Our unanimous dislike for blackheads is a no-brainer. Which is why, we want a quick and convenient way to get rid of this pesky skin issue! And that, of course, are pore strips. These stick-on miracles solve our dotted troubles in a few minutes, even granting us with receipts of its work. But, it is what it is—a quick, temporary solution. Pore strips don't really get rid of your blackheads forever, hence the need for repeated usage. So here, we go through worthy alternatives that will do the job just as well.
1. For a thorough cleanse...
Try: Silk Finger Balls
Pore strips come in a one-size-fits-all, which means they don't always perfectly fit, making an uneven cleanse very likely.
For a more thorough scrub, try these adorable little scrubbers. These are made of natural silk cocoons with proteins that gently remove blackheads, whiteheads, and dead skin. And unlike pore strips, you'll reach every nook and cranny with a stubborn black dot. Simply soften the ball in some warm water and you can start scrubbing away!
IMAGE Cosrx
Cosrx Blackhead Silk Finger Balls, P180 for 12, Skin Care Curator
2. For sensitive skin...
Try: BHA Treatments
If scrubbing isn't your thing, BetaHydoxy Acids (or BHA) are your best friend. BHA is a chemical exfoliant that unclogs your pores so you can attack blemishes without wrestling with them physically.
Look for products with Salicylic Acid or Betaine Salicylate as active ingredients, and routinely slather these on your problem areas. While this may not be a 10-minute solution, results from BHAs will last way longer than a peel-off strip!
IMAGE Deramlogica, Cosrx
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment, P1295, Rustan's Gateway; Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, P963, Beautymnl
3. For the natural skin care fan...
Try: Oil cleansing
Despite its reputation to clog pores, oil cleansing is great for getting rid of blackheads. Certain non-comedogenic oils actually draw out excess sebum and dirt and then dissolve them! Plus, habitually cleansing your skin with oils means that irritants will have no chance to clog your pores.
As with a regular cleanser, you'll have to massage a cleansing oil (mineral oil is great for beginners!) on your problem areas to clean them. Do this regularly for around two to three minutes until your pores feel clean.
IMAGE Estee Lauder, Burt's Bees, Johnson's
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm, P2160, SM Aura; Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil, Beauty Bar; Johnson's Baby Oil, leading supermarkets
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