Blackheads are pockets of oil and bacteria trapped in the pores. When you squeeze, you risk rupturing the skin around the blackhead, spreading the bacteria and creating new blemishes. You also increase your risk for scarring. For these reasons, avoid squeezing your blackheads. Instead, use a specialized tool called a comedone, or blackhead, remover, which presses the oil out of the pores without squeezing the tissues. Comedone tools are available at beauty supply stores or through online retailers that specialize in acne treatments. Consult your doctor or dermatologist before removing blackheads on your own, especially if you are prone to scarring.
Step 1
Wash your face with soap and warm water or with an acne cleanser. Washing will remove any residual dirt and bacteria from the surface of your skin.
Step 2
Pat your face dry with a soft washcloth or towel. Do not rub, which can irritate your skin and spread blemishes.
Step 3
Use a hands-free magnifying mirror to give you a good view of the blackhead.
Step 4
Place the loop of the blackhead removal tool over the blackhead. The loop should encircle the pore like a lasso.
Step 5
Press the tool gently into your skin. The pressure should cause the oil inside the pore to ooze out. If nothing happens, stop applying pressure -- it means the oil in the blackhead is too deep and needs a few days to rise to the surface.
Step 6
Wipe the oil away and disinfect the pore with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or an acne astringent.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are unable to find a comedone tool, use pore cleaning strips per the manufacturer's instructions. The pore cleaning strips have an adhesive that pulls the oil out of the pore and are available in the acne section of most drug stores.
Things You'll Need
- Soap, optional
- Acne cleanser, optional
- Water
- Washcloth or towel
- Hands-free magnifying mirror
- Blackhead removal tool
- Cotton balls
- Alcohol, optional
- Acne astringent, optional
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