Comedone acne outbreaks, commonly called "blackheads," are very common among Americans. Since many people treat acne at home, it's difficult to know the exact number of acne cases each year, but the University of Maryland Medical Center estimates that between 17 million and 45 million Americans suffer from acne. You can manage acne with daily face cleansing, topical medications or other dermatological treatments. However, before you worry about preventing new outbreaks, you need to first remove existing sub-surface blackheads. With the proper technique, you can extract blackheads without a high risk of scarring or infection.
Step 1
Wash your face with antibacterial soap and water. This is especially important if you wear makeup. Cosmetics and bacteria on your skin could irritate or infect your open pores once the sub-surface blackhead is removed.
Step 2
Open your pores using a steam treatment. Blackheads are nothing more than dead skin cells, grease, oil or other debris caught in your pores; opening up your pores makes extraction easier. You don't need to visit a pricey spa to get a good steam treatment. Hold the affected skin over a bowl of hot, steaming water for about 10 minutes. Steam opens pores for easier extraction, according to Medical News Today.
Step 3
Clean your comedone extractor tool with rubbing alcohol to ensure a safe and clean extraction. A comedone extraction tool will allow for cleaner and less painful extraction than if you used your fingers. These tools are available at many department stores where cosmetics are sold.
Step 4
Position the looped end of your comedone extractor around the blackhead, making sure you can see the blackhead debris in the center of the loop.
Step 5
Apply moderate pressure to the comedone extractor. With evenly placed pressure around the sub-surface blackhead, the debris should come out of the pore.
Step 6
Wipe away the blackhead debris with a cotton swab.
Step 7
Apply antibiotic ointment to the site to help prevent potential infection. These products are available over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Comedone extractor
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swab
- Antibiotic ointment
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