Get Rid Of Stubborn Blackheads With These 9 Exfoliating Products
These products can penetrate and clean out the pores, giving you a smoother complexion
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Your skin may be clear as day, but you can still have a problem with blackheads.
Blackheads are a skincare occurrence that most of us struggle with. Our pores sometimes get congested with dead skin and sebum. When this gunk comes in contact with the air, it gets oxidised, and turns black, and hence is called a blackhead.
While you can get blackheads just about anywhere on your face or body, they are most often seen on the nose leading to what is commonly called strawberry nose — a rather annoying predicament that is difficult to hide with makeup.
The key to getting rid of blackheads is exfoliation. Well, and extraction — but doing it yourself increases the chances of leaving marks. Your next best bet? Skincare products with ingredients that can help us get rid of blackheads. Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is one tried-and-true compound that can penetrate and clean out the pore lining and leave behind clear skin free of blackheads and blemishes.
From exfoliators to pore packs, here are our favourites for banishing blackheads.
Detox & De-Congest Pores With Deepcare O2 Hydro-Facial Pore Refiner Device Set, $258, Skin Inc
Credit: Skin Inc
No time for a facial? No problem. With this Deepcare O2 Hydro-Facial Pore Refiner, you can easily get rid of all the gunk in your pores with this trusty device from Skin Inc. Boasting four different features in one device, this revolutionary tool is powered with dual Hot and Cold modes to vacuum blackheads and excess sebum, and it oxygenates and nourishes your skin at the same time, revealing a clearer and dewy complexion.
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) Liquid Exfoliator, $52, Paula's Choice
Credit: Paula's Choice
This Paula’s Choice product has long been a cult-favourite salicylic acid exfoliator. The lightweight formulation absorbs quickly and is formulated at the optimal pH of 3.2 to 3.8 for maximum efficacy. Green tea extract is also present to provide calming and antioxidative properties.
Blemish Rescue Oil - Tamanu And Salicylic, $69, Votary from Sephora
Credit: Sephora
Using an oil to treat blackheads might seem counterproductive, but this Votary creation is made with two per cent salicylic acid that will clean out the pores without stripping the skin. In addition, tamanu oil combats inflammation and has wound and scar healing properties. Apply this as a spot-treatment on targeted areas.
Bye Bye Blackhead 30 Days Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser, $33.30, Some by Mi from YesStyle
Credit: YesStyle
Bubble masks aren’t just great for the ’gram. K-beauty label Some By Mi has added green tea water, 16 types of tea extracts and white willow bark extract, a naturally-derived BHA, and a bubble mechanism to get rid of the gunk in each pore while nourishing the skin. You can use it as a five-minute mask or incorporate into your daily skincare routine as the cleanser.
Deep Cleansing Oil, $43.90, DHC from Watsons
Credit: Watsons
If you have spent any time on SkincareAddiction on Reddit, then you would probably have heard of “skin gritting”. The method works by massaging your face with an oil cleanser for about three to five minutes before and after a clay mask to allow the oil to “pull out” any gunk and impurities stuck in your pores. This DHC cleansing oil is perfect for the job as it has a thicker viscosity that doesn’t immediately run off your face and hands.
Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant, $33, The Inkey List from Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Apply this to clean skin in the morning and at night and watch the blackheads disappear. Salicylic acid sinks into pores to dislodge plugs of sebum, dead skin and debris that cause blackheads or white heads. Don’t forget to use sunscreen as this could increase sensitivity to the sun.
Blackhead Peel Off Mask, $19, Sephora Collection from Sephora
Credit: Sephora
With 89 per cent natural-origin ingredients including glycolic acid from sugarcane and aloe vera, this helps smooth skin while tackling blackheads. It’s easy to use, doesn’t feel tight as it dries on skin and doesn’t leave any residue.
Clear Whitening Mask, $26.75, Kose Sekkisei from Lazada
Credit: Lazada
The famed black mask can be a pain to remove—literally—but it’s effective in getting those blackheads out of your pores. Apply it on your whole face as a mask, or on your nose as a pore strip.
Silver Powder, $26, Mario Badescu from Sephora
Credit: Sephora
Unlike most blackhead removers, this doesn’t involve any peeling. Rather, all you gotta do is dip a moist cotton ball into the powder and apply on the affected areas, and then use a toner to remove the powder. It promises to get rid of blackheads in just 10 minutes – which is the duration you should leave the powder on your face.
Text: HerWorld