Here's What People Actually Use To Clear Up Their Blackheads

Including a holy grail mud mask that will free up congested pores.

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1. A gentle charcoal deep cleansing mask that's effective, and suitable for sensitive skin.

uk.lizearle.com, Zoella/ youtube.com

Product: Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask, £17.50

A few yeas ago, I bought a Liz Earle facial after years of being fed up with the blackheads on my nose. (I had to wait three months for the appointment, but it was amazing.) And although there were extractions involved, the best thing I got out of the facial was this deep cleansing mask. It's very gentle and comes with two exfoliating sponges. I like to put it on while I watch an episode of something, then wash it off and marvel at my beautiful face.

Update: I saw in the comments there are some concerns about using this mask on sensitive skin. My skin reacts to some things but I've never had a problem with this mask – but you'll know your own skin best.

Zoella has a video where she chats about how she uses the Deep Cleansing Mask.

Buy it at Liz Earle

2. A cult three-step pore kit that includes steps to soften sebum and to soothe sore skin.

youtube.com, Beauty Mart

Product: Holika Holika Pig-Nose Clear Black Head 3-Step Kit, £4.50

Promising review: “Recently I have had a lot of blackheads and I haven’t been able to afford a facial. Destiny brought me to buy this pack and honestly it took almost every blackhead out! I was sceptical before trying it but honestly it is absolutely amazing! I will definitely be ordering more!” – Angie

Also, YouTuber Hey It’s Fei has an in-depth video about her experiences with the nose strip.

Get it at BeautyMart

3. A facialist-created cleansing wash with salicylic acid that will help reduce blackheads.

Patricia Bright/ youtube.com, Boots

Product: Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash, £7.99

Promising review:"I don't suffer and have never suffered with acne but over the last few months I have developed a few closed comedone spots on my chin around my mouth (they are the tiny skin coloured spots that when squeezed produce a thin white stringy substance). I have quite oily skin and they occur as a result of blocked pores, although they are usually fine when left alone, I do have a tendency to squeeze them which results in the skin becoming inflamed and scabbing over which looks terrible. However after just two days of using this facial wash almost all spots, redness, scabs and scarring have disappeared! I would recommend leaving the product on for about 5 minutes or so and using it day and night, washing it away by patting with a damp flannel. Would 100% recommend." – miffin23

In this video, Patricia Bright talks about how she uses salicylic acid in her skin regime.

Buy it at Boots

4. A holy grail mud mask that will free up congested pores.

amazon.co.uk, amazon.co.uk

Product: Be Barefaced Dead Sea Mud Face Mask, £12.99

Promising review: "The congested pores on my nose have totally shrunk! My pores were so large and full of congestion I couldn't extract completely and I'd end of turning my nose all red and sore and worried about scarring. My pores are now tiny and although they look like pin prick blackheads they seem like they could be easily extracted now with no damage to my skin. I didn't feel any bad sensation while the mask was on, although there is a slight sulphur smell! Make sure to mix the mud in the tub before applying too. Might be my new holy grail 😊 " – Amazon Customer

Buy it on Amazon

5. A five-star-rated facial steamer that will help open up congested pores.

amazon.co.uk

Product: YUNI Facial Steamer, £22.89

Promising review: "It's my go to spa treatment. I sit in front of this bad boy until the steam runs out and my blackheads/whiteheads slide out like a dream. I love how it comes with the little black head head tool kit as well." – iPass

Get it on Amazon

6. A raved-about exfoliating toner that will unblock the most stubborn of pores.

youtube.com

Product: Pixi Glow Tonic, £18

Promising review: "I love this so much, I get stubborn blocked pores on my chin, and nothing I have used gets rid of them, until I used Pixi Glow Tonic. It has made a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. When I have ran out and unfortunately forgot to purchase a new one, my skin started to get the little annoying clogged pores again. A must have, best toner I've ever used!" – Mellie

This YouTube review by Jackie Aina is great on different types of toners.

Get it at Cult Beauty

7. A hot cloth cleansing balm that will help to purge clogged up pores.

etsy.com, youtube.com

I have so much experience with hot cloth cleansing balms, so prepare for LOTS OF INFO.

Firstly, the Aldi Lacura cleanser, £3.99 is a great dupe for Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (which is also great), but currently only available in stores. For a treat, the Elemis cleansing balm, £40 is fantastic (it's expensive, but a trial pot is a tenner and I've gotten a couple of months from it). If you want something smaller batch, I think Hopscotch is a lovely brand and this kit comes with a lovely muslin cloth, a scoop for the balm and an facial oil for £24. When it comes to muslin cloths etc, I just use a clean flannel from Ikea.

If you've never tried hot cloth cleansing before, this is a good YouTube walkthrough from Makeup With Chalita.

Get the Hopscotch set at Etsy

Want more information? Facial guru Caroline Hirons has a fantastic cheat-sheet all about spots, blackheads, and more.