A blackhead is a type of skin trouble caused by irritation or debris. Also called a comedo, it can cause a whitehead when the top is closed or a blackhead when the top is open. Those little black dots that you see on your face can make you feel embarrassed about going outside and leave you worried about how others view you. The best blackhead masks are easy to use and will remove those marks from your skin. They are safe for those with sensitive skin and will not leave behind any debris that can clog your pores.
When many people think of face masks, they think about those that come inside a small package. You take it out of the package and apply it to your face. The problem with those masks is that they really don’t fit all face types and sizes. The best blackhead masks come in small tubes that let you use as much of the product as you need. You can apply a small amount just to the blackheads that you see and wash off all traces of the mask later. As part of a good skincare routine, one of these masks can remove existing blackheads and reduce the risk that you might see more in the future.
VASSOUL Blackhead Remover Mask
Available in a 2.04-ounce size, this small tube of blackhead remover is compact and will fit in any bathroom drawer or cabinet. Though you can apply enough of the product to completely cover your face, you can apply just a small amount to the blackheads that you see too. Once it dries, you simply peel the mask away from your skin. It will not leave behind any oily residue the way that other masks can. As a purifying mask, this product is safe to use on whiteheads and acne too. It removes the debris that builds up deep in your pores.
Pros
-Moisturizes and hydrates the skin
-Helps firm and tighten loose skin
-Compact size
-Works on blackheads and whiteheads
Cons
-May leave behind some dark marks
-Doesn’t always peel away as easily as it should
ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Activated charcoal is one of the trendiest products around. You can find it everything from ice cream and other foods to skincare products such as this mask. The 3.4 fluid ounces of liquid inside goes on smoothly and washes away just as easily. It penetrates deep into your pores to remove any clogs and debris and takes away blackheads at the same time. Though activated charcoal is the primary ingredient, this mask also contains other ingredients that can smooth and tighten your skin to make you look younger and healthier. Some found that this mask left their skin feeling drier than it did before though.
Pros
-Leaves skin feeling smooth and tight
-Easy to use
-Includes natural ingredients
-Safe for daily use
Cons
-May make your skin feel dry
-Requires washing off rather than peeling it off
Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body
One of the only masks that you can use on both your face and body is this one, which uses mud sourced from the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea gets its name from the high level of salt in the water, which causes people to float to the surface. Thanks to the vitamins and other ingredients used in this formula, it helps you get youthful and healthy skin in just a few applications. It works well on those battling acne and breakouts, but the formula is also suitable for fighting blackheads and other skin irritations. Those with oily skin found it especially helpful.
Pros
-Works on acne, blackheads and other skin problems
-Comes with more product than other jars do
-Great for oily skin
-Easy to apply
Cons
-Can stick to your hands
-May leave your skin drier than you would like
TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask
If you want to get rid of blackheads and restore your skin to its natural glory, you should consider this mask. Instead of just unclogging pores, it actually restores and resurfaces your skin to make it look healthier and younger. As soon as you remove the mask, you may notice that your skin looks tighter and has a natural glow. That new look can last for hours or longer too. Made from only natural ingredients, this mask is free from artificial fragrances and other chemicals. It’s safe for use on all skin types also, including oily and dry skin.
Pros
-Suitable for men and women of all ages
-Gives your skin a natural and healthy glow
-Lasts longer than other products do
-Vegan product
Cons
-Works best when used with other products from the manufacturer
-Can cause your skin to peel and crack
ERNO LASZLO Pore Cleaning Clay Mask
The most common reason why blackheads occur is because of clogged pores. Your pores can clog because of the environmental hazards you face every day and the makeup or skincare products that you use. This mask features a clay formula that will both exfoliate and detox to remove dead skin cells and anything else trapped in your pores. It only requires that you apply the mask once a week to enjoy all its benefits, though some use it twice a week. The addition of rosewater helps soothe your skin and gives the mask a pleasing scent that lingers after you remove it.
Pros
-Removes debris trapped deep in your pores
-Fights back against environmental hazards
-Has a soft and pleasant scent
-Eliminates dead and dry skin
Cons
-Not suitable for daily use
-Can stain washcloths and other fabrics
ALICEVA Black Mask
Designed specifically for blackheads, the Black Mask uses both activated charcoal and bamboo to purify and cleanse your skin. Unlike other masks that you need to wash away, this mask dries to the surface of your skin and peels away quickly. When used after cleansing your face, the mask can remove both blackheads and acne because it goes deep into the pores. It can also create a whitening effect that leaves your skin looking brighter. You only need to use the mask for 20 to 30 minutes at a time and can follow it up with a toner or any products of your choosing.
Pros
-Offers deep pore cleansing
-Dries quickly and comes off easily
-Safe for use anywhere on your body
-Works with other products
Cons
-Can stain some surfaces and materials
-May not come away easily if you do not use enough of the product
Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask
Biore made a name for itself with cleansing strips that users applied to their faces to clean their pores. The company is back with this mask that takes just one minute to use. You get two masks inside each package, and each mask uses activated charcoal and other natural ingredients. When you remove the mask from its packaging, you can stretch it out to fit over your face, though some found that it was too small for their faces. Others also had issues getting the mask out of the back without breaking it and found that it was messy to apply.
Pros
-Only requires one minute of your time
-Uses your body temperature to work
-Comes with two masks in each package
-Works on blackheads and whiteheads
Cons
-Doesn’t fit all sizes of faces
-Is sometimes hard to get out of the packaging
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
One of the best blackhead masks for the money is this Indian healing clay, which comes with one pound inside a plastic jar with a lid that closes tightly to keep the clay from drying out. This is the second version of the clay, and the new formula removes the artificial fragrances and chemicals that similar clay products have. Safe for use on sensitive skin, the mask hardens in five minutes or less and leaves your skin glowing. Though you may notice some red spots, those spots should disappear within 30 to 45 minutes. You will need to mix the clay before applying it to your face with either water or apple cider vinegar.
Pros
-Best value for the money
-Works on sensitive skin
-Removes the common causes of blackheads and acne
-Requires only 30 minutes of your time
Cons
-Requires other supplies to use
-Can develop lumps that are hard to remove
Blackhead Mask Questions (FAQs)
Q: How Does a Blackhead Mask Work?
A: A blackhead mask works because it removes the debris that causes blackheads. You can think about in the same way you would a lint roller. When you run that roller over your clothing, the sticky side picks up pet hair, food particles and other debris stuck to your clothes. A blackhead mask does the same thing. When you apply it to your skin, it picks up the particles on the surface of your face and grabs any debris just below the surface that is stuck in your pores.
Q: How Often Should You Use a Blackhead Mask?
A: The answer to this question really depends on what the manufacturer recommends. You generally should only use a mask once or twice a week. Using one more often can dry out your skin and leave it looking cracked. Daily use of a blackhead mask can also cause your skin to peel.
Q: Should You Pop a Blackhead?
A: When you see a blackhead on your nose or anywhere on your face, you might feel tempted to pop it with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. You should never pop a blackhead though. The germs and bacteria on your face can sink into your pores and spread to other parts of your face, causing breakouts and other irritations.
Q: Can You Use a Blackhead Mask on Other Parts of Your Body?
A: Though you might think that blackhead masks are solely for the face, these masks are safe to use anywhere you see blackheads. Many men and women develop blackheads in their armpits and in between their legs. Blackheads commonly form because sweat and hair can block the pores. When using a mask anywhere else on your body, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Q: Are There Any Other Products That You Can Use with a Blackhead Mask?
A: Some of the more common products you might use with one of these masks include cleansers and toners. Many manufacturers actually recommend that you wash your face before applying the mask. This provides a clean slate and lets the mask penetrate into your pores. After removing the mask, you can use toner to tighten your skin. Some also find it helpful to apply a moisturizer or lotion to hydrate their skin. Many of the top masks tend to dry out the skin.
Q: What is the Hot Towel Method?
A: When you read the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions, you might find that some recommend using the hot towel methods. This is a step that you take before applying the mask. You can run a washcloth or small towel under hot water for a few minutes and give it a squeeze to remove any excess water. Another option involves placing a wet towel in the microwave for 30 seconds. You will then place the towel on your face and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. The heat from the towel will help open up your pores and let the mask get deeper into those openings.
Q: What is the Best Blackhead Mask?
A: If you tracked down 10 people suffering from blackheads and asked them which masks they used, you would likely get 10 different responses. Some prefer the masks that come with a cleansing product already on them such as the masks that Biore makes. They like that they can take the mask out of the package, place it on their faces and get results in minutes without getting their hands dirty. Others find that these masks don’t work effectively and that they are either too large or too small for their faces. You should look for a mask that matches the type of skin you have, including dry, sensitive and oily skin types.