I often come across beauty trends that seem too good to be true, but this time around I think we've got a winner - using dental floss for removing blackheads. Yeah, I know, it sounds really really strange and kind of gross when you think about it, but hear me out on this one!
How to Remove Blackheads Using Floss
I first heard about how to remove blackheads using floss a couple of weeks ago, I'm not even sure what I was searching for to warrant such an outlandish search result.
"Ha! Good one Google, that's really weird! No one uses FLOSS like that"
However, as I started to scroll down the page, I realized that this crazy beauty hack actually works!
People are raving about they're using dental floss to remove blackheads from their nose, chin, and other clogged areas of the face with staggering results.
So I knew I had to get in on all the buzz and see if this trend is 1.) actually effective, and 2.) safe for your skin, especially with continued use.
The Best Way to Remove Blackheads Using Floss
I've written a number of posts on how to get rid of blackheads before, but never have I thought to use something so simple and so cheap to gain similar if not better results - even on stubborn blackheads on the nose that just don't want to come out!
So, how do we use dental floss to easily remove blackheads with as little damage as possible?
How to Remove Blackheads Using Floss in 5 Easy Steps
1. Cleanse the Skin
The first step in effectively executing this beauty hack to thoroughly cleanse your skin. You want to make sure that every trace of make-up is gone so that you don't end up pressing it into your pores.
I like using an all-natural charcoal soap on the areas that I will be working on to help remove, dirt, make-up, germs, and any other impurities on the skin.
2. Steam Your Face
This step is an absolute MUST. If you don't steam your face, you're not going to remove nearly as many blackheads. In fact, you might even be pressing acne-causing bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells further into your pores.
Steam acts as a pore dilator. As your pores open, the blackheads will start to loosen up and your skin will become softer and less "draggy" for when you use the floss.
I recommend using filtered water since you don't want to be steaming your face with water from the tap. Bring the water to a boil, then pour it into a heat-safe bowl (you can leave it in the pot too if needed!).
Sit somewhere comfortable and drape a towel over your head and hover your face over the steaming water. You can even add a couple of drops of essential oil like tea tree or lavender if desired for even more skin clearing benefits. Be careful not to burn your face with the steam!
Steam your face for a good 10-15 minutes.
Doing this after a shower is also a great way to get the most out of this hack!
3. Use the Floss - CAREFULLY
There are two types of floss you can use for removing blackheads - floss picks and regular dental floss.
You do not want to use ones with fluoride, artificial flavoring, mouthwash enhancement, whitening treatment, or any other type of chemical coating as these will irritate the skin. Wax coatings and essential oils flavorings are fine in my experience, but use what works best for you. Just do your best to find the plainest most natural kind of floss you can. This is the floss I use.
If you're using plain ol' dental floss (my preferred method), you're going to want the kind that is made with natural fibers. Not the plastic ribbon kind.
This is because the plastic ribbon version has almost zero grip from grabbing blackheads and may actually cut your skin due to its edge.
To use the floss (whichever one you choose), simply press it firmly yet carefully above the pores and very slowly "drag" the floss down the skin in short or long strokes, whichever works best. If you're using this method on the nose, then you would start at the bridge of the nose and slowly bring the floss down towards the tip.
The key is to use the floss in a downward motion. You never want to go upward as that will push the blackheads deeper into the pores and cause a whole slew of acne problems you don't want to deal with.
4. Use a Face Mask
Once you have finished gently scraping your pores clean, you're going to want to close them up in order to keep those blackheads from coming back too quickly.
I recommend using Rhassoul Clay for this as it's gentle yet super effective against clogged pores. You can read more on why this is my holy grail face clay here for more details.
To use the clay, simply mix it with a bit of filtered water (just keep it simple!) until you reach the desired consistency. Apply it in an even layer over the treated areas and allow it to dry completely.
Remove the clay with cool (not cold) water to help further close up the pores and pat dry.
5. Tone the Skin
This is the last step on how to remove blackheads using floss! YAY!
Now, I've seen on the internet that someone recommended you use Listerine as a toner - DO NOT DO THAT. That's crazy. For one, you're going to be burning your skin and second, the alcohol content of Listerine is ridiculously high and will dry it out.
You might think that's good, but it isn't. Dry skin caused by chemicals will only cause your skin to start producing more oils and sebum. More oil means more blackheads which is sort of the opposite of what we're trying to achieve here.
I recommend using an alcohol-free toner like this one on a fresh cotton pad in order to remove any final remnants of clogs or leftover clay mask. I will often use rose water for this step and have had good results! Learn how to make your own rose water here.
Once finished, you can use your favorite moisturizer like hemp seed oil, etc.
Final Thoughts
While I definitely see why this trend is so popular, I cannot stress enough the importance of being gentle with your skin.
I think continued use can potentially cause skin damage if not done correctly, and I wouldn't use this more than maaaaaybe once a week, perhaps even just 2-3 times per month if you tend to suffer from a lot of blackheads on a regular basis.
If that's the case, you will need to figure out the root cause and treat you acne naturally via that route first!
Would you remove blackheads using floss? What are your thoughts on this nutty beauty hack?
You may also enjoy reading:
Ultimate Pore Strip Secret- The Best Way to Use Biore Pore Strips
Could Jojoba Oil be Your Cure for Blackheads?
The Comedogenic Rating of 300+ Skincare Ingredients
The Complete List of Comedogenic Oils
Essential Oils for Hormonal Acne
Nu Wave Botanicals says
This is an amazing home remedy that I did not think would work but it really does.
herb lady says
Hi gals,
I am a 60 year old woman with my fair share of skin issues. But a few years ago got this strange idea to use floss to do just what you have done. I did not go through all the stepts you layed out but the cleaning, steaming the nose area with a hot wash rag and used a charcoal pull off mask on just the nose.Cleaned face ant tonrd it. did not apply cream on the face. My nose was so clean and shiney!!!!! glad you passed it around.
People be awair to much of anything is NOT a good thing---- Moer is not better. Be gential or may not age well.
Tash says
That's awesome Herb Lady! Such a funny trick but it works REALLY well! And you're right about the not overdoing it part 🙂 I'd probably just do this when I'm really needed some de-clogging. Glad it's worked out so well for you!
Binky Melnik says
Be careful steaming your face! I used to do it when I was younger to “open my pores” because that’s what people believe will happen (pores don’t open and close, but the heat DOES soften the sebum.) Unfortunately, after you’ve exposed your face to heat enough times, the result is broken capillaries. ? So I traded a clear complexion for spider veins on my face. And there’s no home remedy for those; they require expensive treatment from a derm. So go easy with the steaming, folks!
Tash says
Oh no!
Thanks for the advice Binky!