Blackheads or open comedones occur when your pores become filled with sebum, oil that is produced to keep the skin soft. When the sebum is exposed to the air, it turns black. A variety of blackhead removal methods, from creams applied to unplug the pore to manual removal methods. A blackhead extractor, a tool created specifically for blackhead removal, can help to remove your blackheads---but can lead to scarring if not carefully used.
Significance
While blackhead extractor tools come in a variety of types, at their most basic level they consist of some type of metal that is the length of a tweezer or pencil, according to Care Fair. The blackhead extractor features one or more holes. When pressure is applied to the skin, the hole will serve as the area where the blackhead will come through. A blackhead extractor can serve as an alternative to using your fingers to apply pressure to the skin around the blackhead.
Types
Several types of blackhead extractors exist and some may be better indicated for home use. For example, dermatologists and aestheticians utilize a blackhead extractor that features a sharp lancet on one end to loosen the blackhead and a loop on the other side to remove it, according to Acne Talks. This extractor is not recommended for home use because it can pierce the skin, resulting in inflammation and potential scarring. Extractors that are safer for home use include a metal loop extractor that features a metal loop on one end or a double-spoon extractor, which features two spoon-like ends, one with a large hole and the other with a small hole, according to Care Fair. This type of extractor is most commonly used on large blackheads.
Safety Concerns
Many physicians advise against utilizing blackhead extractors or other manual methods of removing blackheads because at-home manual blackhead removal can cause scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to develop, according to DERMA Doctor, a dermatologist-reviewed skincare resource website. These skin conditions can occur because utilizing a blackhead extractor causes you to place extra pressure on the skin's pore. This can rupture the pore wall, resulting in damage to the skin's deeper layers. Additionally, a blackhead extractor can introduce bacteria into the skin's pores, which can make acne worse.
Solution
If you are going to pick at your skin, a blackhead extractor can be a good tool if properly used. Prior to use, you should thoroughly clean the tool with an antibacterial soap or place it in an antibacterial sanitizer that can remove any unwanted bacteria. Before using the extractor on your skin, steam the pores to make the blackhead come out more easily, according to DERMA Doctor. You also should wash the face or affected area to remove any excess dirt and oils that can linger. Then, place the extractor over the blackhead and gently apply pressure. The blackhead should pop out fairly easily.
Warning
If the blackhead does not pop out with your first application of pressure, avoid using the blackhead extractor on the same area again. This is for safety reasons--- continued pressure to the area can cause the pore to rupture, resulting in scarring, according to DERMA Doctor. Even after this pressure, your blackhead still may not come out---and you have created an area of scarring.
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