Why Should You Use a Blackhead Mask?

People who suffer from acne breakouts know how difficult blackhead removal can be. Often, blackheads intermingle with other types of pimples, creating a stubborn skin issue that can feel impossible to overcome. If you are suffering from blackheads, don’t resort to popping them! A blackhead mask is the better, healthier solution for treating and eliminating these pesky breakouts.

What Are Blackhead Masks?

Blackhead masks come in a variety of types, but they all function with the goal of treating existing blackhead breakouts while also preventing future ones from occurring. Typically, blackhead masks are creams, clays, or foams applied to the face to treat blackhead breakouts. There are also peel-off mask options available to remove blackheads.

Blackheads form when oil builds up in the tiny hair follicles along the face, shoulders, arms, and back. Because the pores are opened, the oil and sebum inside the blocked pores are exposed to air, which turns them a darkened black color. The ingredients in blackhead masks have different properties for removing the impurities that cause blackheads to form.

Why Should I Worry About Removing Blackheads?

For the most part, blackheads are harmless skin blemishes. Many people experience them at one point or another in their lives and rarely experience little more than an annoyance with them. Often, the biggest complaint people have about developing blackheads are the way they physically appear on the skin — they are dark and visible blemishes.

Blackheads' counterparts, whiteheads, are the same type of pimple, but because they remain covered with a thin layer of skin, they stay white in color. Whiteheads are often associated with swelling or redness. However, because blackheads are open and exposed to air, they are painless.

Sometimes blackheads can form very deeply within the skin. At this point, they may require professional assistance from a dermatologist to remove. For the most part, people experience smaller blackheads that may dot the skin as a very small blemish.

Many people feel tempted to squeeze blackheads out of their pores. While this may be tempting (after all, there are entire YouTube channels dedicated to the satisfaction of popping blackheads), it is best to leave them alone and leave the removal process to the use of a blackhead mask and skincare regimen.

Squeezing blackheads almost always leads to more damage than intended. Fingers can be dirty or oily, leading to more pore-clogging material being introduced to the face. Squeezing blackheads can also damage the skin around the pore and cause inflammation and redness. Excessive squeezing can lead to scarring around the affected area. While it may be tempting to squeeze and eliminate the blackhead immediately, it doesn’t bode well for skin in the long run.

How Can a Blackhead Mask Help My Skin?

Blackhead masks work to treat existing blackheads while also preventing new ones from forming. There are different types of blackhead masks available for different skin types, and all blackhead masks can be easily incorporated into a skincare routine.

One popular option of mask, the peel-off mask, works to eliminate clogged pores and blackheads by pulling them out of the skin upon the removal of the mask. Once the mask is applied, it sits on the skin and dries. Once dry, the mask is peeled away, along with any of the debris along the surface of the skin. While these are often popular for the aforementioned YouTube channels dedicated to blackhead removals, they can be damaging to the skin due to excessive drying and tugging during the peeling process. Peel-off masks are excellent at removing blackheads, dead skin cells, and other debris, but can have negative effects for those with sensitive skin.

Other blackhead masks work similarly without the peeling process. For example, many masks exist in the form of clays, creams, and foams that can be applied. These products work to dissolve and remove existing blackheads while also clearing away excess oils and debris to prevent future breakouts. While these don’t exactly have the same satisfaction of the peel-off masks, they safely treat blackheads without the risk of any excessive damage.

Many blackhead masks are also formulated to assist with other skin issues besides blackheads. For example, people with dry skin may benefit from a blackhead mask that also contains moisturizing properties. Other masks contain exfoliating elements that gently massage skin during application —  this allows any loose debris such as dry skin to be cleansed away during the treatment process.

Resources— Medical News Today, Reader's Digest 

About The Author