If you get blackheads, you might already know you shouldn't pinch or squeeze them — but you do have plenty of different options for removing them. One of the more recently popular methods of blackhead removal involves using a pore vacuum, also known as a blackhead vacuum.
Pore vacuums use gentle suction to dislodge and remove the collection of dead skin cells, sebum, and dirt that clog pores and become blackheads. They definitely dislodge debris (as evidenced by the collection of grime on the nozzle), but it's not a once-and-done solution.
“It is possible for the device to exacerbate skincare issues like rosacea or active acne,” says Diaz. [The pore vacuum] could also cause mild irritation like redness and/or broken capillaries or bruising if the setting is too intense or the person has very sensitive skin."
Poor results are only one of the risks of trying to vacuum your pores yourself – or have it done by someone without experience. If too much suction is applied to the skin you can suffer bruising or a condition called telangiectasias. “Telangiectasias are small broken blood vessels in the skin,” said Rice.
Close the holes temporarily with cold water.
Cold water makes your pores contract, which makes them look smaller. Try splashing some cold water on your face or holding a cold washcloth against the blackhead holes. This won't shrink them permanently, but it works as a good temporary fix.
Overuse. According to Zeichner, you should start a vacuum once per week at first, as your skin begins to tolerate it, before progressing to twice or three times per week.
“Pore vacuums certainly can be an effective tool in helping to regularly clear pore congestion, however they're not essential component to a skincare routine,” says Dr. Reszko.
According to board-certified dermatologists Joshua Zeichner, MD and Lily Talakoub, MD, the answer is generally yes. "Pore vacuums offer mild suction to help remove blackheads from the skin," Dr. Zeichner explains.
For starters, you should wash your face and disinfect the tip of the pore vacuum to ensure that you're working with a clean, germ-free surface and tool. Secondly, Dr. Zalka recommends gently steaming your face to 'open up' the pores and loosen the debris deep within.
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.
It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger. When a person extracts a blackhead, the dark plug may come off. Beneath it, there may be white or yellow sebum and skin cells. The American Academy of Dermatology advise against squeezing or popping acne of any kind.
The Skin-Compromising Consequences
“Squeezing, picking, pulling, prodding—all of that can stretch the elastic around the pores, which makes them wider and larger, and they won't bounce back into shape. Ultimately, your pores will look larger and become increasingly more visible.
How often should I suction my face? King doesn't recommend suctioning your face. Instead, she recommends other options, such as retinoids and salicylic acid. If you do want to try suctioning, she suggests limiting it to once per week.
Studies have also shown that large, cystic comedones can be successfully treated with the help of a blackhead extractor. Blackhead extractor tools are readily available online or in pharmacies, and are effective at removing both blackheads and whiteheads.
"They're clogged pores or hair follicles that collect sebum (the natural oil that the glands on our face make), dirt, skin cells, and bacteria," she said. "They are more likely to form on the nose because the nose has lots of glands." Sarkar noted that not every black spot on your nose is a blackhead, though.
The white stuff that comes out of your pores like thin strings when you squeeze your nose is called a sebaceous filament. It's mostly made up of sebum (oil that your skin produces) and dead skin cells. This substance typically collects in pores around your nose and chin.
Although people can pop some noninflamed whiteheads and blackheads if they take the necessary precautions, they should never try to pop or extract inflamed acne. This type of acne is deeper in the skin and may be more likely to cause scarring and infection if a person tries to squeeze it.
Begoun says that although it's possible to use tweezers to remove blackheads, this technique usually won't get rid of the whole thing, and will only get to the uppermost portion of the sebum. “It doesn't reach the root of the problem hiding deeper in the pore lining.
"Although it doesn't work for everyone, many people find that spreading a small amount of Elmer's glue on your nose, letting it dry, and peeling it off can remove oil and blackheads," he says.
The suction power on this thing is great.It doesnt work for pimples under the skin but works good for on the surface pimples. It can hurt a bit but its worth it. It gets all the junk out. After using this i out acne patch on my face to finish the job if there is anything left.
After using a pore cleansing tool, be sure to disinfect and apply moisturizer to soothe your skin. It may feel a little red and tender after the treatment.