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If you thoughtblackheadswere relegated to your teenage years, guess again.
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Seeing this mild form of acne congregating along yourT-zonewell into adulthood can be disheartening.
According to NYC-based dermatologistDr.
When this material becomes oxidized by exposure to air, it appears blackhence the name blackhead.
PHOTO: Dermalogica
Luckily, an entire skincare category focuses on the issue, one of the most effective solutions beingface masks.
According to board-certified dermatologistDr.
We spent 384 hourstestingover two dozen blackhead masks at home.
Our tester appreciated how effective yet gentle this mask was.
There was no tightness or irritation, even when combined with apotent retinol.
In fact, it helped clear dry, flaky spots instead of exacerbating them.
PHOTO: Amazon
Best of all, theblackhead clusters around her nosekept improving after each use.
After removalwhich admittedly took a while; its aclay mask, after allher pores felt totally cleaned out.
Miraculously, though, it wasnt overly drying or irritating on her skin.
Improvements were noticeable after around three uses, according to our testerespecially on small blackhead flare-ups.
Keyaira, tester with combination skin:This formula was powerful without disturbing my skin barrier.
The only downside is that the jar doesnt come with a tiny scoop for easy and hygienic app.
PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s
A heads up for those with sensitive skin: This formula can feel very tingly when applied.
However, the post-rinse skin sensation is pleasantly cool and refreshingif a little tighter and dryer than usual.
Naosha, tester with oily/sensitive skin:The mask was extremely effective at removing blackheads and cleaning my pores.
My pores look lighter and smaller and overall, it added a glow to my skin that radiates.
Its not the easiest to remove but comes with an ultrasoft washcloth to help the process.
Immediately after using it, our tester said her skin was smooth, tight, and a little pink.
PHOTO: Amazon
Considering that, she recommends using this mask at bedtimeperhaps during a relaxing soak in the tub.
It’s a REALLY good mask.
Its formulated with kaolin clay and charcoal powder to sop up excess oil.
Meanwhile, salicylic acidhelps slough off dead skin cells that cause congestion and leave skin looking lackluster.
The formula is super gentle and never left our testers skin tight or stripped.
Saleam, tester with combination skin:This mask is very effective with consistent use over a long-term period.
PHOTO: Sephora
It treats breakouts, blackheads, and the appearance of pores.
It unclogged pores and buffed off dead skin cells with aplomb.
(Our tester could actually feel the dead skin coming off; talk about satisfying.)
Credit its dual-form of exfoliation; silica physically exfoliates, while AHAs and BHAs do so chemically.
Madelaine, tester with combination/oily skin:My skin is definitely more glowy since using this product.
Were big fans of this option from Origins, which our tester gave a perfect five-star rating.
PHOTO: Sephora
It even left a slightly dewy finish, making her skin look healthier overall.
Next, we spent 384 hours testing each formula at home.
The products that testers rated the highest were ultimately considered for inclusion in the list above.
Melanie Palm, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California.
Dr. Palm advises against using peel-off blackhead removing masks if you have an active breakout.
You risk ripping or damaging skin that is already irritated, she explains.
PHOTO: Sephora
That said, gentler exfoliating masks can be beneficial, particularly for helping withacne scarring.
Dont exfoliate before or after using the mask, as youll already get exfoliating benefits from the mask itself.
When in doubt, follow the directions on your particular blackhead mask.
Byrdie contributorMelanie Rudhas nearly 15 years of experience in the beauty industry.
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PHOTO: Sephora
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PHOTO: Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
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The “Magic” Behind Face Masks and How to Get the Most Out of Them.
PHOTO: Sephora
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PHOTO: Origins
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