These Pore Cleansing Strips Are Basically DIY Extractions

Nose strips (also known as pore strips) are basically the O.G. version of today’s beloved, pore-cleansing black charcoal masks. They’ve been around for decades and are a fan-favorite product. Because ’90s trends are back in the realm of fashion, I think it’s a timely moment to bring some of the decade’s best skincare products. Sure, these adhesive nose strips may be a staggering 20+ years old, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they’re not effective.

Just like modern-day peel-off masks, the quasi-gross results that come from treating clogged pores with a nose strip are actually embarrassingly satisfying—even I can admit it. In fact, if you do a quick internet search, the used nose strips covered in sebum, dirt, and grime dominate most of the results.

It may be kind of nasty, but to be honest, I can’t bring myself to look away, and apparently, I’m not alone in my bizarre fascination by it. Aside from their visceral appeal, these old-school strips actually do what they promise to and definitely can prevent clogged pores from becoming bonafide blackheads.