Cleanse the skin using a product that is appropriate for your skin type.
Avoiding any foaming products or harsh ingredients as this can be too much for the skin and result in it becoming dry.
Apply a nose strip to wet skin to help it adhere to the curves of your nose and other features better.
Never apply a nose strip to skin when it has not been cleansed.
This is really dependant on the type of skin you have as the level of ingredients should be considered carefully to ensure you do not overwork the skin and cause any unwanted reactions.
Should I moisturise after a nose strip?
Yes absolutely, as I have mentioned previously make sure you are using ingredients that will not clog the pores, shea butter is highly moisturising for very dry skin but is notorious at clogging pores and creating blackheads and spots from a build-up of product. Having said that, you should not leave your skin without any product after using a nose strip. Instead choose light-weight serums containing humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help draw in moisture from the areas surrounding your face and locking hydration into your skin, this will help by combating any dryness that can occur after using a pore strip.
When you remove a nose strip you disrupt the skin’s protective barrier for a short while by stripping away any blackheads, bacteria and other impurities in a very fast motion. By helping restoring balance back to the skin with hydrating serums and moisturisers you are filling in the gaps of the barrier allowing it to function correctly again and fight off any damage caused by free radicals, such as UV exposure, pollution and other environmental skin stresses.
What happens if you leave a nose strip on for too long?
If you leave a nose strip on the skin for too long you will find that once you try and remove the nose strip, you will end up taking more than you bargained for. By this I mean not only will you pull away blackheads, but the top layer of the skin too! By removing too much skin from the outer surface of the face you leave it vulnerable to all manner of skin damage, from increased sun sensitivity, exposure to bacteria and other skin ageing factors.
You will find your skin will feel tight, appear bright red and perhaps sore to the touch. This is why it is very important to pay close attention to the instructions stated on the packaging of the product. If you have any concerns, big or small about using a nose strip then you should consult your doctor or medical professional for extra peace of mind.
I hope that those are the answers you have been looking for today, don’t forget if you ever have a question, or just fancy a chat about skincare, you can find me over on our Instagram! Our DMs are always open to fellow skincare fans!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
