Guide To Blackhead Removal Tools
It has been mentioned on this site before that using your fingers or fingernails to squeeze blackheads is not recommended. With that said, there are a number of blackhead removal tools on the market that are effective and more sterile. Here is a list of the various blackhead removers available.
- 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.
