You may have read conflicting advice on whether or not a blackhead remover tool is worth using. Some people vehemently discourage using blackhead removers, while others tout the brilliance of these devices. So what is the verdict?
One thing for sure, you never want to attempt to squeeze or remove blackheads with your fingernails. This is a definite way to ensure a nasty skin infection and scarring. But is using a blackhead removal tool any better? Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
The pros of using blackhead removers
Far more sterile than the fingernails, since most extractor are made from stainless steel.
Relatively inexpensive and readily available almost anywhere.
Good variety: More than one type of blackhead removal tool depending on your personal needs and preferences
They actually can remove blackheads quickly and easily.
Minimizes the risk of infection.
Great for blackhead removal when you’re in a pinch.
The cons of using a blackhead removers
They may damage your skin and often leave scars
Only treating the external symptoms of blackheads, not the underlying cause.
Can be very painful to use.
May cause temporary redness of the skin.
Does not completely guarantee that you won’t get an infection.
May give the appearance of enlarged pores.
Blackheads removers are worth using if you realize that the results are only a quick-fix and temporary. You also need to know how to prepare your skin prior to extraction. The key to blackhead removers is the quality of the instrument and the technique. If you try to extract a blackhead too hastily, or do so with an inferior tool, you run the risk of spreading bacteria, injuring skin cells and causing an infection.
If you are brave enough to use such a tool at home, make sure you read and adhere to the instructions carefully. Otherwise, it may be best to seek help from a professional dermatologist or aesthician. At the very least, you may ask a skin care professional to show you how to use a blackhead remover properly.
Do you want to know how to remove blackheads safely and naturally? Can’t seem to get rid of blackheads no matter what you do? Have you ever considered fixing your blackhead woes with nice, shiny red (or green) apple? Yes, I did say an apple.
We’ve all heard the maxim, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, ad nauseum. But you probably didn’t know that an apple a day can help keep blackheads at bay. Apples are wonderful for treating blackheads, as well as keeping breakouts under control, because they contain malic acid. Malic acid is a natural substance belonging to the alpha hydroxy group found in fruits and vegetables–with apples being one of the richest sources.
Malic acid is so important to any healthy skin care regimen because it creates firmer, smoother skin and helps to remove dead skin cells. Dead skin, along with oil, is the main blackhead-causing enemy that clogs pores. Apples, being loaded with malic acid, can be used as a mild exfoliator for dislodging and removing blackheads. Below is a simple and inexpensive facial scrub recipe that will help you achieve a clearer complexion.
To create the exfoliator, you will need a fresh pureed apple, preferably organic and pesticide-free. If you don’t have a way to puree an apple, simply substitute two tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce. You will also need one tablespoon of white or brown sugar. In a small bowl, mix the apple and sugar together until blended well.
Prep your skin by applying a warm moist towel over your face to open the pores. Keep the towel on your face for a minimum of ten minutes to really get those pores wide open. Next, you will want to remove the oil from yor skin by cleansing your face with a mild alcohol free cleanser. Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel, then apply the apple mixture in a light, circular motion. The apple and sugar mixture will feel a little abrasive, so take care not to scrub too hard.
You can choose to exfoliate the entire face or just concentrate on the problem areas where blackheads have a tendency to appear. When your are finished scrubbing, rinse your face with cool water to close the pores. Then, follow up with a toner to get those pores extra tight.
The apple/sugar exfoliation mix is gentle and non-irritating, so you can use it daily if you like. At the very minimum, you should use this scrub 2-3 times a week to help slough-off dead skin.
So now you know how to remove blackheads– and you don’t even have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive blackheads removal products. Have that apple (facial scrub, that is) a day, starting today, and your skin will simply be delighted!
Everyone has had at least one blackhead in their lifetime, but individuals with oily skin are the most vulnerable. Blackheads are formed when a mixture of excessive sebum, or oil, and dead skin cells clog an open pore. Open pores is exposed to oxygen give these comedones its black color. Anyone dealing with blackheads knows how difficult it can be to remove once surfaced, so the best way to treat the blemishes is by prevention. Everyone’s skin is different, but diligently following these three blackhead treatment steps can help you to prevent breakouts in the future.
#1 Cleanse Your Skin Every Morning And Night
The best treatment for blackheads is prevention. And keeping your skin clear of oil and debris is the most important element of blackhead prevention. Cleansing your skin before bedtime will clear your skin of the oil and impurities it was exposed to during the day. Cleansing your face in the morning will clear the excessive oil produced while you were sleep. Choose a mild, non-comedongenic cleanser that is soap and alcohol free. Cleansers that contain these ingredients can be too drying to the skin, stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Clay-based cleansers and masks are recommended since the clay helps draw out the oil in the skin. Be careful to avoid over cleansing, as this can also lead to drying out the skin.
#2 Exfoliation Blackhead Facial Treatment
Getting rid of the oil on your skin is only half the battle. The second part of facial blackhead treatments involve sloughing off the dead skin to prevent pore build-up. The best way to do so is by exfoliating once or twice a week. Avoid using harsh scrubs, and choose a gentle exfoliation product that is made of fine micro-beads. Alternatively, you can use a gentle salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide products which chemically exfoliate the skin. Exfoliate gently, preferably in a circular motion, to avoid skin irritation and damage.
#3 Keep Oil Absorbing Sheets With You
Oil absorbing sheets are a great addition to a blackheads treatment since they are brilliant for keeping your oily skin under control throughout the day. These sheets are very easy to use: you just take a sheet and gently blot the oily areas of the face. Oil blotting sheets are readily available (you can get it at any local drugstore) and relatively inexpensive. But if your face produces oil every 10 minutes, the cost of buying sheets can add up quickly. Alternatively you can cut up thin tissue paper (like clean toilet seat covers), which can be more cost effective.
It’s much easier to prevent blackheads than to remove them. Keep your skin clear with a basic blackhead treatment by cleansing, exfoliating, and blotting your face throughout the day. Before you know it, you will be on your way to having clear, blackhead free skin.
If you’re still trying to figure out how to get rid of blackheads, and haven’t found much success, then you may be surprised that the best blackhead removal products may already be sitting in your refrigerator.
Take a tomato, for example. If you think that big juicy tomato in your fridge is only good for a garden salad or club sandwich, then think again! Packed full of nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, tomatoes have powerful ingredients that are good for your skin and overall health. Tomatoes are particularly beneficial for normalizing oily skin, helping to to prevent and clear blackhead and acne breakouts.
If the thought of eating tomatoes make you cringe, don’t fret! You don’t neccessarily have to ingest tomatoes to reap the wondrous benefits, as you can just apply it directly to the skin. The tomato is a natural astrigent, great for both cooling the skin and tightening pores. Rich in vitamins A and C, tomatoes brighten dull skin and encourages healthy skin production. Here a few blackheads home remedy recipes that you can start using right now to reap the benefits of healther skin:
Basic Tomato Facial
This recipe is especially good if you’re short on time. You will need one small tomato, cut in half. Rub the half on your face, and let the juice sit on your face for at least 5 minutes. Follow up with a cool water rinse.
Basic Tomato Cleansing Mask for Oily Skin
Extract the pulp from a ripe tomato. Liberally apply the pulp to your face and neck, allowing the to skin soak in the juice for 15-20 minutes. Immediately rinse with cold water to seal in the moisture and close the pores. You can also add honey to the tomato juice for additional moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties.
Tomato and Avocado Cleansing Mask
The combination of avocado and tomato is good for reducing oil, soothing and softening the skin. This recipe is recommended for those with combination or oily skin. Smash and mix a small ripe tomato and avocado. Once mixed, apply the mixture to your face, and let is sit for 20-30 minutes. Follow up with a tepid water rinse.
Tomato and Lime Pore Reducing Mask
Squeeze a tablespoon of tomato juice from a fresh ripe tomato, and mix this with 2-4 drops of fresh lime juice. Apply to the skin and let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cold water to further shrink pores.
***Here’s another tip: If you’re out of tomatoes, but happen to have a can of tomato paste in your pantry, you can use the paste as a mask for removing blackheads as well.****
Now you know how to get rid of blackheads naturally as all of these treatments above are effective for cutting through the oil in your skin, which will help to prevent blackheads. Tomato treatments are natural and mild, so you can use any of these methods to remove blackheads as much as you like. So the next time you go to buy a tomato for your salad, pick up an extra one to give your skin a treat!
Pore strips are very useful tools for blackhead removal. However, if you’re a constant sufferer of blackheads, then these adhesives can be quite costly in the long run. Fortunately, you can make your own “pore strips” quickly, easily, and most importantly cheaply!
Making your strips will require two ingredients that you can easily obtain at your local grocery store. You need 1 1/2 Tablespoons of milk and one Tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (Knox brand is the most commonly used for this recipe). Mix the milk and gelatin together and warm in the microwave for ten seconds. Using a clean wedge or cotton ball/pad, apply the mixture to the blackhead affected areas, avoiding the eyes. Keep the concoction on your face for 10-15 minutes to completely dry. When the mixture is dry and hardened, it will form a film. Gently peel off the film, and voila, you’re blackheads are gone!
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.
One of the ugly side effects of having blackheads is enlargement of the pores. Keeping your skin as clear as possible and sticking with a blackhead treatment regimen regularly should help prevent your pores from getting bigger. But is there anything you can do to reduce the size of pores once they are enlarged? This is a great video giving advice on how to just that.
You’re doing everything you can to get rid of those pesky blackheads but they always seem to come back with a vengeance! You do all the steps for removing blackheads: steam, exfoliate, cleanse, and even avoid popping them with your fingers to no avail. Nothing you do seems to help.
The problem could be in your pillowcase. Every night, oil is absorbed by your pillow as you are sleeping. If you’re not changing your pillowcase regularly, you may be “reinfecting” your pores with oil. Try changing your pillowcase every day to avoid reintroducing oil to your skin. If this isn’t possible, make sure that you don’t sleep on the same pillow case for more than three nights in a row. This should help alleviate some of your blackhead woes.
Have you ever used a “blackhead treatment” product that seemed to have made your condition even worse ? Ever been puzzled why that “oil-free” cleanser makes you break out even more? Well the culprit just may be in the ingredients. The term “oil-free” can often be misleading. Oil free commonly refers to the absence of mineral oil in a product. But there may be some synthetic derivatives of oil or other irritants that may be harmful to acne prone skin. Below are four ingredients you should look out for in your blackhead treatment products.
1. Lanolin
Lanolin is one of the most common ingredients in cosmetic products, used for skin moisturization. Lanolin, in its natural form, is the oil from sheep skin extracted from wool. Pure lanolin in this form may or may not be harmful to those with acne. Some argue that pure lanolin will not cause breakouts; others claim that the fatty acids of lanolin share similarities to the fatty acids of sebum, which can trigger acne in those who are predisposed to the condition.
Most cosmetics on the market do not use pure lanolin, but synthetic derivatives. Synthetic lanolins, such as acetylated and etoxylated lanolins, are definitely oily, comedogenic and should be avoided at all costs. These lanolins actually penetrate the pores better than natural lanolin. If you decide to use lanolin, only use pure natural lanolin oil, and test a small patch of skin to check for adverse effects.
2. SD Alcohol
SD Alcohol is a denatured alcohol used as a solvent. SD alcohol used as a main ingredient, can be irritating and overly drying the skin, causing overproduction of oil to compensate for dryness. Small amounts of SD Alcohol may not be a cause for concern, and is sometimes used in conjunction with salicylic acid.
3. Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl Myristate is often used as a thickening agent to help a smoother application of a product. This penetrating oil is known to clog pores, aggravate acne and can cause some allergic reactions to the skin. There are also other chemical compounds that act similar to isopropy myristate that should be avoided. The most commonly used are: isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isothermal, putty sterate, isostearyl neopentonate, myristyl myristate, decyl oleate, octyl sterate, octyl palmitate and isocetyl stearate and PPG myristyl propionate. You will definitely want to put any product with these ingredients back on the shelf!
4. D & C Pigments
D & C pigments are dyes that give some products red coloring. Some of these dyes are derived from coal tars known to be comedogenic. Some of these dyes including D & C Red #9 and D & C Red #40, have been tested for comedogenicity; these were found to be the most problematic of the various red pigments.
***A note on mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum)...****
I myself have been guilty of advising anyone with acne or blackheads to stay away from this ingredient. Mineral oil has gotten a bad rep for clogging pores, exacerbating acne problems. However,a 2005 study published the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, states this is a myth - finding that cosmetic grade mineral oil is not comedogenic at all. Though some may experience sensitivity to mineral oil, it is not generally a cause of concern.
It’s important to note that everyone is different, and your skin may or may not react adversely to the above ingredients. If you notice any of these ingredients in your products that seems to work well, keep using it. On the other hand, if you are using products with these ingredients that don’t seem to be working for you, stop using them immediately. When shopping for a blackhead removal treatment, opt for labeling that states it is “non-comodegenic” instead of “oil-free”.
Ahhhh…you know that refreshed feeling you get after getting a facial at a spa? Well you can have that everyday with a steam facial! I cannot stress enough how important it is to incorporate steam facials into your blackhead removal arsenal. Exposing your face to warm moisture helps open up your clogged pores, loosening debris and toxins buried deep in the skin. And it is absolutely essential to do if you squeeze your blackheads.
Steam not only helps to alleviate blackhead issues, but also has other skin benefits such as stimulating the skin’s blood circulation, opening of clogged sinus and nasal passages, hydrating and rejuvenating the outer layer of skin. And since facial steaming is a very inexpensive and relaxing treat, it’s just an all around win-win situation!
Now there are several ways you can steam. One of the easiest ways is by taking advantage of the steam from your daily shower. When you take your shower everyday, make sure all doors are securely shut to trap in the moisture. Then you can make the shower as hot as you can withstand. You can also fill up a bowl with hot water, draping a towel over your head as you place your face over the steam. If you’re pressed for time, you can also create a warm compress with a washcloth and hot water; just placed the compress over your face, and let those pores open up.
The best way to steam is by using a portable facial steamer. Investing in a facial steamer is a great investment for anyone who suffers from acne, and they’re not at all expensive. What sets facial steamers apart from the other methods is the different settings, which gives you the ability to control the amount of steam. This is especially great for those who feel like they are suffocating when breathing in steam. And, since they are portable, you can take your facial steamer with you wherever you go.
With a portable facial steamer, you can treat yourself to a spa blackhead treatment in the comfort of your own home!
You can also add essential oils to your steam for additional benefits. Essential oils are emollient and help soften, moisturize, and lubricate the skin. Some oils also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For oily skin prone to blackheads, essential oils of fennel, rosemary, and lemon can be beneficial.
When you steam, do so for at least 5-10 minutes for maximum benefits. There are no adverse side effects from steaming, so you can do so as often as you like. However, you should steam no less than 3-4 times a week.
Well don’t just sit there… get to steaming! Your face will thank you for it!
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.
Yes, there are effective blackhead removal treatments, and you can begin the steps towards having clearer skin starting now! Truth is, any form of acne, especially blackheads, can be unsightly and the source of self-consciousness and embarrassment. Fortunately, you can empower yourself by understanding the cause of blackheads and deciding what removal method works best for you.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, also known as comedones, are a direct cause of an acne problem. These unsightly blemishes form when a hair follicle is partially blocked by sebum and dead skin cells. Sebum, the body’s natural oil, is secreted in excess due to overactive sebaceous glands. The blackhead’s close relative, the whitehead, is also a comedone, but forms when the follicles are almost completely closed. The excessive production of sebum can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and reaction to the external environment.
Contrary to what some may believe, the black coloring of blackheads are not caused by dirt trapped in the pores or follicles. Incidentally, the color comes from melanin oxidation. When the follicles are open, melanin (skin pigmentation) gets exposed to air. When the melanin reacts to the oxygen in the air, the darkening of the comedone ensues.
Who can get blackheads?
Anyone can get blackheads, and most of us have had at least one blackhead in our lifetime. Most likely, anyone who has oily or combination skin is more vulnerable to getting blackheads. Also, improper removal of debris and makeup is also a recipe for blackhead disaster. Blackheads can affect both adults and teenagers, male and female. However, teenagers are generally more susceptible to blackheads due to the hormonal changes of the body, which may cause excessive oil production.
How can I get rid of blackheads?
The great news is that blackheads can be treated. The key to blackhead removal is keeping the skin clean and clear of oil and debris. You also will want to avoid squeezing blackheads with your fingernails as this can cause scarring and possibly further infection, leading to more severe form of acne known as cysts.
The purpose of this site is to explore the different options of prevention and removal of blackheads including topical treatments, medications, blackhead removal tools, diet, and natural remedies. Please keep in mind that every body is different, and there is no one size fits all approach to treating blackheads. The content of this site is for informational purposes only; it is not a substitution for medical treatment, and it is not to be used as a diagnosis or prescription for any disease or condition.
To win the war against blackheads, you need a solid blackhead removal gameplan. And this gameplan is to ultimately keep your skin as clean and clear of oil/debris as much as possible. Finding the right skin care regimen can be particularly challenging as you find the right products that work for you by trial and error. Here are four basic steps that anyone can take to fight blackheads, regardless of skin type.
#1 Steam it up!
It has been mentioned before how important steam is for opening and deep cleansing of the pores. Take advantage of warm moisture by taking a hot shower, or invest in a portable facial steamer. Alternatively, you can create a warm compress with a washcloth and place over the face. Steaming is gentle enough to do daily.
#2 Exfoliate
You must stay on top of removing dead skin cells to alleviate your blackhead issues. Choose a micro-bead exfoliation product that is gentle and won’t cause damage or irritation to your skin. You can also use oatmeal or baking soda as a natural exfoliant. Be as gentle as possible, lightly scrubbing in a circular fashion.
Alternatively, you can use products with low potency salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which exfoliate deep into the pores. Do not exfoliate more than 2-3 times a week.
#3 Cleanse
Cleansing is important for preventing and removing oil build-up. You need to cleanse your skin twice a day, in the evening and in the morning. Cleansing in the morning ensures that you remove excess oil produce while you were sleep; cleansing in the evening gets rid of the oil and pollutants accumulated during the day. You should you a mild soap-and alcohol free cleanser to prevent exacerbation of your condition. Clay-based cleansers are especially recommended for oily skin types since they are effective at drawing out the oil from your skin. You can use a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide as well.
After cleansing, you may want to use an astringent to kill bacteria.
#4 Close Your Pores
After cleansing your skin, you will want to close your pores which were opened from steaming. This can easily be done by using cold water as your final rinse. You should also follow up with a toner that will also help to close and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
