Blackheads have been the bane of beauties around the globe for ages. Whether they poke out of the bulb of your nose in ugly clusters or make their home in other pores on your face and neck, they’re a nuisance but usually do not cause much bigger problems than marring your looks.
In the simplest terms, blackheads are just dirt that clogs your pores. Pores are openings for hair follicles on the surface of the skin. They have sebaceous glands that produce oil to keep your skin naturally hydrated. Sometimes, these pores get bigger due to excess sebum production, aging, loss of elasticity in the skin, overexposure to the sun, acne affliction, and so on.
When the oil production is balanced, pores cleanse themselves naturally. But when these pores get larger or there’s excessive oil production, oil and dirt get lodged in the pore along with other stuff like dead skin cells, clogging the pore.
This collection of gunk inside the pore slowly turns black due to oxidation (exposure to oxygen) and has the appearance of a tiny black hair poking out of your pore. If the pore surface is closed, oxidation doesn’t happen and the clogged pore looks like a whitehead. And that’s how you get them – the blackheads and whiteheads that tend to crowd around the nose, forehead, and chin.
- How Do I Choose a Blackhead Remover?
- Top 11 Best Blackhead Removers 2024
- 1. Best Overall Blackhead Remover BESTOPE Blackhead Remover Extractor Tool Kit
- 2. Best Budget Blackhead Remover St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub
- 3. Best Premium Blackhead Remover VOYOR Blackhead Remover Vacuum Suction Facial Pore Cleaner
- 4. Best Blackhead Removal Strips Bioré Original Deep Cleansing Nose Strips for Blackhead Removal
- 5. Best Blackhead Mask Piero Lorenzo Blackhead Remover Peel Off Mask
- 6. Best Charcoal Blackhead Remover Vassoul Blackhead Remover Activated Charcoal Peel Off Mask
- 7. Innerneed Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser
- 8. NanoSteamer Nano Ionic Facial Steamer & Humidifier
- 9. LONOVE Electric Blackhead Remover Vacuum Pore Cleaner
- 10. Anjou Blackhead Remover Curved Blackhead Tweezers Kit
- 11. June Julien Vacuum Facial Pore Cleanser Electric Extractor Kit
- Complete Guide to Blackhead Removal
- What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Blackheads?
- Isn’t Steaming Your Face the Best Solution to Unclogging Pores?
- Are Blackheads Coded Into Our Dna?
- Is the T-Zone on the Face More Susceptible to Blackheads?
- Do These Skin Lifting Devices Actually Work? Is There Any Reduction in Pore Sizes?
- How Often Should I Exfoliate My Face?
- What’s the Problem With Nose Strips?
- Can I Permanently Get Rid of Blackheads?
- What Else Can I Use to Get Rid of Blackheads?
- Wrapping Up
How Do I Choose a Blackhead Remover?
The best way to get rid of blackheads is to use one of the many useful tools designed to address the problem. In fact, there are so many different kinds of tools and techniques available to get rid of blackheads, the choices could overwhelm you. While some of these are widely used and approved by dermatologists, others are shortcuts that may not be the best for your skin in the long term.
But how do you go about choosing one of these methods or products to deal with your blackheads? Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide.
Product Type
There’s more than one way to remove a blackhead. From picks to instantly remove blackheads to purifying scrubs that don’t work quite as quickly but instead attack the problem at its root, we’ve chosen products that use every method of removing these unslightly bumps available.
Skin Type
If your facial skin has large pores then you may want to avoid certain tools like facial steamers, blackhead strips, and so on. If you have more whiteheads than blackheads, you may want to go with electric pore extractors rather than the traditional needle eye extractor loops for better results. The bottom line is, the kind of skin you have should be the biggest factor in informing your choice.
Side Effects
Any product being used to deal with blackheads shouldn’t cause your pores to enlarge over time. It shouldn’t lead to other problems like dry skin, damaged nerves, or issues that are much worse than simply having blackheads. Unclogging your pores is just like power washing your face. As you power clean your face, make sure you aren’t using tools that can cause further damage.
Ease of Use
While some products are easy to use with a strip or two, others require you to follow elaborate steps to get the desired results. Yet others like microdermabrasion tools might require professional help or a very practiced hand. Any blackhead remover tool you buy should be something you’re comfortable using and not left to languish in the makeup drawer. Portability is worth considering too: some tools occupy very little real estate in your makeup kit and can be carried around easily, while others might not offer the same flexibility.
Ease of Cleaning
Washing the tools properly, sanitizing them before they come into close contact with your facial skin, and disposing of the gunk from clogged pores, shouldn’t be a convoluted process. Stick with products that can be cleaned with ease. Replacing batteries, storing products in the right temperature settings, and sterilizing equipment could quickly turn into tedious chores and prevent you from using your tools as frequently as you should.
Price
Blackhead removal products vary widely in the methods employed to get the work done. From suction-based electrical devices to chemical peels, simple mechanical loops to physical strips, the underlying principals are diverse and the technology used influences the price range. Just because you can’t have that expensive and trendy tool, doesn’t mean that you don’t have the best means at your disposal. The most affordable options are as effective as the most expensive. Don’t let the price tag tell you any different.
Whichever tool you buy, never, ever, try to squeeze out a blackhead with your bare hands: you’ll be causing more damage to your skin in the long run.
We’ll discuss crucial details that will help you decide whether the product is suitable to your skin type, explain the underlying mechanism of how it works, and how good it is for long term usage. You’ll also get an idea about how frequently you can use them, the best way to use them, and if there are other alternatives available. Without further ado, here’s our guide to the best blackhead removers available.
Top 11 Best Blackhead Removers 2024
1. Best Overall Blackhead Remover BESTOPE Blackhead Remover Extractor Tool Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Pick
Skin Type: Normal skin that’s healthy and well maintained.
Avoid: If you have large pores and require frequent cleaning, this tool isn’t the right choice.
This is a traditional blackhead extractor tool. It is a small metal loop that scrapes out blackheads from the opened up pores. You may need to steam your face or wash it with warm water to let the pores stand out a little so you can see them clearly and the blackhead can be caught in the loop more easily.
This kit comes with 5 different tools that serve different purposes besides clearing blackheads. It is very pocket friendly with a single-digit price tag, and its usage is fairly simple. The market is saturated with such tool kits with similar price tags, but this one by TAYTH is the best one out of the lot quality-wise. The tools are packaged in a tin case for easy carrying.
On the flip side, this tool is painful to use if your blackheads are lodged deep inside the pores. It doesn’t guarantee a 100% clean job. The process, while simple, could drag out for an hour or two since you’re targeting each blackhead separately in some cases. It leaves your skin red and blotchy and if the tools are not sterilized properly before use, it could also lead to acne and bacterial infections that are worse than having blackheads.
You should know that your skin will get back to its normal tone within an hour two after usage. The redness isn’t actually a cause for concern unless you’ve popped a zit you shouldn’t have.
Pro Tip: Use medical grade alcohol pads to sterilize the tools before use. Clean your face with a gentle disinfectant once you’re done to avoid bacterial infections. Always use a toner and moisturizer afterward to avoid further clogging.
Pros
- Very pocket friendly
- Easy to use
- Tin box to hold the tools
- Easy to carry around
- Suitable for most skin types
Cons
- Painful procedure
- Red and blotchy skin in the aftermath
- Requires careful sterilization before and after use
- Doesn’t do a thorough job of removing all blackheads
2. Best Budget Blackhead Remover St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Scrub
Skin Types: Oily and sensitive skin prone to acne and pore-clogging.
Avoid: If you need instant results. Not a good fit for dry skin, either.
This is a face scrub specially formulated to deal with the problem of blackheads and whiteheads. It doesn’t work instantly like the tool above, but requires consistent usage over an extended period to clear out your face and pores of all the clogged dirt and muck. It is a long term strategy to maintain clean and healthy skin.
The formula is infused with green tea leaves that are known to have antioxidant properties. It also contains 1% salicylic acid, which is known to work wonders for clearing up the skin. It is a non-comedogenic product that retards the growth of blackheads and acne. Your skin will feel softer and cleaner, and you’ll notice the reduced appearance of blackheads after each wash.
While the product is free of parabens, the scrub beads used in this version are made of hydrated silica. The scrub beads are used to break down the dirt that clogs your pores but could be abrasive on the skin if used excessively.
Pro Tip: You can also use it as a body scrub for clean and soft skin.
Pros
- Most effective blackhead remover in the market
- The oil-free formula reduces the growth of blackheads over time
- Gentle exfoliator doesn’t damage the skin
- Exfoliant with salicylic acid keeps pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads at bay
Cons
- You need to wait for a month or two to clear your face of all blackheads
- Can’t and shouldn’t be used more than twice a week to avoid skin damage
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Vacuum
Skin Type: Normal, oily, dry, and acne-prone skin. Good for those who have large pores and do not want to steam their faces.
Avoid: If you have sensitive skin, spider veins or thin facial skin.
For less than 30 bucks, you can now have a salon-like facial cleansing experience whenever you like. The VOYOR vacuum suction tool comes with 6 different suction heads that serve specific facial cleansing purposes. The device comes with 3 different power settings to let you go from gentle suction pressure for superficial dirt to extra suction pressure for extracting stubborn blackheads that refuse to yield to traditional tools.
It does a thorough job of cleaning your face, getting rid of blackheads, whiteheads, comedones, dead skin, and more. It unclogs your pores and does a deep cleansing job that gets rid of gunk from deep within the pores.
This product also comes with a thirty-day trial period so you can test it out and return it within the stipulated time if it isn’t suitable for your skin type.
This is a powerful device that requires a certain level of skill to be used properly. You need considerable practice to know when and how to use it over different parts of your face without ending up covered in purple bruises. It shouldn’t be used frequently, should be fully charged before use, and maintained properly with all suction heads washed and sterilized thoroughly before and after each use. And, as powerful as this tool is on its own, it works best in conjunction with facial steamers or blackhead softening gels.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a facial steamer, cover your face with a clean hot towel for five minutes before using the vacuum suction tool for the best results. Alternatively, you can use a blackhead remover cream or gel to prepare your skin before using the device. Start with the lowest power setting to test your skin sensitivity and avoid purple blotches. Do not let the device stay on the same spot for more than 2 seconds.
Pros
- Thirty-day return policy so you can test and return the item if it doesn’t work for you
- Complete and thorough cleansing
- Removes blackheads from the roots
- Improves skin texture and reduces the growth of blackheads
Cons
- A USB charger is not included in the package
- Difficult to use and maintain; needs a practiced hand
4. Best Blackhead Removal Strips Bioré Original Deep Cleansing Nose Strips for Blackhead Removal
Type: Strips
Skin Type: Oily and normal skin.
Avoid: If you have sensitive skin.
Before we sing paeans to the ease of usage and the quick results provided by these nose strips, let us begin with the disclaimer that extended usage of nose strips or pore strips aren’t good for your skin. Dermatologists disapprove of using this method to remove blackheads.
But, what’s a busy person to do if they has no time for elaborate cleansing rituals? Let’s admit it, you don’t always have the time, or the inclination, to wash your tools, follow a 5 step cleansing ritual, and let your blotchy face get back to normal before you head out. In such cases, nose strips come in handy. Just don’t make a habit of using them regularly and you’re good to go.
If you are going to use pore strips, Biore’s deep cleansing nose strips are the best. Originally developed to treat a skin condition called trichostasis spinulosa, they come in different versions like the Charcoal Activated Nose Strips that also remove excessive oil buildup, Witch-Hazel Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips that are oil-free and use C-Bond technology for non-comedogenic use, and the Original Deep Cleansing Nose Strips for normal skin.
These strips have an adhesive that sticks to the skin along all its contours when applied with the help of a little water. Once the strip is dry – which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, you can yank it off. Blackheads, whiteheads, and comedones are all pulled out along with the strip as they get stuck to the adhesive used.
While nose strips do not enlarge your pores, they do appear bigger due to the stripping off of the blackheads. The pore is more exposed now, and hence appears bigger. The adhesive in these strips is damaging to the skin. It sticks to everything and can pull out skin and hair sometimes if it is too abrasive. It could irritate your skin, cause breakouts, and damage sensitive skin.
Pro Tip: Use nose strips sparingly. Save them for emergency situations rather than regular use.
Pros
- Easiest blackheads removing method
- Results within 20 minutes
- No maintenance hassles
- No downtime once you’re done
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not good for your skin
- They make pores appear bigger
- The adhesive used may irritate the skin
5. Best Blackhead Mask Piero Lorenzo Blackhead Remover Peel Off Mask
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Mask
Skin Type: Normal and oily skin. Recommended for those with large pores, fine lines, aging skin, blemishes, and red nose tips.
Avoid: If you have acne, open scars, injured skin, inflammation, sores, or high density of facial hair—if this is the case, try the Vassoul charcoal mask.
Peel-off masks are a simple alternative to pore strips. A single mask gets rid of all blackheads and whiteheads on the face and neck within 20 minutes.
Amidst a sea of leave-on peel-off face masks, Piero Lorenzo’s face mask makes it to our list because it is the best one designed to address the issue of blackheads. It is full of helpful ingredients like bamboo charcoal, green tea, and chamomilla, which are plant-based extracts that cleanse the skin of germs, break down dirt, remove excess oil to prevent pore-clogging, and provide a soothing experience that softens and brightens the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and combat the effects of aging.
Based on how thickly or thinly you spread the product on your face, you can easily get around 10 to 15 masks out of this tube, making it quite an affordable option despite the high price tag.
Pro Tip: Do a patch test on the skin behind the ear. If there’s no adverse reaction in the next 24 hours, you can use it safely. Thinner layers work better than thicker layers. They also provide more bang for the buck. Using a hot towel or steamer, five minutes before applying the mask will give you the best results.
Pros
- Infused with plant-based extracts to rejuvenate the skin
- Removes excess oil to prevent pore-clogging
- Instant results
- Does not require too much time or effort to get the work done
- Works out very cheap per use
Cons
- Not good for sensitive skin
- Can’t be used if you have acne on your face
- Difficult to judge the quantity of product to apply to make a consistent layer across the face
6. Best Charcoal Blackhead Remover Vassoul Blackhead Remover Activated Charcoal Peel Off Mask
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Charcoal mask
Skin Type: Oily and sensitive skin prone to acne and pore-clogging. Also good if you have a lot of facial hair.
Avoid: If you have stubborn blackheads and need a deep cleansing face scrub/exfoliator.
This mask addresses the main issue that the Piero Lorenzo face mask fails to. You can use this one with acne-prone skin without fear of causing more damage.
It is easy to peel off with warm water, doesn’t cause much discomfort, and removes blackheads effectively. It comes with an applicator brush that helps you apply it evenly across the face and neck.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite as effective. While it sticks firmly, since its being washed off, it leaves a lot of blackheads intact. In some cases, only the tops of the blackheads come off while the pores remain clogged. Also, you need to use a lot of the product to create an even mask.
Pro Tip: Use it twice a week to keep blackheads at bay. Thrice if your skin is prone to frequently clogged pores. Massage it off with warm water to remove the mask easily. Rinse your face with cold water before patting it dry to get the best results.
Pros
- Pain-free peel off mask
- Gentle on the skin with no irritation to acne, pimple, or hair
- Easy to use
- Comes with an applicator brush for even application
Cons
- A little more expensive than other face masks for blackheads removal
- Doesn’t do a thorough job of removing all blackheads
- Leaves pores clogged with broken blackheads
7. Innerneed Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Silicone brush
Skin Type: Super sensitive skin that breaks out easily. Also recommended for, oily, greasy, dry, and acne-prone skin.
Avoid: If you have thicker or leathery skin, this product is not as effective on either. It’s also not the product to buy if you’re looking for instant results.
Plenty of people subscribe to the philosophy that facial skin is too sensitive for any soaps, face washes, exfoliants, or electronic devices. A lot of them stick to washing the face multiple times a day with normal water only.
While this has proven to be quite effective for a lot of people, the polluted environment we live in doesn’t spare their pores from getting clogged. This is just a silicone brush that you can use to massage your face with, gently.
It is a great addition to your skincare routine as it removes dead skin, promotes blood circulation, removes excess oil, breaks down dirt and gunk, exfoliates and enhances the appearance of your skin, improves skin elasticity, arrests pore expansion, and gradually takes care of problems like acne, comedones, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Obviously, you can use it with a gentle face wash, but it works splendidly on its own, too. You just need to be patient and work at it for a few months to see the results. It is cheap, free of chemicals, long-lasting, requires minimal maintenance, dries fast after washing, and can be used without water and soap. The ergonomic design facilitates a firm grip so it doesn’t slip off your fingers easily.
The only downside to using this brush is if it isn’t washed properly after use, or is left in a dank environment to dry, it starts stinking. You’ll need to sterilize the surface again properly before reusing it.
Pro Tip: Use it to massage your face twice a week. It exfoliates more effectively than you may notice initially so don’t overuse it in the hopes of seeing more immediate results.
Pros
- Very affordable
- A holistic approach to removing blackheads
- Easy to use
- Easy to wash
- Free of all chemicals
- No need to recharge, replace parts, sterilize, or worry about wear and tear
Cons
- Need to use it for a few weeks to months to get noticeable results
- Stinks horribly if not dried properly
- Needs patience, time, and consistent efforts to get and maintain results
8. NanoSteamer Nano Ionic Facial Steamer & Humidifier
Editor’s Rating:
Skin Type: All skin types.
Avoid: If you have large pores and do not want to have the appearance of even bigger pores after use.
Type: Steamer
Skin Type: All skin types.
Avoid: If you have large pores and do not want to have the appearance of even bigger pores after use.
While facial steamers are a category of face cleansing tools by themselves, most professional spa sessions make use of them to deep cleanse facial pores and get rid of blackheads, whiteheads, comedones, acne, and more.
Unlike traditional steamers, this device ionizes the water particles to penetrate deep inside the dermal layers, and clean the clogged pores from within. It uses an ultrasonic vaporizer to achieve this effect. To make your job easier and this kit more economical, a set of 5 metallic tools with tweezers, needle eye loops, and blackhead extractors is included in the package.
The humidifier also helps warm towels to be used before and after the steaming sessions. The tank provided is extra large so you don’t run out of steam, literally, between sessions. You get 30 minutes of uninterrupted ionic steam with almost no noise as the motor is very silent.
The device is difficult to maintain and needs to be dried thoroughly after use lest bacteria and mold make their home amongst the steam vents. The plastic used isn’t BPA free. The device doesn’t turn off automatically when it runs out of water; you’ll need to keep a tab on the amount of water left and time the steamer.
Pro Tip: Use a couple of drops of vinegar when cleaning the device to prevent mold growth. Use distilled water for better results. The device does a thorough job of opening up your pores so you can skip the metallic tools and just use a Q-tip to remove the dirt from your pores if you have sensitive skin. It does make them appear larger, though, so use a toner and face mask to shrink the pores after use.
Pros
- Tried and tested facial steaming method to unclog and deep clean pores
- Ionic steam penetrates the deeper layers of skin to provide a thorough cleansing experience
- Comes with metallic extractor tools to clean out pores after steaming
- Good for other facial skin problems too
- The motor makes very little noise
Cons
- The device is difficult to maintain
- Gets moldy if not dried properly
- Makes pores appear bigger after use
9. LONOVE Electric Blackhead Remover Vacuum Pore Cleaner
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Vacuum
Skin Type: Normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and tender skin. Also good for those with thin facial skin.
Avoid: If you have spider veins, open wounds, leaking acne, sores, or bruising on your face.
This electric vacuum suction pore cleanser by LONOVE carries the same price tag as other vacuum suction blackhead removers in this class yet packs in way more than what other devices offer. You will not end up with blotchy skin after using this pore cleanser, as it is fitted with sensors that regulate the intensity of the suction pressure in accordance with the depth of the blackhead.
It comes with 4 different suction cups, once of which is specifically designed to deep clean pores. This suction head does a good job of not giving your skin red spots even as it extracts those stubborn whiteheads, blackheads, and comedones that refuse to quit.
The built-in lithium battery provides a maximum stand by time of 30 days so you don’t have to worry about charging it when you’re on the move. You can also manually regulate the suction levels as it comes with 5 different pressure settings. A convenient LCD panel shows battery life as well as pressure levels. The device is easy to maintain as you only need to thoroughly wash and dry the suction heads. The body can be wiped down with a clean cloth.
On the flip side, the quality of the device seems to be inconsistent as some devices shipped turn out to be faulty. They either lack adequate suction pressure or apply too much pressure leaving your face purple and bruised. You’re advised to use it on a small patch of facial skin to test the pressure level and see if the device is functioning as intended.
Pro Tip: Use a facial compress for 3 to 5 minutes before using this vacuum suction cleanser. For best results, apply blackhead loosening gel on your face before using the device. Always start with the lowest pressure setting and then gradually increase it as you deem fit.
Pros
- Microprocessor sensors gauge the depth of the blackhead
- Sensors regulate suction pressure to get to the most stubborn of blackheads
- Doesn’t leave your skin red and botchy
- Works for all kinds of skin textures and tones
- Easy to use and maintain
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Inconsistent quality between devices
- Customer care isn’t the best
- Faulty devices shipped for a lot of orders
10. Anjou Blackhead Remover Curved Blackhead Tweezers Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Pick
Skin Type: Normal skin without excessive acne or large pores.
Avoid: If you have sensitive skin. Not the best choice for people with large facial pores.
This kit comes with 11 different tools to extract blackheads and whiteheads, clear up acne, and deal with comedones. It includes needle eyes in different sizes to help you tackle blackheads of different thicknesses in different areas. The smaller spoons are useful in removing riper blackheads while the triangle-shaped needle eyes work on stubborn blackheads that can’t be scraped off easily. The larger spoons are good for extracting blackheads from other parts of the body like your neck, legs, and hands.
The handles are designed to be anti-slip and provide a secure grip. The stainless steel is treated to be rust-resistant, so you can use the tools in the shower without fear of losing them to oxidation. The kit comes with a black case that’s potable and equipped with a small magnifying mirror to aid you whenever you need to pop one out.
It has the usual drawbacks of the traditional blackhead extractor needles like leaving the skin dry, splotchy, red, and irritated. There’s considerable downtime before you can head out. Cleaning and maintenance require due diligence, and failure to sterilize the tools properly will have bad consequences for your skin.
In addition to the above-mentioned drawbacks, these Anjou tools are extra sharp. This makes them very effective to use but at the same time very dangerous in the wrong hands. If you haven’t used such tools before, we recommend you go with a more beginner-friendly set of picks.
Pro Tip: Use rubbing alcohol to sterilize the tools. Use toner and moisturizer after use to help the pores contract.
Pros
- Good for tackling stubborn blackheads
- Secure grip handles
- Sleek black leather case to hold the tools along with a magnifying mirror
Cons
- Should be used carefully to avoid skin damage
- Need to be sterilized before and after use every single time
11. June Julien Vacuum Facial Pore Cleanser Electric Extractor Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Vacuum
Skin Type: Dry, normal, oily, or sensitive skin.
Avoid: If you have damaged, bruised, broken, or open skin.
The LED display window makes it more expensive than the other suction tools but, before you think the display is showing some groundbreaking data, hold your horses. It just shows the battery life and the suction intensity level being used.
Gimmicks aside, this is a standout electric suction pore cleanser that comes kitted with 4 different suction heads. It definitely has the edge when it comes to battery life, as it has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that can run for 150 minutes per full charge.
The device’s body is made of ABS plastic, which is a very robust and high-quality plastic, resilient to wear and tear. But, the device isn’t waterproof, so be careful with the cleaning and maintenance.
You’ll also need a downtime of about 30 minutes after use as it leaves your skin a little red from the pressure exerted. Also, if you do not use it properly and move it around at regular intervals, you might end up with nasty blotches all over your face.
Pro Tip: Use in conjunction with hot towels or blackhead softening creams or gels. After use, apply ice or a cold towel to your face to shrink the pores. Moisturize properly after use if you have dry skin.
Pros
- 150 minutes of battery life per full charge
- Salon-quality results after every use
- Does a thorough job of cleansing your pores and removing blackheads from the roots
- High-quality ABS plastic body
Cons
- Leaves the face a little red from the suction
- The device isn’t waterproof
- Downtime of about 30 minutes before you can head out
- Requires a little practice to master the device
- LED screen doesn’t add much
Complete Guide to Blackhead Removal
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Blackheads?
There is no one size fits all approach to keeping blackheads at bay. Different products work for different skin types. What will definitely help is figuring out the right skincare routine for you and then keeping up with it diligently for the rest of your life.
Consistency pays when it comes to skincare and letting up good practices will result in the recurrence of stubborn problems like blackheads. Here’s a good illustration of the different steps you need to incorporate in your skincare routine to unclog your pores and keep blackheads away.
Isn’t Steaming Your Face the Best Solution to Unclogging Pores?
Steaming the face with something like the Nanosteamer does a thorough job of unclogging your pores while also leaving them wide open.
Salons incorporate this step in their facial routines to provide a thorough cleansing experience. But, they also follow it up with cleaning out blackheads with traditional tools, application of toners, face masks, and moisturizers to close up your pores after steaming. If you can follow these steps with diligence after steaming, then go right ahead.
But if you’re just looking for a quick cleaning job then jumping ahead to the next chore, then steaming isn’t the right approach for you—something simple like a set of removal picks would be a better fit. Also, using steamers regularly over the long term could lead to bigger pores, so use them sparingly.
Are Blackheads Coded Into Our Dna?
Yes. While most people get clogged pores and blackheads, some people are genetically predisposed to have bigger pores, or less elastic skin, leading to more problems with blackheads. In addition to hereditary markers, some ethnicities are also more prone to having bigger pores and less elastic skin.
Is the T-Zone on the Face More Susceptible to Blackheads?
Yes. The nose and the area surrounding the bulb of the nose has more oil glands than the rest of the face. The pores in this area are also larger than the ones on the rest of your face. This makes the area more susceptible to clogged pores.
Do These Skin Lifting Devices Actually Work? Is There Any Reduction in Pore Sizes?
According to a study conducted to test this theory, there’s not much difference in the visual appearance of pores after the application of skin lifting creams and devices. But, bioengineering markers that measure pore sizes before and after show changes in pore sizes after a few months of consistent use. So, there is concrete evidence that they do work, but the effects aren’t immediately clear to the naked eye.
How Often Should I Exfoliate My Face?
Twice a week if you have a mild affliction of blackheads until it subsides, then reduce it to once a week. Thrice a week if you get clogged pores more often until there’s a considerable reduction in their appearance and frequency, then bring it down to twice a week. Anything in excess could be damaging to your skin in the long term. This logic holds true for exfoliation too. Always go with the gentlest of scrubs and stick to ones with all-natural ingredients. Over time, regular exfoliation also prevents the occurrence of blackheads.
What’s the Problem With Nose Strips?
Nose strips like those made by Bioré, while effective to a certain extent, tend to be more damaging than useful. The adhesive used in these strips sticks to everything it comes into contact with. Sometimes it could strip a pore clean of the sebum filaments which are responsible for producing the oil that keeps your skin moisturized.
They can damage hair follicles leading to ingrown hair, yank off the skin in some cases, and fail to do a thorough job of actually removing all blackheads. Given the list of adverse effects that follow, it is safe to say that you’re better off using healthier options than resorting to pore strips for removing blackheads unless you really need quick results above all else.
Can I Permanently Get Rid of Blackheads?
No. There’s no permanent solution to getting rid of blackheads forever. Any miracle device, cream, product, or concoction, promising this outcome should be shunned outright.
What Else Can I Use to Get Rid of Blackheads?
As we mentioned earlier, there are numerous ways of removing blackheads. If we were to include all of them on our list, it would be unending. We standby our shortlist as the best tools and devices available online to remove blackheads. But some use even diverse techniques and concepts to address this issue. Here’s a list of products that are effective blackhead removers along with and a quick looks at their salient features:
M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Scrub is a natural body scrub made of Himalayan pink salt crystals that are infused with collagen and stem cells to promote skin tissue health. It isn’t a blackhead remover per se, but extended use of this product ensures clean and healthy skin free of cosmetic problems like acne, blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads.
Liberex Sonic Vibrating Facial Cleansing Brush is an electric facial massage brush that gently exfoliates the skin, promotes blood circulation, and cleanses your face thoroughly. Over time, blackheads and similar problems are reduced and are kept at bay. This is similar in technique to the silicone massage brush in our list but uses an electronic vibrator for sonic vibrations to improve the quality of the massage. It also comes with three different brush heads with soft bristles, silicone bristles, and super thin bristles to cater to different skin types.
Differin Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel is actually a pharmaceutical product that is usually prescribed to treat acne. One of its positive side effects is that it also gets rid of blackheads, whiteheads, comedones, in addition to addressing acne-related problems. It deep cleanses the skin, which includes unclogging pores and getting rid of the dirt within, resulting in the happy accident of zero blackheads. Adapalene is a chemical treatment that also has adverse side effects. The reason this gel is so popular despite the drawbacks is that the side effects are mild, and most people find them tolerable. They don’t cause any permanent damage, and adapalene is more effective in acne treatment than most cream-based concoctions.
Microderm GLO MINI Diamond Microdermabrasion and Suction Tool uses microdermabrasion technology to stimulate collagen growth, tone the skin, clear and brighten it, and improve skin elasticity. This results in a reduction in pore sizes besides the deep cleansing of the top layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion is a newish fad that’s quickly gaining ground with skincare enthusiasts. This particular device uses patented ‘Diamond Safe3D’ technology to avoid mishaps at home as microdermabrasion is usually safer under the guidance of trained professionals.
GUGUG Electric Facial Skin Scrubber Spatula is a rechargeable face spatula that scrubs the skin. Simple enough in the application but comes with a battery-powered device that vibrates at high frequencies to scrub the skin thoroughly of dead cells, germs, and excess sebum. It also provides a massage-like experience that promotes blood circulation, tightens pores, deeply cleanses facial skin, and improves its tone and texture with time. Removal and reduction in the appearance of blackheads are just a few of the many perks provided by this facial scrubber spatula.
Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel, as the name implies, dissolves the blackhead within your pores so they can be cleaned up. It is quite powerful and harsh on the skin but incorporates natural elements like aloe vera to restore the moisture balance of the skin. Salicylic acid is the ingredient responsible for the dissolving action and can be a bit drying on the skin. It also dissolves other impurities and removes excess oil from the face. Use sparingly and only if you’ve exhausted all other avenues of removing blackheads.
Wrapping Up
As long as you are alive, you’ll have pores – which are important to keep your skin naturally moisturized. And as long as you have pores (As you should, why would you not?), they’ll get dirty, have junk, oil, and dead skin collected in them.
When this gunk is exposed to the oxygen in the air, it will turn black, resulting in blackheads. So, to sum it up, as long as you’re alive, you’ll keep getting blackheads. You can reduce the frequency of their occurrence, or prevent them from appearing altogether, if you stick to a carefully created skincare routine. So prepare for the inevitable, and choose one of the products above to deal with them as soon as you notice them.