Blackheads -- a type of acne known as comedone -- are small bumps embedded in the pores of your skin. These bumps are often black-ish or yellow-ish in color and can occur very deep in the pores. Blackheads form as the result of dirt and bacteria entering the pores. They are considered the first stage of acne. An infection or inflammation of a blackhead can lead to a full acne lesion. Blackheads can be made worse by oil accumulating on the skin -- such as the oil found in many make-ups. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to treat these unwanted blackhead lesions.
Step 1
Use a gentle facial cleanser on your face twice per day. Prevention is the best way of dealing with very deep blackheads. Keep your skin clean to prevent the accumulation of dirt, oil and bacteria on your skin, which can lead to blackheads.
Step 2
Open up your pores with hot water to help loosen the yellow or black infections festering in your skin. Soak a towel in hot water and allow the towel to lie on your face for several minutes. Steam can help to open your pores. This makes it easier to remove deep blackheads.
Step 3
Use a pore strip. Blackheads commonly occur on the nose. Purchase a box of pore strips from a drug store or beauty store. Apply the pore strip to your nose. Let the strip dry -- this may take 10 to 15 minutes. When dry, remove the strip from your nose. You should notice blackhead lesions on the pore strip as you remove it.
Step 4
Use a blackhead extractor for more stubborn blackheads. Clean the extractor with rubbing alcohol. Gently place the circular portion of the extractor on the blackhead you wish to extract. Press down on the extractor's handle to remove the blemish from your skin without breaking the surrounding skin. You will notice the infection being squeezed out of your skin. Press until nothing comes out of the lesion. Sterilize the extractor and repeat this on other blackheads.
Step 5
Apply a thin layer of antiseptic cream to all removed blackheads. This can prevent infections from forming in open pores.
Tips and Warnings
- Use an oil-free make-up and avoid using make-up when you do not need to. This can help prevent deep blackheads from forming.
- If you are unable to successfully remove deep blackheads on your own, visit with a dermatologist for treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Pore strips
- Blackhead extractor
- Gentle facial cleanser
- Antiseptic cream
References
- "How to Get Rid of Blackheads"; Claude Massey; Jun. 24, 2011
- Medical News Today: What are Blackheads?; May 22, 2007
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