When it comes to the best face masks for blackheads, the formulas are abundant: There’s everything from sheet masks and pore packs to an acid-infused clay that exfoliates, too. To help you figure out which ingredients are most effective, Bustle spoke with Dr. Neelam A. Vashi, board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Boston University, and Dr. Henriette De La Garza, Research Fellow at Boston University’s Dermatology Vashi Lab.
“The most common cause of blackheads is oil over-production. Excess oil, dirt, and debris build up in the pore and causes clog accumulation,” Dr. Vashi tells Bustle. That’s why many blackhead masks are made from clay or charcoal. “Clay and charcoal masks help to draw oils, dirt, and toxins out of the skin, which helps to unclog the pores. Some masks may also contain sulfur to break down the dead skin cells that make up blackheads,” says Dr. Vashi.
If you have mild blackheads, salicylic acid is the “go-to ingredient,” according to Dr. Vashi. “Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that removes excess oil and exfoliates the cells from the surface of the skin. It penetrates and clears out the pore and also encourages cell turnover,” Dr. Vashi says. “Alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid are also helpful and have the added benefit of evening out skin tone and texture.” For stubborn blackheads, Dr. Vashi recommends retinoids: “They reduce the stickiness of the cells that clog pores and speeds up the rate at which the skin turns over and regenerates, which helps to push out blackheads.”
In a hurry? These are the best face masks for blackheads:
Because blackhead masks may dry out the skin, it’s important to follow up with a moisturizer. “We recommend using noncomedogenic moisturizers which are formulated specifically to keep your pores clog-free,” Drs. Vashi and De La Garza say. “If your routine isn’t working, it’s important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to receive professional and personalized guidance according to your specific needs,” they added.
No matter your skin type, keep scrolling for the best pore-cleansing masks on Amazon.
Experts:
Dr. Neelam A. Vashi, board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Boston University
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