Acne is America's most common skin disorder with 17 to 45 million sufferers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The UMMC describes a blackhead as "a plugged follicle that opens and turns dark at the surface of the skin." Such acne does not mean that your skin is dirty. Rather, it comes from a variety of places including genetics, hormonal changes, friction on the skin, excess oil produced by the skin or dead skin cells irritating your pores.
Squeezing
Step 1
Clean your skin thoroughly. Make sure to rinse away all of the cleanser when you are done. This helps you to avoid a secondary breakout or infection.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin using a hydroxy acid product or a light exfoliating scrub. Apply the exfoliating agent by gently rubbing it around the affected area with your fingers for a few minutes. This removes excess dead skin, making blackhead extraction easier.
Step 3
Remove any excess exfoliating agent with a clean sponge by gently wiping the area.
Step 4
Steam your face. You can do this with a facial steamer, a hot shower or even a towel soaked in hot water.
Step 5
Put on a pair of rubber gloves.
Step 6
Select an area of skin approximately 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch wide. Stretch the skin of the affected area with your fingers by lightly pressing down and pulling your fingers in opposite directions until the skin is pulled taut.
Step 7
Create a small mound of skin around the area of the blackhead by pushing your fingers down into the skin and then toward one another. Squeeze the mound gently until the blackhead is extracted. Wipe any material that is expelled away with your gloved finger.
Step 8
Sterilize the area with an antibacterial wipe designed for the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Another way to remove a blackhead is by using a strip designed for this purpose. Apply the strip for ten minutes or as directed before gently peeling the strip off. A magnifying mirror can help you view blackheads more closely.
- Do not pinch the skin around a blackhead. This damages the skin and creates the risk of a secondary breakout. Never extract inflamed, infected or otherwise aggravated blackheads as this can lead to scarring and secondary breakouts.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Hydroxy acid cleaner or exfoliating scrub
- Clean sponge
- Towel or facial steamer
- Rubber gloves
- Antibacterial wipes
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