Is Your T-Zone Congested? Unclog it with these handy strips. (T-Zone Nose Pore Strips)

Member Name: foreveramber

Product:	T-Zone Nose Pore Strips
Date:	06/05/09 (157 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, visible results

Disadvantages: May not remove every blackhead with one use

A few months ago I was examining my face with a magnifying mirror. Actually, I use this mirror for plucking my eyebrows, but can't resist the temptation for closer scrutiny of other areas of my face. Unfortunately, such close inspection inevitably brings on an in-depth critical analysis of the state of my skin.

Despite using a mild facial scrub each morning, I noticed a few very tiny blackheads, concentrated particularly around the nose area. This annoyed me somewhat as I always take such care with cleansing and exfoliating my skin. I figured these blackheads are just stubborn and needed something with a little extra zapping power.

During my next trip to the chemist, Superdrug on this occasion, I browsed around the shelves looking for something suitable. In the skin care section I found quite a few similar looking products, all claiming to eliminate blackheads while deep cleaning your skin. I chose the T-Zone product for no other reason than it was my T-zone that I was interested in improving, plus I liked the colour of the box, a sort of sea green which made me feel it would be refreshing somehow.

~~~What are they?~~~

Each box contains 6 clear out nose pore strips. They're designed to help remove blackheads, unclog pores and remove spot causing bacteria. The anti-bacterial ingredients help remove the spot causing bacteria while the method of the pore strips helps remove blackheads, dirt and grease.

~~~Instructions~~~

The instructions say you must wash your face with T-Zone Clear Pore Gel Face wash or T-Zone Oil Control Foaming Face Wash then pat dry. I didn't feel the need of purchasing these other products so just washed my face with my usual skin cleansers.

Before applying the pore strip you need to thoroughly wet your nose. Next you must take out one of the strips which has a plastic backing on one side. You have to peel off the backing and stick this side down over the bridge of your nose while pressing the edges around the sides. Then wait for 10 minutes while the pore strip hardens.

The strips are completely dry when you take them out of their individual wrapper which is why you need to wet your nose before applying the strip. I found I had to press down on all the edges of the strip and hold it in place for a couple of minutes while the strip began to dry. It basically sets in the position that you place it on your nose. You need to make sure you press it down properly especially at the sides if this is where blackheads are found, as they were in my case.

After 10 minutes the strip hardens and it's now ready to remove. You then grab hold of an edge and carefully pull it off. This is simple enough and feels a bit like pulling off a sticking plaster, only without the painful ripping off hair factor unless you have a particularly hairy face, that is!

~~~Results~~~

The first time I used these pore strips, I peeled off the strip after the recommended time. The strip had indeed hardened. I inspected my handywork with my trusty magnifying mirror and was pleased to notice that most, but not all blackheads had disappeared. I couldn't particularly see anything on the strip though. However, after using another strip a week later, I was even happier to find no trace of any blackheads left around my nose.

I now use one of these pore strips about once a month and find they're very useful for clearing out those tricky to reach areas around the sides of the nose.

~~~Cautions~~~

You shouldn't use the pore strips on spots or blemishes. Additionally, if your skin is inflamed or swollen, sunburned or very dry you should avoid using the strips at that time. If you have very sensitive skin you may find the trip painful to remove. In this case you should thoroughly wet the strip and carefully peel it off.

~~~Price and Availability~~~

These are widely available in pharmacies, chemists and the skincare sections in larger supermarkets. This box of 6 strips cost me £4.39 in Superdrug.

~~~Other~~~

This product hasn't been tested on animals. For further information see their website at: www.t-zone.co.uk

Summary: Quick, easy and effective removal of blackheads