Extraction of follicular horny impactions of the face by polymers. Efficacy and safety of a cosmetic pore-cleansing strip (Bioré)

Abstract

“Clogged, prominent, dark pores“ are a common complaint of older women. At least seven pore stripping tapes have been recently introduced by manufacturers of cosmetic products, for use in extracting horny material retained in sebaceous follicles of the face. We evaluated a popular pore-cleansing strip, Bioré± Pore Perfect±, for efficacy and irritancy. The ability of Bioré to remove horny material was compared to the cyanoacrylate follicular biopsy, the “gold standard” for extraction. The removal of horny casts, bundles of vellus hairs (trichostasis), and long vellus hairs was assessed by photographic techniques, viz epilumi-nescence, high-resolution video-microscopy and fluorescence digital photography. Safety was evaluated by repeated applications of the strips to the same area. Bioré strips were especially effective for removing horny impactions (microcome-dones) and trichostatic bundles on the nose. No inflammatory reactions or increased tenderness were observed following repeated strippings. Patient satisfaction was high. Cyanoacrylate had an appreciably greater capacity to extract horny impactions and vellus hairs but was considerably more aggressive. Concomitant treatment with a tretinoin cream enhanced the capacity of Bioré to extract horny casts.