People are really into DIY fixes, natural remedies, and all kinds of creams and masks for getting rid of blackheads on your nose and face at home. There’s tons of theories as to why people find blemish-popping and blackhead extractions at home so satisfying, ranging everywhere from a human tendency toward the thrill of disgust, to the idea that it’s a leftover evolutionary trait from days as primates, where grooming was a huge part of the social life scene.
Whatever the reason behind it, though, when it comes to knowing how to quickly remove blackheads, it’s important to know how to do it safely and with the most natural ingredients possible. That starts with knowing what they are. As New York dermatologist Rachel Nazarian told Allure, “Blackheads are just an oxidized mix of oil and dead skin cells that are sitting in pores — the exposure to air is what causes them to oxidize and turn black.” Pretty straightforward, right?
Now it just comes down to knowing the best possible habits, techniques, and ingredients for getting rid of blackheads once and for all. Whether you’ve got a borderline bizarre fascination or you’re just looking for clean, clear skin, you’re totally set.
Pull Out Dirt And Oil With Absorbent Bentonite Clay
Pure Bliss Organic Bentonite Clay Mask, $11, Amazon
Bentonite clay is a wonderful solution to stubborn blackheads because it’s exceptionally absorbent, as it works to pull the oil and dirt right out from your pores. This particular bentonite clay mask contains nothing but 100 percent pure and high quality clay from Wyoming, ideal for skin tightening, detox, acne, and deep pore cleansing. Because it’s entirely natural and hypoallergenic, it’s a great option for sensitive skin. All you have to do is mix a few tablespoons with water or apple cider vinegar, let it work its magic for ten minutes, and rinse it off to reveal a smoother, cleaner face clear of blackheads.
Dissolve Blackheads With Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid Organic Willow Bark Peel, $21, Amazon
As dermatologist Rachel Nazarian told Allure, "Salicylic acid is a great option for dissolving those blackheads away.” This organic salicylic acid peel derives its salicylic acid from willow bark, and it contains no fillers, parabens, or synthetic ingredients. Not only does it shrink pores and melt away blackheads, but it does so gently (especially in comparison to other salicylic peels), so it’s ideal for those with particularly sensitive skin. One reviewer says, “This has been a life saver for my adult acne…it's worked like a miracle.”
Scrub Those Blackheads Away With Cinnamon Powder
Diva Stuff India's Secret Blackhead Dissolving Face Scrubbies, $13, Amazon
Spices can be particularly effective when it comes to blackheads, including cinnamon, which is antibacterial and improves circulation. These blackhead-dissolving face scrubbies contain cinnamon powder and cinnamon oil, along with other cleansing and astringent ingredients like turmeric, baking soda, lemongrass powder, and lemon oil. They come in the form of little pads that can be used for easy exfoliation and application, and reviewers say they smell great — and they’re effective enough to feel like a professional spa treatment.
Fight And Exfoliate With A Green Tea Sponge
pureGLO Green Trea Konjac Sponge, $7, Amazon
Green tea is naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, as well as loaded with antioxidants, which is why it’s a great ingredient for blackheads. This pureGLO green tea konjac sponge is an awesome chemical-free natural facial sponge that’s made from the konjac root, and because it’s infused with green tea (as well as rich in tons of proteins, minerals, and vitamins), it can be used to heal blackheads and acne while balancing the pH of your skin. It provides gentle exfoliation without harsh plastics, and this particular one comes with two hooks to hang your sponge in the shower for sanitary drying.
Bubble Your Way To Brighter, Clearer Skin
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask, $11, Amazon
This one’s trending on YouTube right now in the form of beauty tutorials, and for a good reason. This bubble clay mask is a fun and effective way to bubble your blackheads away in as little as one use. It has entirely pronounceable ingredients like green tea extract, aloe vera leaf, matcha powder, charcoal powder, and pomegranate extract, but after you apply it to your face, it starts to bubble, cleansing and massaging the dirt and oil right out of your pores. The words “amazing,” “awesome,” and “bubbly fun,” are all over the reviews section.
Nourish And Cleanse With A Dead Sea Mud Mask
Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask, $15, Amazon
A good quality Dead Sea mud mask is loaded up with vitamins and minerals, as well as fights bacteria and pulls impurities out from under the skin. This number one best-selling Dead Sea mud mask contains a combination of Dead Sea mud and moisturizing natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba oil. Since it’s already mixed and has a creamy consistency, some people prefer it to other masks for a quick, weekly cleansing session, and because it has a subtly fresh scent and leaves skin feeling smooth and looking clear, people have nothing but great things to say.
Peel Blackheads Away With This Trending Carbon Mask
My Scheming Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask, $11, Amazon
Here’s another one that’s been getting tons of recognition in beauty tutorials. The My Scheming blackhead removal carbon mask comes with three distinct steps: the sebum softener, the peel itself, and the clarifying finishing treatment. The peel, however, is the top selling point, because when the activated carbon dries on your face, you can visibly see all of the blackheads that’ve just been pulled from your pores. One happy reviewer says, “I have struggled with so many blackheads on my nose and areas around my nose… This was THE most effective, painless, and clearest way to remove your blackheads. “
Brighten Skin & Reduce Blackheads With An Egg White Peel
Mistine Egg White Poreless Peel Off Mask, $7, Amazon
Egg whites are another great trick for blackheads, as they’re rich in nutrients and help to cleanse and tighten pores, but they do so without drying out your skin. This peel-off mask contains albumen (the protein and egg whites) and collagen to remove blackheads, oil build-up, and dead skin. Because it leaves your face looking silky-smooth and glowing, and reviewers say it’s ridiculously fun to peel off, this mask is widely considered a really great resource for blackhead-prone skin.
Use Stainless Steel Tools – Not Your Fingernails
Oak Leaf Dermatologist Grade Blackhead Remover Kit, $6, Amazon
If you’re going to physically extract your blackheads, avoid using your fingers because there’s loads of bacteria underneath your nails that’ll just worsen the issue. This dermatologist-grade blackhead remover kit comes with all the tools you’ll need to extract your blackheads in a safe, clean, and sanitary way. They’re made from high-quality premium-grade stainless steel, which is easy to wash and won’t rust, and because the set comes with five two-sided tools and a fancy leather carrying case, you’ll be getting rid of blackheads like a pro in no time.
Open Your Pores And Push Out Impurities With Steam
Nano Ionic Hot Mist Moisturizing Facial Steamer, $30, Amazon
Steaming is a really good way to open pores so you can push the excess sebum and dirt right out. This ionic hot mist facial steamer contains negative ion technology, which binds to any impurities in your skin to more effectively steam them out. It also heats up really fast, and it contains a UV light inside to make sure that you’re getting the cleanest, freshest water for your face. For a convenient and luxurious spa treatment at home, this unit is one of the most affordable, space-saving, and effective ways to hydrate and cleanse your skin.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (10)
