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.
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.
In short, yes. “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.
Using them incorrectly will do more harm than good. For instance, improper use of an extraction tool can damage the skin (think: scarring, bruising, and capillary damage), she explains. And not only that, but it may also drive bacteria deeper into the skin, causing a breakout to become even worse.
While extractions are good for unclogging pores and potentially clearing the skin, they won't actually make your pores shrink, and there's a good chance all the buildup you remove will eventually come back.
No pore is safe
Let's put it this way, most skin care pros don't even use metal extractors. Why? Because they are dangerous. They dent in the skin and have no "give," meaning they can push dirt and debris further into the pore, causing infections and even more breakouts.
“Gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release,” she says. “Apply slow and even pressure, and once you are able, lightly pinch the tweezers and pull the blacked out material from the skin to extract it. If the blackhead does not release easily, do not continue to attempt the extraction.”
When to do it again
Extractions aren't a one-off thing. Pores tend to clog up again, meaning you may need regular treatments. Shainhouse, who practices at Beverly Hills' SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care, advises limiting extractions to once or twice a month.
Every specialist is different, but for optimal results, you should plan on getting professional extractions done every four to six weeks, or once to twice a month, depending on your skin needs.
According to board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, pore vacuums are not as effective as they claim to be.
Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores: excess oil. dead skin cells.
How do you get rid of deep blackheads? Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.
Pores can become clogged with excess oil, dead skin, or dirt, or they can appear more prominent as a result of too much sun exposure. Other factors that can influence pores becoming clogged include genetics and hormones.
Extractions, when done correctly, can clear closed comedones (AKA those tiny, flesh-colored bumps that never come to a head, yet never really go away), remove whiteheads and blackheads, and give your skin a newer, fresher foundation for your skincare products to penetrate.
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.
When done right, extractions should not leave any acne scars. However, marks are a normal side effect of extractions due to the pressure on the skin and are temporary.
If pores are infected, the skin can become inflamed and cause acne, which is the inflammation that results from clogged pores. The pores can also become inflamed if the blackhead isn't treated. Other conditions can occur as a consequence of the inflamed tissue if you pop pimples yourself.
Try a gentle face scrub, which acts as a sort of one-two punch for combatting blackheads, providing double the exfoliation powers. "The combination of physical exfoliation from the scrub, along with chemical exfoliation from the salicylic acid, can help keep the pores clear," Dr. Zeichner says.
Blackheads are one of the most common features of acne, a common skin complaint. They appear as tiny black dots on the skin. Blackheads often form on and around the nose, but they can also occur elsewhere on the body. Blackheads, and acne in general, can cause distress and low self-esteem in some people.
Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the skin caused by psoriasis, warts, calluses and dandruff, said Garshick.
Prolonged exposure to the air causes the blockage to oxidize and darken. Because the pore gets stretched out of shape, it will fill back up again even after it is emptied. These stubborn pores are most likely to occur on the face, chest and back.