e know all too well the temptation to poke and prod when we spot a blackhead, even while knowing it will fabricate it far worse and extend its time span.
But we all want to execute something, anything, to acquire rid of them and maintain the clear, smooth skin that feels so elusive, especially when they seem to acquire aggravated as soon as there’s an vital event in the calendar.
Blackheads are caused by the clogging of a pore or follicle with the likes of dead skin cells or oil and, when exposed to the air, oxidises turning black in the process. It’s a mild form of acne and notoriously challenging to treat.
Instead of squeezing, which can push rotten bacteria deeper into your skin, create swelling, cause redness and irritation or even lead to an infection, bust the blemish with the assist of powerful skincare products.
Dr Howard Murad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad skincare explains “The best way to clear blackheads is to unclog them through a deep cleanse. noteworthy ingredients like Volcanic Mineral Clay will draw out impurities and remove the trapped dead cells, dirt and oil from within the pores”.
Face masks can be applied onto the skin to dissolve and dislodge pore-clogging dirt and grime and remove with an exfoliating effect the sebum and dead skin that can acquire trapped. Alongside clay, clarifying ingredients like acne-fighting salicylic acid or the gentle buffing of acids like glycolic will act as both a treatment and maintain preventative properties.
Word of warning, steer clear of the peel-off masks that were a staple at every sleepover in the 90s and 00s. These pore strips can execute more harm than excellent, from the harsh process of ripping them off the skin to actually englarging pores and leading to further blackheads.
Shop the best blackhead masks that detoxify and purify the pores.
Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask
Omorovicza uses a specialised mud from its home country of Hungary as the star ingredient of this clarifying clay product. It is to thank for the purifying effect and the colourway with its naturally black, mineral-rich properties. Hungarian moor mud is packed with calcium and magnesium that maintain healing and restorative effects, while also buffing away impurities that can clog the pores.
Even with its potent formula, it remains gentle on the skin without that flaky, dry and tight feeling that is often associated with mud masks. Use twice a week for a moment of self care. The aroma gives a spa-like feeling that is only heightened by the shimmering and balanced complexion that follows use.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask
Used preventatively and this mask will be your best friend in the fight against pesky spots appearing – whether they’re caused by stress, diet or hormones. The Blemish Control formula has a gentle resurfacing effect that can even be used on sensitive skin. In fact, it is one of the few clay masks that won’t cause irritation.
Tea tree and eucalyptus contained within the product maintain antiseptic properties to remove toxins and balance out oily and acne-prone complexions, while white clay takes this to the next level. Rounded off with aloe vera, the Alpha-H hero calms inflammation. One for a quick anti-redness fix before a enormous night out.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
After cleansing, layer on this mask from Kiehl’s to detoxify and refine the skin’s surface. It is made up of Amazonian white clay that is commonly found in Brazilian skincare products for its mineral-rich qualities.
For oily skin types, this product will form a staple portion of your routine thanks to the mattifying finish that it provides and its ability to counteract excess oil production. There’s also aloe vera in its ingredient line-up that acts a soothing and hydrating counterpart to the drying effects of clay.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Dr. Jart + Pore Remedy Purifying Mud Mask
When you’re on the depart or to simplify the mask application process, call on this single sheet mask from Dr Jart+. A mess-free solution to your clarifying concerns, unfold this mask and leave on the skin for 15-20 minutes.
Whether you’re multi-tasking on a long haul flight or relaxing in front of the TV, the green mud-based mask removes excess oil and impurities as you unwind to leave you with clearer and cleaner skin in its wake. This ingredient also improves the appearance of blackheads, while sea salt sloughs away dead cells that can lead to future breakouts.
Top tip: the duration is set for a reason. To avoid dryness, fabricate sure you stick to around a quarter of an hour to maximise its benefits.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
benefit The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask
The POREfessional range is one of the most iconic on the market. Benefit is known and loved for its pore blurring primers, but did you know it extended to this current mask? The deep cleansing properties of this clay-based solution works to remove excess oils and decongest the skin – and without the dryness that is so often the downside. Kaolin clay draws out the impurities in a visible way so you can really see it working, while sphingolipides support the skin’s barrier to boost and protect moisture levels, ensuring that you are are clarifying the complexion, while hydrating at the same time. It has a lovely scent too.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clay Mask
If constant breakouts maintain got you overloading your skin with potent ingredients or you lean towards the sensitive terminate of the spectrum, you want something more gentle that cares for your skin, while being deeply decongesting. Enter French pharmacy trademark: La Roche-Posay.
This clay mask is designed for oily or blackhead-prone skin types and as soon as you apply it onto the skin, it begins to unclog the pores and balance sebum production. There are two types of clay; argilla and kaolin that work in tandem to penetrate deep into the pores for a thorough cleanse and to mattify too. The treatment time is just five minutes so it’s easy to slot into your morning or evening ritual.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Super Pore Detox Purifying Black Clay Mask
Pegged by Beauty Pie as a professional facial in a bottle, this is a product you’ll want to call on when your skin is in need of some attention. It pairs together a cocktail of acids (glycolic, salicylic and lactic) with detoxing kaolin clay as a potent declogging powerhouse. Chemical meets physical exfoliation with the addition of bamboo as well as the calming and anti-inflammation duo of liquorice and eucalyptus. What’s more, the packaging is made in portion from recycled plastic and is all recyclable.
ZitSticka Pore Vac Clearing Clay Mask
Purify the pores with this clay mask in your skincare arsenal. As the brand suggests, it is designed to even and clear the complexion thanks to a winning amalgamation of AHAs, BHAs and acne-fighting star sulphur that exfoliate and remove excess sebum without stripping the skin. It does this with a vacuum-like action, lifting the impurities and refining the pores in a satisfying way. You can apply it all over the face or just in oil-prone areas like the T-zone.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask
With its pale pink hue, this is one you’ll want as portion of your at-home spa shelfie. But it’s not all pastel style over substance. The clay mask dislodges the likes of makeup and pollutants with the detoxifying hero of Australian pink clay. This is set alongside mangosteen, pomegranate and Kakadu plum, a delectable sounding amalgamation with brightening effects. There’s also witch hazel that you may recognise from your puberty spot-fighting products that is included for its antibacterial and soothing effect.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
Best for: a detox for hungover skin
Time: 5-10 minutes
With over 100 million views on Tiktok, Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask is certainly a crowd pleaser. The extracts of pink clay and coffee cleanse whilst removing excess sebum and tightening pores, leaving you looking fresh, clear, and glowing – and it can be used on all skin types. The perfect skin detox after a late night.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{/hasItems}}
- {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now
{{#items}}
{{/items}}
{{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}