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Say bye-bye to those pesky blackheads.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Aug 23, 2018
We try our best to take care of our skin, but sometimes our skin and its pores get clogged, making way for blackheads to pop up. While it may be tempting to start popping them, that's bad and can create scarring. But is there an answer for how to get rid of blackheads?
Charcoal is very popular as a weapon against blackheads because it absorbs dirt and oils from your skin, which can get rid of those black dots you have now and help you from getting future ones. There's a lot of masks that involve charcoal, but there's a whole lot going on with other magic ingredients as well when trying to pick the best face mask for blackheads.
The idea is to extract the oil and debris and keep skin healthy and clear. And these masks, which come at every price point, are a great way to start.
$20 and under
1. Masqueology Charcoal Modeling Peel Off Mask
This mask helps detoxify the skin while minimizing pores. The charcoal powder takes out dirt and debris that can clog pores and make the skin look dull/dry, leaving the skin clarified, refreshed and hydrated.
(Amazon)
2. Dermae Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask
This purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask deeply detoxifies skin of harmful micro-pollutants with natural clays infused with Kimarine® Wakame, Bladerwrack and Activated Charcoal, which lifts out dirt, oil and bacteria to decongest pores as the mask dries; and Apricot Seed Powder that exfoliates away dead skin cells and captured debris upon removal.
(Amazon)
3. So Fresh So Clean Powerful Peel-Off Black Mask
A gel-based mask, this reaches deep within the pores to dissolve and dislodge the build-up of impurities. The formula contains charcoal that acts as a magnet to gently draw out deep dwelling dirt; green tea and Witch Hazel to help to unclog pores and purify skin; cucumber and chamomile help to condition and soothe skin; tea tree and salicylic acid help to control oil and acne; aloe vera and Vitamin E help to moisturize skin; vitamin C to brighten skin.
(Walmart, $6.88)
4. InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask
An all-natural detoxifier rich in magnesium, sodium, bromine, potassium and calcium that absorbs excess oil, dirt and toxins from the skin. Featuring pure mud from the renowned and sacred Dead Sea, this mask helps to restore a smoother complexion by clearing breakouts, blackheads and dull skin.
(Amazon)
5. Spascriptions Superstar Glitter Peel-Off Mask
This brand new peel-off mask is infused with charcoal which acts as a magnet, gently drawing out dirt, oil and impurities from your clogged pores, lifting away dead skin cells without over-drying the skin. It reaches deep within the pores to dissolve and dislodge the build-up of impurities, unclogs the skin for a brighter appearance, purifies toxins and acts as a detox to reveal greater clarity.
(GlobalBeautyCare, $9.99)
6. Jeju Volcanic Ash Charcoal Pore Cleansing Bar
This cleansing bar is formulated to help cleanse and unclog pores by getting rid of excess oils, leaving the skin refreshed. Jeju Volcanic Ash is rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from dirt and toxins, and also exfoliates skin.
(Masqueology, $7)
7. 100% PURE Anti-Acne Sheet Mask
This skin clarifying natural sheet mask is made with salicylic acid to help unclog pores and subsequently prevent blackheads. Naturally antibacterial tea tree, parsley, and rosemary work to purify skin, lessen acne and prevent scarring, while and seaweed and basil detoxify.
(Amazon)
Under $30
8. Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
This cleanser doubles as a mask to purify and deeply exfoliate, clearing away build-up and oils that clog pores and dull skin. Contains Glycolic Acid, Kaolin Clay, Volcanic Ash, Oatmeal, Vitamin E, Willowherb, Aloe Vera and Arnica Extract.
(Amazon)
9. CannaSmack Charcoal Detoxifying Masque
This face mask for blackheads provides an intense botanical and mineral-rich treatment that combines the amazing power of activated charcoal (from coconuts) and black mud — rich in amino acids, humic acids, alpha hydroxy acids and polyphenols — to revitalize, soothe and detoxify the skin of pollutants and remove blackheads, whiteheads and dull surface cells.
(CannaSmack, $24)
10. Georgette Klinger Camphor Mask
Boost your skin’s essential healing process while detoxifying clogged pores with the Camphor-based mask. Increase circulation to your complexion with Camphor and Menthol, bringing restorative oxygen and minerals to the surface of your skin, while speeding up the removal of harmful waste products and reducing acne and blemishes.
(Amazon)
11. Doll Face Beauty Little Black Mask
Like your perfect little black dress, this multi-tasking mask is your go-to solution for problem skin and blackheads. Your skin will feel super purified, clean and refreshed with a smooth and moisturized finish. The mask contains charcoal, which is a purifying perfector that helps deeply extract sebum, oils, and toxins from pores.
(Amazon)
12. Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
This mask targets blackheads before they turn into breakouts. The formula activates upon application, helping to open pores, decongest skin and facilitate blackhead clearing. Sulfur provides anti-microbial benefits to help keep skin clear.
(Ulta, $21)
13. PureHeals Pore Clear Black Charcoal Peel-Off Pack
Infused with activated charcoal to fight oil, control shine, reduce pore size and eliminate blackheads. Apply for 20 minutes and peel off this K-beauty staple to revive dull skin. Activated charcoal is a a potent detoxifier known for its ability for oil-fighting.
(Ulta, $26)
Under $50
14. Savor Beauty Bamboo Rice Face Cake Mask Mix
Exfoliates and removes oil, dirt and toxins from the skin with Moroccan Lava Clay, French Green Clay, rice powder, and ground up bamboo. This mask rejuvenates and balances skin tone while it is exfoliating.
(Savor Beauty, $35)
15. Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Microfacial Exfoliating Masque
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Microfacial Exfoliating Masque immediately restores complexion by safely removing dull skin particles and clearing pores to reveal luminous and radiant skin. The formula is free of sulfates, parabens and synthetic fragrances and dyes, making it the perfect masque for those with sensitive skin.
(Dermelect, $38)
16. One Love Organics Love + Charcoal Masque
This powerful masque combines a full superhero squad of natural and organic ingredients to give your skin a detoxifying pick me up with activated charcoal that draws out dirt and debris and mineral-rich rose clay to absorb dirt and excess oil. Alpine rose helps to enhance skin’s natural resilience, and organic aloe vera and cupuacu butter help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
(Aillea, $49)
17. CIRC-CELL's Geothermal Clay Cleanser
Circ-Cell Geothermal Clay Cleanser cools your complexion on contact while gently dissolving impurities, makeup and excess oil. Formulated with spearmint extract and herbal oils, this creamy formula draws out pollutants without dehydrating your skin. Avocado and olive oils moisturize while simultaneously conditioning your tone.
(Walmart, $49)
18. AHAVA Dunaliella Algae Peel-Off Mask
The mask's skin-friendly ingredients, smooth texture and citrus scent make it a pleasure to apply, and its citrus scent leaves skin smelling as great as it feels. After applying the mask, wait 30-40 minutes to let it dry. Smile to loosen the mask, and will peel off easily in one piece. There's no residue — just tight, supple, smooth, perfectly hydrated skin beneath.
(Ahava, $45)
Over $50
19. Osmosis Skincare Pore Minimizing Clay Purifying Mask
Gluten-free and vegan, this purifying mask is a non-drying clay-based mask that detoxifies and balances oily, blemish-prone skin. Texture is refined and smoothed while pores are greatly minimized due to the regulation efforts of the key active ingredients.
(Dermstore, $52)
20. Savor Beauty Manuka Honey Mask
Papaya and apricot enzymes gently digest dead skin to keep skin clear, while rice bran gently exfoliates to unclog pores. This mask's Manuka Honey and organic Papaya extract are also great for cell regeneration, revealing soft and radiant skin.
(Savor Beauty, $64)
21. Fré Skincare DETOX ME Post-Sweat Clearing Mask
A natural clearing mask formulated to prevent post-sweat breakouts and acne, remove excess oils and unclog pores. It includes kaolin clay to reduce excess oil and gentle peeling to purify the skin. Its super gentle peeling is great for purifying skin of dead cells.
(Fré Skincare.com, $54)
22. Ildi Pekar Hungarian Thermal Mud
This mask delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening effects derived from Hungarian Thermal Baths, where potent blends of luxurious minerals such as sulfurs delivers everything your skin is craving. Minimizing breakouts, maximizing hydration and an invigorating natural stimulation ensures your skins natural health and appearance.
(Ildi Pekar, $98)
23. Golden Door Golden-Peel-A-Way Masque
Peel those blackheads away! This elegant, gold masque instantly refreshes the skin by deeply lifting away impurities and dead skin cells. As it sets on the skin, a select blend of botanical extracts and sugar enzymes work together to nourish, hydrate and aid in the skin cell renewal process, promoting a glowing complexion.
(Golden Door, $68)
24. Blue Lagoon Iceland Silica Mask
Silica, the Blue Lagoon’s iconic white wonder, works as a deep-cleaning skin vacuum, cleansing and strengthening your skin, reducing the visibility of pores, and leaving your skin fresh and clear of breakouts and blackheads. Apply to whole face or use as a spot treatment!
(Blue Lagoon, $115)
25. Indie Lee Clearing Mask
Help purify clogged pores and congested skin with this gentle yet effective detoxifying mask. Glycolic acid helps eliminate dead skin cells while plant extracts nourish and protect.
(Aillea, $60)
26. Kypris Deep Forest Clay Mask
Forest, earth, and sea combine to detoxify, brighten, soften, smooth, exfoliate, and gently dissolve congestions. Deep Forest Clay detoxifies skin with Nature’s renewing treasures: cleansing clay, mineral-rich oceanic salt, soothing algae, botanical exfoliants, medicinal trees, roots, leaves, and flowers.
(Aillea, $88)
27. May Lindstrom The Problem Solver
A jet-black fusion of antioxidant-rich raw cacao, healing bamboo charcoal, soil nutrients, salts, and exotic warming spices go deep on a mission to reveal your most radiant self. This intense treatment masque effectively purifies and tightens pores, extinguishes inflammations, fights and heals blemishes, jump-starts circulation in the epidermis, and detoxifies skin with delightful ease and power.
(Aillea, $100)
28. Suki Skincare Transformative Purifying Masque
This mask helps bring impurities out to clear pores and reduce the appearance of irritations, blemishes, flare-ups, spots, and oily t-zone build-up, and helps create the appearance of a balanced, healthy complexion.
(Amazon)
29. Eve Lom Rescue Mask
This clay facial treatment mask by Eve Lom is is a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it because it decongests skin and pores, and all while boosting radiance. Add it to your wish list!
(Sephora, $50)
30. GlamGlow SuperMud Activated Charcoal Treatment
GlamGlow has a patented blend of activated charcoal, K17 clay, and Teaoxi complex that is like magic for reversing acne-prone skin. We're obsessed with this one for our weekend at-home spa days!
(Sephora, $59)
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.
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