I have oily skin, so I’ve always had problems with blackheads — not just on the nose, but also around my face. It’s frustrating to say the least, and l really envy those people with tiny pores and unclogged skin (are they even human?).

I abhor extractions because they are painful, and I simply cannot believe that prodding my face incessantly with a sharp tool can possibly be good for my skin.

So here are some products for blackhead removal that are as effective as extractions (if not more), and definitely less painful. Ladies and gentlemen (yes, them too), I present to you: the controversial, the cheap $2 solution, and the wonder cure!

Biore Pore Pack ($4.60 at Watsons)

Yes, let’s talk about this first and get the most commonly-used product out of the way. Pore strips are very controversial beauty products. Some swear by it, claiming that there are no other blackhead removal products in the market that are as effective as pore strips.

But some claim that it is merely a very superficial aid that removes the top layer of blackheads, and would also damage your skin. It has also been said that pore strips are particularly dangerous for people with sensitive skin, or for people who use skincare products with Retin-A, Renova, AHAs, or BHAs in them.

But love it or hate it, pore strips are usually people’s first go-to when they want to get rid of blackheads on their nose, simply because there are hardly any products that give such obvious and immediate results.

Now, with so many blackheads removal pore strips in the market, why did Biore make the list instead? Because it is generally more affordable than the other brands, and it does the exact same job. I’ve tried other brands before, including those popular Korean skincare brands. Personally, if you believe in pore strips and want to use them, you are better off just buying those from Biore.

Biore Pore Packs come in black and white versions, but just go for the normal white ones. There really isn’t much difference between the two of them, so there is no need to buy the slightly more expensive one.

Where to find:

You can find Biore Pore Packs in most leading supermarkets, pharmacies as well as selected convenience and provision stores.

Daiso’s Charcoal Mask ($2)

This is like pore strips, but mask version. The thing about Biore Pore Pack and most other pore packs is that they are usually just for the nose. But if you are like me and you have blackheads all over your face too, then it hardly makes sense to have only your nose cleaned.

So here comes Daiso’s Charcoal Mask — a super cheap $2 but effective blackheads removal peel-off mask.

After opening your pores with a warm towel (and wiping your face dry afterwards of course), spread a thick layer of the mask evenly onto your face. Wait for around 20 minutes for the mask to dry, and then gently peel it off. Voila! Those disgusting little blackheads will be on the remnants of your mask.

Again, this may not be a suitable product for people with sensitive skin, or for people who are already using products such as AHA or BHA. Also, for people who find removing pore strips painful, this mask might be a bit of a problem for you. On the bright side, you can always just wash the mask off if you find that you are unable to take the pain.

Where to find:

Duh! Daiso stores of course!

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($43)

While some people swear by pore strips or peeling masks, others swear by salicylic acid — also known as BHA (beta hydroxy acid). BHA exfoliates not only the surface of the skin (which is what your exfoliating scrubs do), but also in the pores, thereby improving the appearance of clogged pores. It also reduces redness, and softens and smoothens the skin by hydrating it.

Sounds like a wonder product right? Well, it is much more expensive than the other two products mentioned earlier, so one would certainly expect it to do a lot more. Now, don’t expect good skin to come overnight. Even though some people have reported seeing results overnight with salicylic acid products, it is generally slow-reacting, and it takes time before all your skin woes would disappear.

For those who are familiar with BHA products, Paula’s Choice BHA products such as the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a cult favourite. Many have claimed that it is the sole saviour of their hitherto horrible skin. From my experience of using it, it works on blackheads — but very slowly. It does, however, gives you a bright and glowing complexion extremely rapidly.

For people who would like to have a gentle exfoliant that penetrates deep into your skin, this is your product.

Note: BHA is more suitable for people with oily skin. For people with dry skin, try AHA (alpha hydroxy acid).

Where to find:

You can get it from the Paula’s Choice Singapore website, or you can go to their retail stores at: Beauty Collective (Square 2 #03-36, Novena MRT) or Tanjong Pagar Outlet (Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-15A, Tanjong Pagar MRT).

(Image credits (from top): Stylecaster.com, Kao, Daiso, Paula’s Choice Skincare)