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!
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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.
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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!
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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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