While cellophane tape could possibly remove surface dead skin cells, it's unclear how effective this method is in removing clogged gunk in your pores. Don't use masking, duct, industrial, or any other type of tape that could be harmful to your skin.
Manual removal
A comedone extractor tool is one way to safely remove blackheads.
But while her trick has sparked a frenzy of excitement online, dermatologists are warning against using petroleum jelly on the face to expunge clogged pores, insisting the method is counter-intuitive and will only backfire and cause to even worse issues.
If you've ever had blackheads on your face, then you've probably noticed holes on your skin after they're removed. These are just enlarged pores, and they should heal on their own. However, if this is taking too long, then you might have a scar or loose pores. This sounds bad, but don't worry!
Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin soft. Dead skin cells and oils collect in the opening to the skin follicle, producing a bump called a comedo.
This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores. Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it's too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.
Not only can you cause damage to your skin, but also, blackheads aren't as harmful to your skin as you might think. "It is very tempting to squeeze blackheads. Blackheads are dilated pores filled with keratin, or dead skin cells," Anna Guanche, board-certified dermatologist and beauty expert, told INSIDER.
'You should absolutely not squeeze blackheads. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin,' she says. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin.
So, what's the catch? Unfortunately, Dr. Tzu says that "none of the removal methods are permanent or 100% satisfactory." As long as dead skin cells and oils continue to accumulate in your pores, you will continue to have blackheads.
“Some blackheads can persist for days, weeks, or even months if not extracted, while your body usually clears small whiteheads within a week to 10 days,” says dermatologist Laurel Geraghty, M.D. These tweaks to your skin-care routine can help.
A dilated pore of Winer forms similar to a blackhead pimple, where dead skin cells clog the pore (hair follicle). As a result, the dead skin cells in the pore create a protein (sebum and keratin) that collects and plugs up the pore, causing the pore to enlarge (dilate).
Aloe vera has natural properties in abundance and works as a cooling agent for the skin. It has also become a very popular skincare ingredient over the years. It is soothing for the skin and works well for cleansing pores and blackhead removal.
In the case of blackheads, these comedones consist of follicles beneath your skin with very large openings, or pores. When you have blackheads, these large pores become clogged with a substance known as sebum. A chemical reaction with the sebum occurs under your skin.
Attempting to squeeze, pop, or extract the blackheads on your nose on your own and without professional help can result in redness, irritation, or permanent scarring.
Honey is best for red, inflamed blemishes. Rather than cleaning out the pore to remove dirt and impurities, the honey draws out excess water. This means it isn't the best option for treating blackheads or open acne.
Do blackheads go away on their own? Blackheads can sometimes go away on their own — it depends on how deep blackheads are in your skin. If a blackhead is close to the surface of your skin, it's more likely to go away on its own. However, some blackheads can be deeply embedded in your skin.
Symptoms of a blackhead
Comedones usually show up on your skin when your pores clog and the pore turn color. You might notice one forming before it turns dark as the dead skin cells collect in the pore. You may see some slight swelling around the clogged pore or notice the blackhead slowly becoming larger over time.
Be aware that most blackheads are caused by overproduction of natural oils in your skin. Even if you find a product that helps you remove blackheads, they'll keep coming back unless you address the underlying cause. For stubborn blackheads, consider see an aesthetician or a dermatologist for an extraction.
Toothpaste is a popular beauty hack for getting rid of blackheads. While toothpaste does contain some blackhead-fighting ingredients, it may also contain unwanted ingredients that can irritate skin. Using toothpaste to remove blackheads is considered an off-label treatment and is not recommended by dermatologists.