17 Best Blackhead Removal Masks of 2022, According to Dermatologists

2022-06-07 07:52:05 By : Ms. Darlee Zou

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Get ready to make blackheads a thing of the past.

As a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast who spends way too much time (and even more $$) researching new products and techniques to keep my skin thriving, I'm no stranger to beauty woes. Some skin concerns like the occasional breakout are remedied with a quick fix, like pimple patches. Others require doctor-approved prescriptions. However, blackheads are one of the more common pesky issues that can haunt you — no matter your skin type or texture. Despite the battle these blemishes put up, blackheads have a formidable opponent. Enter blackhead removal masks.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lian Mack told Seventeen, "blackheads are acne caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil." If you were wondering how blackheads got their name, Dr. Mack explained, "the contents of a blackhead appear dark in color (when compared to a white head) because they are exposed to the air and oxidize as a result of this exposure. As such, blackheads are also called open comedones."

Blackheads pop up on the nose, cheeks, and sometimes even the neck. They can be removed in many ways, with decongesting masks being the most common. "Blackhead removal masks temporarily improve the appearance of blackheads by mechanically removing the buildup of dead skin cells or keratin plugs," Dr. Mack added. "They remove the outermost oxidized portion of the blackhead." Traditional rinse-off face masks get the job done, but blackhead peel-off options allow you to watch the blackhead lift from your skin and see the impurities that were buried deep within your pores, you know, if you're into that kind of thing (🙋🏾‍♀️).

As frustrating as blackheads can be, it's important not to overdo it with treatments. Using blackhead removal masks too frequently can irritate the skin, and that's the last thing anyone wants to deal with when going up against a blemish. Dr. Mack suggests using removal masks "weekly on a night when you are not using any other products with exfoliating active ingredients like retinoids or alpha and beta hydroxy acids." When combined with the physical pore-clearing that the mask delivers, these potent resurfacing ingredients can irritate the skin.

Like most beauty trends, blackhead removal challenges have spawned on social media. Some more painful clips feature instances of people using Elmer's glue (do not try this at home) and others where the mask gets stuck during the removal process. But the best blackhead removal masks can get the job done without pain.

Now that we're on the same page about what causes blackheads and how to treat them, here's a roundup of the best blackhead removal masks to combat those annoying clogged pores.

This purifying and deep cleansing mask comes highly recommended by Dr. Mack. "This mask is infused with mineral-rich clays, charcoal, and salicylic acid," she said. "It gently helps to unclog pores and has an instant mattifying effect."

Infused with the mineral-rich herb red shiso leaf, which brightens, this mask peels away buildup, minimizes excess oil, and softens skin.

This BB is packed with an impressive mix of ingredients. Aloe vera, vitamins A and C, and glycolic and hyaluronic acids work together to soothe, bright, moisturize, and prevent free radical damage.

Activated charcoal is the secret ingredient that helps this peel-off mask remove blackheads. While squalane in the formula works overtime to hydrate and moisturize.

Consider this the O.G. of peel-off masks. This drugstore-friendly version has withstood the test of time and viral social media challenges, which are all the makings of a tried and true beauty staple.

Kiss blackheads goodbye in ten minutes flat with this glycolic acid-infused mask.

This BB is laced with good for skin ingredients like Dead Sea salt, taurine, black peat water, mud, which all soothe irritation, and gunk-clearing charcoal. All in all, it's a luxurious experience without breaking the bank.

Prepare for lift-off. This brightening peel-off mask decongests clogged pores and transforms dull uneven skin.

Clogged pores have met their match. This rich, creamy-textured mask removes dead skin cells and fights against dullness and blotchy skin texture.

Peel-off masks have gotten a reputation for inflicting pain when taking them off, but Freeman's soothing cucumber-infused formula makes this drugstore staple easy to apply and even easier to remove.

Crystals that sound like Pop Rocks when they're activated? Count me in. Dr.Jart+'s Dermask Ultra Jet Peeling Solution is a two-step process. When the peeling essence is paired with the corresponding balancing mask, carbonic acid bubbles in the treatment change colors, pop, and pull away dead skin cells.

Laced with scents of citrus and blueberry, this BB is packed with active ingredients like Volcanic Rock Particles, hydroxy acids, and volcanic water to nourish, brighten, and most importantly remove blackheads.

Dead Sea water and Dead Sea algae at the heart of this BB boasts mineral catalyst Osmoter, which smoothes and improves skin complexion.

Innisfree's pore-clearing mask is packed with naturally-absorbent volcanic clusters that zap excess oil and remove debris from deep within the pores.

This multipurpose peel-off mask detoxifies, moisturizes, and minimizes the appearance of pores all while extracting blackheads. Even better? You get to see the grime pulled from your pores when you're done.

It's the aesthetic for me! This Mermaid Fire and Ice peel-off mask works overtime to tighten, plump, and hydrate while serving major looks with a holographic hue.

SHVYOG covers all the bases with this 3-in-1 treatment. The set comes with a washable silicone brush that can be used to apply the bamboo charcoal-infused mask, and a tea-tree repairing face serum to calm skin after application.