The 5 Best Ways to Clear Your Pores

When it comes to your skincare routine, clogged pores and blackheads can be a nuisance. Sure, it's possible to use your fingers to try to remove these imperfections; however, there are better ways. Blackhead removers--everything from pore vacuums to masks and creams--are available to greatly assist in the process. But which ones are best? We combed through the options and narrowed down our favorite blackhead removers.

Alin & Alan Blackhead Remover Vacuum

A vacuum pore cleaner that does the work for you

This compact, handheld little device effectively removes more than just blackheads, leaving you with better skin.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

There are wide variety of handheld blackhead removing devices available online, and this might just be the best one overall. Not only does it have a fantastic price point, but it works like a dream and has multiple functions. Yes, it’ll help clear out blackheads. But it will also suck out all dirt, oil, and dust clogging your pores, leading to vastly clearer skin, less acne, and fewer blackheads. It’s versatile, with 4 intensity levels and 4 different multi functional heads. After just a couple minutes a day and almost no work, this portable little device will clear up your skin issues and leave your skin feeling smooth and healthy.

Pros:

Multiple intensity settings
Small and easy to store and travel with
Rechargeable
Mutiple heads with unique purposes

Cons:

Less effective on certain skin types
Used improperly, can leave bruises

BESTOPE Blackhead Remover Kit

A reliable metal tool set for removing blackheads manually

This 5-piece acne and blackhead removal kit is the perfect compact set of tools for those who like to take matters into their own hands.

Best Toolkit

Find on Amazon

A gentler alternative to the handheld vacuum route (which can be too intense for some sensitive skin) is a metal acne and blackhead removal kit. Each comes with several unique tools with their own particular uses. This kit is designed to work well with all skin types and is made of materials that won’t irritate skin. Each tool has an ergonomic handle for easy grip, and the set comes with a handy diagram that shows you exactly how and where to use each tool. As a set, these tools have the ability to remove blackheads and acne, as well as clear out the skin for overall improvement. Plus, with the compact carrying case, this kit stores well and is easy to take on the road.

Pros:

Great, affordable price
Multiple tools with varying uses
Versatile
Non-irritating
Not likely to cause redness or bruising

Cons:

Requires some practice and expertise to use properly
More effort required

AsaVea Peel Off Mask

An activated charcoal mask to drain the skin

This high-intensity mask is another solution for blackhead removal that strays away from any tools.

Best Blackhead Mask

Find on Amazon

A third route to take for blackhead removal is a peel-off mask that removes the blackheads and impurities from the skin as it’s removed. This option is made from activated charcoal, which smoothly draws out toxins, impurities, and dirt in the pores and on the skin. The added bonus of using a mask is that they’re often filled with other cleansing or purifying ingredients that do extra good for your skin. Besides pulling out the bad, they’ll clean and assist the skin so it looks better and feels healthier going forward. This mask also comes with a soft application brush so you can spread it easily across your skin.

Pros:

Affordable price
Long-lasting
Balances and cleanses the skin
Easy to use

Cons:

Longer time to use
May irritate some sensitive skin

June Julien Blackhead Vacuum

Another great blackhead vacuum with lots of power

Another great, lightweight pick for those who prefer a vacuum for their pore cleansing.

Handheld Runner-Up

Find on Amazon

This highly versatile little device packs a ton of great options and uses into one machine. It features 5 intensity settings, as well as several interchangeable heads with various functions for dry, neutral, and oily skin. With one device, the possibilities are quite expansive–remove blackheads, whiteheads, grease, makeup, and dead skin, all at once. Plus, with a few weeks of continuous use, you may also notice smoother wrinkles and tightened skin, while also feeling more fresh and cleansed.

Pros:

Long-lasting charge
Great price
Versatile options
Serves multiple functions
Small and compact

Cons:

Needs to be used carefully to prevent bruising
Attachment options may not always serve specific needs

Piero Lorenzo Suction Mask

A powerful mask for suctioning out impurities

A versatile choice that will help remove not only blackheads but other skin impurities as well.

Mask Runner-Up

Find on Amazon

This is another great charcoal mask perfect for drawing all the undesirable qualities out of your skin. It quickly and easily removes blackheads, whiteheads, and acne, leaving behind smoother more supple skin. It’s also filled with other beneficial ingredients that enhance overall skin health, doing double duty as a short-term blackhead solution and a long-term staple in your skincare routine. Unlike some products for your skin, this mask is designed to keep pores smaller and tighter, avoiding noticeable negative skin effects. With a great price point and easy everyday application, this is a great solution for those looking to avoid tools or machines that can cause sensitive skin some trouble.

Pros:

Easy to use
Part of a skincare routine
Affordable
Proven to work well on blackheads

Cons:

Can irritate particularly sensitive skin
Needs to be used carefully and properly for good results

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of blackhead remover is right for me?

This depends mostly on your skin sensitivity and lifestyle preferences. Sensitive skin might fare best with a metal toolkit, though if your skin does not mark easily, a handheld vacuum device can also be a good choice. For those without sensitive skin, it’s best to consider how much work you want to do, or how simple you need your remover to be. Metal tools can be highly effective, but take a bit of trial and error to learn and use properly. That can also be the case for a vacuum, though they’re more intuitive and simple to use. Using a mask, on the other hand, takes a bit longer, but is extremely simple to use.

Will blackhead removers also get rid of acne and other blemishes?

Sometimes. Many blackhead removers can also help remove whiteheads, acne, and impurities from the skin. It’s never guaranteed that any of them will completely fix all of your skin problems, but they’re all likely to help get your skin looking and feeling better.