• Tweezers

Using sterilized tweezers is one of the simplest and most effective tools for removing blackheads. Tweezers are good for unplugging the debris from the clogged pore. When using tweezers, make sure that use a pointed tip that is properly aligned with the blackhead. Be gentle and avoid squeezing the skin to prevent scars.

• Blackhead/Comedone Extractors

The most common tools used for removing blackheads are comedone extractors. Typically used by skin care professionals, comedone extractors are made of stainless steel, durable, and can be sterilized easily. Below are the four types of extractors available:

Extractor With Lancet:

This extractor has two ends that screws into a stainless steel bar: one end with a sharp lancet and the other with a looped extractor. This tool is especially useful if you have both whiteheads and blackheads; the lancet is designed to pierce a whitehead and the loop is designed to extract blackheads.

Double Fine Loop Extractor:

This tool is also good for extracting whiteheads and blackheads. This tool has two “fine” looped ends that is precise for extracting comedones with minimal damage to the surrounding pores. The fine loop extractor is typically the tool of choice among skin care professionals.

Double Spoon Comedone Extractor:

This extractor is especially useful for large blackheads, doesn’t cause skin    damage,  and is the most user friendly for beginners.  With two spoon-shaped  ends, the larger end tends to have 7-19 small holes to remove the larger blackheads. The smaller end is used for smaller blackheads.

8 in 1 Comedone Extractor Kit:

This is a kit that includes various extraction tools.  It comes with one bar and eight extractors including a single loop extractor, double loop extractor, fine loop extractor, and two lancets in varying sizes.

Before using an extraction tool, make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed and steamed to open the pores. Always sterilize the tool before and after use with rubbing alcohol, wiping it with a cotton swab or pad. Follow up with cleansing, rinsing the face with cold water to close the pores. As a final step, use an alcohol free toner to further minimize the appearance of pores.

• Blackhead Removal Vacuum

This is an electronic device designed to “suck” the gunk out of your pores. It works by creating a suction between a small cup and the face. These devices are the most expensive out of all of the tools and can be difficult to keep clean.

• Pore Strips

Pore strips are among the cheapest of the removal tools. They work by having an adhesive that is placed above the blackhead. When the strip is quickly removed, is pulls out the blackhead and the debris. Pore strips are only to be used on the nose, and the directions must be followed carefully to prevent skin irritation.

Blackhead removing tools are fairly cheap and more sterile than the fingers.  However,  improper use can lead to pain and infection.  Always sterilize your tools (if applicable) and always be GENTLE.  Remember to never try to force out a resistant blackhead. For best results, steam or use a warm towel to open your pores.

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Have you ever looked in the mirror, found a blackhead staring right back at you, and had the immediate impulse to immediately squeeze the little bugger into oblivion?  If so, you’re not the only one. Removing blackheads are so frustrating especially when no topical treatment or cleanser seems to be working.  Naturally, we are immediately tempted to pick them out as soon as we notice it.  However, experts  say that squeezing or picking a blackhead is a huge no-no, and they’re better left alone. But what if you can’t resist?  Is there ever a time that squeezing is OK?

If done incorrectly, applying pressure to blackheads can be very damaging to the skin.  There is always a risk of inflammation, swelling, infection and rupturing blood vessels.  This is why you should never remove a blackhead with your fingernails, as squeezing a blackhead with your fingernails can push the gunk clogging the pores even deeper, where it can develop into inflamed lesions. You also put yourself at risk for permanent scarring and enlarged pores.

On the other hand, if done correctly, gentle blackhead extraction can be beneficial to improving the appearance of your skin. Though, it’s important to use the proper tools such as  comedone extractors, pore strips, or sterilized tweezers.

If you feel that it is absolutely necessary to squeeze a blackhead, steam your face for at least 5-10 minutes before doing so.  The steam will open your pores and help dislodge the blackheads.  A facial steamer is a great investment for any acne sufferer, but if you’re on a budget, you can always fill a large bowl with steaming hot water, place a towel over your head to form a tent, and comfortably place your face over the bowl.  Alternatively, you can also place a warm washcloth over your face.  After extracting the blackheads, gently cleanse the skin and apply toner to close the pores.

For best results, you should leave the squeezing to a dermatologist or professional aesthetician who is trained to extract blackheads without damage.

So, the next time you look in the mirror and feel the urge to attack those blackheads with your fingernails, reconsider. Proper tools and technique would be a much better choice for removing blackheads than your fingers.

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