Blackheads in Perimenopause: Why Am I Still Getting Them and Do Pore Strips Actually Work?

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I have a confession to make…

I genuinely thought that by the time I reached my 50s, blackheads would be a thing of the past.

Surely after dealing with teenage skin, pregnancy-related changes, hormonal ups and downs and now perimenopause, I should have earned my right to smooth, clear skin?

Apparently not!

Blackheads are still one of my biggest skincare annoyances — especially around my nose and chin. And if, like me, you’re navigating perimenopause, you may have noticed that your skin can feel like it’s suddenly changed the rules.

One minute it’s dry, the next it’s oily. Products that used to work don’t seem to work anymore. And those stubborn little black dots? They seem determined to stick around.

So, the question is…

When will blackheads finally disappear?!

The answer (unfortunately) is probably: they won’t completely. But there are ways to manage them and make your skin look smoother and clearer.

Recently, I tested three different blackhead removing pore strips to see whether they actually work — and whether they’re worth adding to a perimenopausal skincare routine.

Watch My Blackhead Pore Strip Test: Three Products Tried and Tested

In this video, I put three popular pore strip options to the test and share my honest thoughts on:

• How easy they are to apply

• Whether they actually remove visible blackheads

• How my skin looked afterwards

• Which ones I would (and wouldn’t) buy again

As always, this isn’t a sponsored review — I bought/tested these products myself and share my honest experience.

https://youtu.be/rh5RZg84NhU

Why Am I Still Getting Blackheads During Perimenopause?

Many of us assume that blackheads are just a teenage skin problem, but adult skin can absolutely still experience congestion.

During perimenopause, fluctuating hormones can affect your skin in several ways:

1. Hormonal changes can increase oil production

As oestrogen levels fluctuate, your skin can become more unpredictable. Some women experience increased dryness, while others notice more oiliness, clogged pores and breakouts.

2. Skin cell turnover can slow down

As we age, our skin naturally renews itself more slowly. Dead skin cells can build up, mixing with sebum (oil) and creating blocked pores.

3. Your skincare routine may need to evolve

The products that worked brilliantly in your 20s and 30s may not always be the best match for your changing skin.

Perimenopausal skincare often needs a balance of:

✔ Hydration✔ Gentle exfoliation✔ Barrier support✔ Ingredients that help keep pores clear

What Exactly Are Blackheads?

Despite their appearance, blackheads are not dirt.

A blackhead is an open comedone — a pore blocked with oil and dead skin cells. When this mixture is exposed to air, it oxidises and turns darker.

That means scrubbing harder isn’t necessarily the answer (and can sometimes irritate your skin).

Do Blackhead Removing Pore Strips Actually Work?

The short answer?

Yes… but with limitations.

Pore strips can be satisfying because you can often see the debris they remove after use. They can temporarily make your pores appear cleaner and smoother.

However:

• They don’t permanently shrink pores

• They don’t stop future blackheads forming

• They mainly remove surface congestion

• Results are temporary

Think of them as a quick skincare “reset” rather than a long-term solution.

The Three Blackhead Pore Strips I Tested

·       Starface World Lift Off pore strips (Amazon paid link)* https://geni.us/xSFDRx1

·       Biore 2x deep cleansing ultra strength pore strips (Amazon paid link)* https://geni.us/nu6uQ 

·       Lanbena nose plants pore strips (Amazon paid link)* https://geni.us/TRmdY 

My Perimenopausal Skincare Tips for Managing Blackheads

While pore strips can be fun and satisfying, they’re only one part of the picture.

These are the things I personally focus on:

1. Don’t over-strip your skin

It can be tempting to attack blackheads with harsh scrubs and strong products, but a damaged skin barrier can actually make your skin feel more irritated.

2. Consider gentle exfoliating ingredients

Ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA) can help because it works inside the pore to dissolve oil and congestion.

3. Keep your skin hydrated

Even oily or congested skin needs hydration. A dehydrated skin barrier can sometimes make skin feel more unbalanced.

4. Be consistent

Unfortunately, skincare is rarely about one miracle product. Small, consistent habits usually make the biggest difference.

Final Thoughts: Will Blackheads Ever Leave Me Alone?

Honestly?

Probably not completely!

I am trying to accept that my skin is constantly changing — especially during perimenopause — and the goal isn’t necessarily “perfect skin”.

It’s healthy, comfortable skin that makes me feel good.

And if a pore strip gives me that satisfying moment of seeing those annoying little black dots disappear?

I’ll take it!

Have you noticed your skin changing during perimenopause? Are blackheads still hanging around? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your experience.