From high-tech tools to trusty pore strips, these picks effectively de-gunk pores.
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When blackheads seemingly surface overnight, there’s a golden rule to live by: Don’t squeeze your skin. As tempting as it may be, that poking, prodding, and picking can do more harm than good, triggering irritation and harming the skin. Instead, do your skin one better with one of the best blackhead removal tools that safely clear the skin. Blackhead extractors come in all shapes and sizes — there are high-tech devices and pore strips that manually pull out the pore-clogging debris, as well as chemical exfoliants that clear out blackheads with a mix of skin-friendly acids.
Before we get into the details of the best blackhead removal tools, it’s important to understand what blackheads exactly are. “Blackheads are open comedones (AKA pore blockages) that are open to the air,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelo Landriscina. “Since they are open to the air, the contents on the surface can become oxidized, leading to their dark color. Closed comedones on the other hand do not undergo oxidation — these are commonly referred to as whiteheads.” Related Articles Beauty Features UPDATED: All the Beauty and Wellness Retail Expansions of 2024 Fashion The TikTok-Famous Tory Burch Fleming Bag Is on Sale for $200 Off at Walmart Right Now
While those with oily and acne-prone skin are the most likely to develop blackheads, all skin types can experience them. “Blackheads are caused when there is a buildup of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pore,” says Joie Tavernise, celebrity esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare. “This can happen due to a number of reasons, including excess oil production, an accumulation of dead skin cells from lack of exfoliation, hormonal changes, predisposition due to genetics, environmental pollutants, and certain cosmetics.” You May Also Like
A majority of skin care professionals, including Dr. Landriscina, recommend using acne spot treatments or acne serums with ingredients like salicylic acid over physical tools to prevent any irritation. That said, there are some tools, like pore vacuums and spatulas, that are safe when used correctly. Those who decide to go the device route should properly prep their skin to avoid adverse reactions, says Dr. Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She suggests steaming your face to soften the skin around the blackheads before going in with a tool. “Once the skin is softened, after about five minutes, you can gently cleanse with a salicylic acid cleanser and lukewarm water. Then you can then go in with your sterilized extractor.”
Below, discover the best blackhead removing tools that effectively decongest pores, according to research, testing, and our experts’ recommendations.
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Blackheads can appear all over your face — not just on your nose. Unfortunately, most pore strips are only designed for the nose. Mighty Patch Face Patch isn’t like most pore strips, though. Inside the pack you’ll find five de-gunking hydrocolloid patches: One for your forehead, nose, and chin, and two for your cheeks. Gingerly stick them to their designated areas before heading to bed. They’ll draw out blackheads and other pimple residue come morning. Editor testing and review notes: “Hero Cosmetics makes some of the best pimple patches on the market, and these blackhead remover patches follow suit. Unlike similar options, these have a strong hold on the skin once you adhere them, meaning you can easily go about your chores or doze off for a long night sleep without worrying about them sliding off your skin. I’m always impressed at how quickly they clear my pores, particularly if I use an exfoliating serum before sticking one on.” What testers say: “I have tried many types of patches for my pimples around my face and blackheads around my nose area and it works wonders. Simple to use, wash your face, fully dry and place them on my face. I prefer to do it when I am ready to go to bed and remove them early in the morning. Clear skin literally overnight!” Price upon publish date of this article: $18
Diy Blackhead Remover Tool This Paula’s Choice exfoliating liquid has attained a cult-like following for the way it smooths out texture, fades dark spots, and remedies blackheads. TikTok and Sephora shoppers wax poetic about how it dramatically changes skin for the better, but they aren’t the only ones who love it. Dr. Mian is also a huge fan. She says that this face exfoliator is an excellent salicylic acid exfoliator that gradually transforms acne-prone, combination, and even dry skin. Make sure not to use it too often to avoid irritating your skin: Patting it onto your face once a week after cleansing is sufficient to reap the benefits. What testers say: “I have been using this product for a few months now and can see a noticeable difference in how clean my pores are. I never knew how people kept their noses free of blackheads but this is the secret. Don’t use it every day because it will mess with your skin barrier. I alternate this, retinol, and hydration nights with slugging and my skin looks so much better. No scent and it dries down well.” Price upon publish date of this article: $35