The most frustrating thing in the world is having a faultless skincare routine, only to wake up to stubborn blackheads. These little guys always show up when they’re least wanted, don’t they? Since they’re such a popular way of cleansing and rejuvenating the skin, it’s only natural to wonder, can clay masks remove blackheads?
So, what’s the truth? Let’s find out.
How clay masks benefit us and our pores
Before we dive into the potential advantages of clay masks for treating blackheads (or lack thereof), let’s quickly go over the fantastic overall benefits that clay masks provide, because really, they’re amazing.
Made from types of clay such as bentonite and kaolin, clay masks have many beneficial effects on the skin.
Usually intended to be used by people with naturally oily skin, clay masks are a powerful drying agent that works to absorb excess oil and moisture from the face. Controlling the amount of oil (Sebum) that your skin produces is essential in the fight against breakouts as if left unchecked, the oil can block pores and cause irritation. Using a host of minerals along with ingredients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, clay masks can reduce the size of pores, remove troublesome dead skin cells, and thoroughly exfoliate the face.
Additionally, clay masks may be able to free the skin from environmental toxins such as lead and Mercury, which we can inadvertently pick up during the day.
Beware of expiry dates
Contrary to popular belief, clay masks do expire after a certain period of time. This means that their ingredients lose a lot of their potency, they become harder to use, and overall they aren’t as effective at doing their job.
This is why we always recommend that you learn how to correctly store your clay masks and other favorite skincare products. Our advice is to invest in a very affordable skincare refrigerator, which will keep your cosmetics in top working order for longer.
What are blackheads?
We all suffer from frustrating bouts of blackheads, and some of them can be super deep and annoying, but what are they and how are they formed?
Blackheads are essentially blocked pores. Pores can get clogged in various ways, the most common way is due to excess oil in the skin. The skin’s natural oil, Sebum, can fill pores and block them, leading to irritation, breakouts, and eventually blackheads. Dirt and environmental pollutants can also have the same effect.
Once the pore is blocked, the blackhead literally forms a black head, signifying the blockage. While we may feel the natural urge to squeeze our blackheads, this is actually a bad idea as this can cause further discomfort.
So, can clay masks remove blackheads?
This is the ultimate question. Unfortunately, we have some bad news.
Clay masks can’t remove blackheads on their own. Yep, this sucks, we know. Clay masks are first and foremost an absorbent product. Their job is to soak up excess moisture to help prevent too much oil from building up and causing problems. Sadly, this process does nothing to help remove blackheads.
Regular use of clay masks is an excellent prevention tool. They can definitely help give your skin the best chance possible to avoid the formation of blackheads by keeping pores clean from oil and dirt. They will also help to control oil production, ensuring the skin retains a healthy balance.
Other Treatments For Blackheads
What else can you do to bid farewell to those pesky blackheads? Well, fear not, my friend, because clay masks are just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s explore some additional methods that can complement the power of clay masks in your battle against those stubborn blackheads.
Incorporating Topical Treatments
One option worth considering is incorporating topical treatments into your skincare routine. Look for products containing salicylic acid or retinoids, as they are known to work wonders in unclogging pores and preventing blackheads from taking up residence on your precious skin. These magical ingredients have the power to exfoliate the skin and reduce the production of excess oil, giving you a fighting chance against those pesky blackheads.
Seeking Professional Help
But wait, there’s more! You can also turn to the experts for some professional help. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial where a skilled aesthetician will work their magic on your skin, performing extractions to remove those stubborn blackheads. It’s like a spa day for your face! Just be sure to choose a reputable professional who understands your skin’s needs and uses proper techniques to avoid any unnecessary irritation.
Maintaining a Consistent Skincare Routine
Now, let’s not forget the importance of maintaining a consistent skincare routine. Alongside clay masks and other treatments, make sure you cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Opt for non-comedogenic products, meaning they won’t clog your precious pores. And avoid the temptation to squeeze or pick at those blackheads. It may provide temporary satisfaction, but it can lead to further irritation and even scarring. So hands off!
To sum it all up, combining the power of clay masks with other treatments is the way to go in your battle against blackheads. Topical treatments, professional facials, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can all work together to give you the best chance at achieving a clearer, blackhead-free complexion. It’s time to show those blackheads who’s boss and let your radiant skin shine through!
In conclusion
We wish clay masks solved all of our blackhead woes, but unfortunately, they can’t. However, using a clay mask on a regular basis will do wonders for absorbing excess oil and moisture, and protecting pores from dirt and other elements that can block them.
We’d recommend incorporating a well-regarded face mask into your skincare routine to give your skin the best possible chance of staying as healthy as possible.
