“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.
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.
Blackhead extractor tools are readily available online or in pharmacies, and are effective at removing both blackheads and whiteheads. However, it's important to learn how to use this tool properly, because if used incorrectly, it can cause permanent skin damage and scarring.
King says blackhead vacuums can lead to skin damage if you use high suction, especially if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Common unwanted side effects include: bruising. micro-tears.
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.
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.
“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.
To begin, place a warm, damp cloth over the blackhead for several minutes to help open the pore and make the plug easier to remove. Then, place the extractor loop around the blackhead. Add pressure until the buildup is released – but never try to force the contents as this can damage the skin.
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.
Don't squeeze the pores on your nose
It's tempting to squeeze your pores. While it may get rid of the darker dots short term, it can also: damage skin tissue. enlarge the pores.
'Petroleum jelly dilutes the dried up oxidized oil, creating a hard-topped plug of oil in the pore which is then easier to squeeze out and clear. '
“We commonly perform chemical peels with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid in addition to microdermabrasion to remove sticky skin cells and unblock pores, thus reducing acne formation,” he said.
Complications from a blackhead
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.
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.
Blackheads look like black dots that have formed on your skin. Blackheads are called open comedones. Comedones are the skin-colored bumps that form when you have a pimple. In the case of blackheads, these comedones consist of follicles beneath your skin with very large openings, or pores.
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.
The bottom line. Removing a blackhead once in a while is safe for most people, but it's important not to make a habit out of removing them yourself. If you have recurring blackheads, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can help you address them with more permanent treatment options.
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.
Apply salicylic acid gel
Salicylic acids can help dissolve the keratin that clogs pores, causing blackheads. It's also an effective exfoliant, but you'll want to use it only on areas of the body that are experiencing whiteheads or blackheads.
They look like tiny blackheads, but it's actually large or prominent pores. Pore strips won't help this at all. No matter how often you use pore strips, they're never going to get rid of your blackheads completely. For that, you will need a different treatment.
"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 stuff you squeeze out of them is pus, which contains dead white blood cells.