The scoop on choosing the best blackhead mask for your skin
Anyone who’s ever had to fight for blackhead-free skin knows this truth: There are so many different products to choose when it comes to eliminating those clogged pores. So many, in fact, that it can feel overwhelming when you’re browsing shelves in stores. You may also know the particular anguish of dropping money on a product only to discover that it doesn’t jive with your skin’s needs at all. Rather than risking wasting your cash on an unhelpful product, understanding more about your skin’s needs can reveal a lot about what you should be seeking in a face mask before you head to the store.
What Caused My Blackheads to Form?
Blackheads are caused when tiny hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dirt that collects on the surface of the skin. When the clog remains under the skin, it develops a “white” head. However, if this thin layer of skin breaks and the clog becomes exposed to air, it turns a blackened color after oxidizing, leading to the formation of a blackhead. This means that blackheads are a type of pimple, and depending on your skin, you may develop mostly blackheads, mostly whiteheads, or a combination of both.
According to HealthLine, blackheads are the most common skin disorder in the United States of America. That’s a lot of people (with a lot of different skin type needs) all facing the same annoyance! However, one of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing acne products and blackhead masks remains the same for all people: Choosing to pop or pick at blackheads and other pimples can lead to excessive irritation and inflammation, canceling out any positive impacts from using a blackhead mask. While it may be tempting to squeeze a blackhead, it’s better for your skin’s health and your wallet to leave the blemish alone and trust in the process of regularly cleansing skin and applying masks.
Why Should I Know My Skin Type?
Knowing about your skin type is a big deal when choosing the right blackhead mask. There are a lot of people with different skin types seeking blackhead products, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re choosing a blackhead mask with ingredients that focus on your skin’s particular needs. Typically, people’s skin types fall under the oily, dry, or combination categories.
For example, if your skin tends to be overly oily, you will want to avoid buying a mask that contains oils. Adding excess oil to your skin could be counterproductive in this situation. On the contrary, if you have excessively dry skin, certain types of masks could put too much stress on your body, causing more damage and irritation to already-sensitive skin. People with combination skin types may choose to intermingle different products to treat their dry and oily skin areas appropriately.
What Types of Blackhead Masks Are Available?
Blackhead masks of all types and varieties line store shelves. In recent years, the charcoal peel-off masks have risen in popularity. These masks, characterized by their deep black color, are applied to the skin and then allowed to dry completely. Once drying is complete, the user can peel away the black layer of product to reveal the contents of the previously-clogged pores on the backside. While it may seem gross, there are entire YouTube channels dedicated to the “satisfying” process of removing and then viewing all the gunk from clogged pores. However, if you suffer from sensitive or overly dry skin, peel-off masks may not be best for you since the removal process does involve some light tugging and pulling to peel away the dried layer of product.
People with dry skin may benefit from a blackhead mask that also contains a light exfoliant. While applying the mask, the exfoliants work to gently scrub away any excessive dead skin cells during the cleansing process. Not only are the excess oils that cause blackheads cleansed away, but rougher skin is left feeling smooth and fresh after the light exfoliation.
If you have oily skin, choosing a blackhead mask that contains charcoal can be a beneficial choice. Charcoal is a known acne fighter because it absorbs excess oil from the surface of the skin. While it fights existing blackheads and pimples, it is also working to remove extra oil before it can lead to new breakouts.
Resources — HealthLine, Heavy, Medical News Today
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