Comedones, or blackheads, are a kind of acne that are commonly found on the face or shoulders, embedded into the pores of the skin. They are generally blackish or dark yellow in color. Blackheads are caused when skin pores get plugged up with excess skin oil, called sebum, or dead skin cells. Many over-the-counter skin products can eliminate blackheads. However, these products can be costly, may take many months before you can see results and may cause further skin irritations, like redness and itchiness. You can easily remove blackheads at home with an instrument used by professional aestheticians and dermatologists called a blackhead extractor, or comedone extractor.
Step 1
Rinse the extractor with water and dishwashing liquid. Place it in a tall glass or bowl filled with disinfecting fluid such as isopropyl alcohol or Barbicide. Leave the extractor submerged in the solution for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 2
Wash your face with antimicrobial soap and water to help remove dirt, germs and excess skin oil.
Step 3
Steam your face by leaning over a bowl filled with hot water so your face is about 15 inches above the water. This will help soften the blackheads and make them much easier to extract. You can also place a warm, wet towel over your face for 10 minutes if you don't want to apply steam.
Step 4
Place the looped side of the blackhead extractor over a blackhead and push down slowly and gently until the trapped sebum is forced out of the skin follicle. Repeat for the other blackheads on your face. Use a lighted magnifying mirror to help locate the blackheads, especially the small ones.
Step 5
Splash cold water on your face to close the skin pores. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to disinfect your skin and help prevent infections. Rinse the blackhead remover with alcohol and store it in a clean container.
Tips and Warnings
- You can purchase a blackhead extractor at your local pharmacy or beauty supply store. Always wash your hands before extracting blackheads.
- Never use your fingers to pop the blackheads. Doing so can cause skin infections.
Things You'll Need
- Blackhead extractor
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Bowl
- Dishwashing liquid
- Antimicrobial soap
References
- "How to Pop a Zit: The Aesthetician's Guide to Extractions"; Rupa Vickers; 2008
- "Clinical Dermatology"; Thomas P. Habif, M.D.; 2003
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