8 Things Your Pore Strips May Be Telling You

Your Sunday night pore strip may be more telling than you think. In fact, the blackheads, oil, and acne left behind on those sticky strips could be giving your more insight into your own skin's issues than you realized. The whole reason that pore strips work is that they use an adhesive to cling to the skin to help remove any bacteria or oil lingering on the top layers of your face. In short, if you're seeing these small dots appear on your pore strip, then your skin isn't in it's best health.

Now, don't let that scare you. We all have skin issues for the most part, no matter what they may be. Seeing a buildup on your pore strip just means that you need to start paying better attention to your skin's specific needs. For instance, clogged pores could be a result of stress or improper dietary habits. Take a step back and analyze your day-to-day habits. Even journaling your daily routine can help you get a better understanding of your skin's own health. If you need further insight, there are a few other culprits that could be responsible for your blackheads. Here are eight things that your pore strip may be trying to tell you about your skin.

1. Your Pores Are Clogged

A blackhead-filled pore strip is an instant clue into the health of your skin. If you're noticing several blackheads popping up, then your pores may be clogged, according to Bustle writer Lindsay Rose Black. Give your pores some extra breathing room by using a deep cleaning cleanser to help wash away excess dirt and debris.

2. You Need To Exfoliate More

A reason that your pores may be clogged (and that blackheads are forming) is due to a buildup of dead skin cells. These cells could be blocking your pores and causing dirt and makeup to become trapped. Help your skin breathe by using a gentle exfoliator to help slough away any buildup on the skin.

3. Your Skin Is Oily

Oily skin is a direct cause for blackheads and clogged pores. The oil infiltrates the glands and causes the pores to enlarge. XOVain.com reported that a helpful way for removing excess oil is by using a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid to help tone and heal the skin.

4. You Could Be Drying Out Your Skin

Contrary to popular belief, stripping your skin of it's natural oils isn't a good way to prevent future oil buildup or blackheads. In fact, using harsh products to strip the skin could actually send your oil glands into overdrive, according to DermaDoctor.com.

5. You Aren't Taking Off All Of Your Makeup

Another culprit for those pesky blackheads could be due to a buildup of makeup. If you aren't removing your makeup properly, then traces of your base makeup could be left behind on the skin. This allows the product to sink further into your pores and cause them to become clogged. Keep blackheads at bay by removing your makeup each night before bed.

6. You're Getting Older

As we age, the collagen in our skin starts to break down. This means that our pores become larger and are more susceptible to buildup, according to Birchbox.com.

7. You've Been Picking Your Pimples

Picking your zits is an absolute no-no in the beauty community. While you may not think that it's that big of a deal, your skin could be telling you otherwise. A buildup of oil around your nose could be a direct result of popping your pimples, according to Birchbox.com.

8. You Sit In The Sun Too Often

According to the team at Real Simple, another culprit for enlarged, clogged pores are UV rays. Overtime, the sun's rays can actually weaken the collagen in your skin causing your pores to stretch and loosen. Keep your pores looking their best by wearing SPF 30 when you head outdoors.

Who knew pore strips could be so telling?

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