With the tweezer body perpendicular (curved part of tips in contact with the skin) to the area to be extracted and using the round, curved ends, gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release.
Yes, it is generally not recommended to pull blackheads out with tweezers. This method can cause skin damage, irritation, and scarring. It can also push the blockage further into the pore, leading to more significant issues like infection or inflammation.
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant. A wealth of research suggests salicylic acid helps treat acne.
To extract blackheads, you need to properly squeeze the skin with your fingers or use a tool to remove material that's clogging a pore. A professional esthetician can remove blemishes, including blackheads, during a facial treatment, or you can do it yourself at home. Be sure to also follow proper steps for aftercare.
Applying toothpaste on blackheads: Yes, there's an idea circulating the web that you can use toothpaste to extract your nose blackheads. Don't buy it! Toothpaste can cause dryness and irritation, causing more skincare troubles than it's worth.
People with blackheads should avoid popping, squeezing, rubbing, touching, or picking at affected areas. Not all acne is treated in the same way. To treat blackheads, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications depending on a particular situation.
Key Takeaways. Blackheads result from clogged pores, often due to factors like hormones, hygiene, and dead skin cell buildup. At times, your skin naturally exfoliates to deal with blackheads, but untreated ones may transform into pimples.
Slugging, or slathering your face with Vaseline, isn't a great way to treat acne. In fact, it can make acne worse for some individuals. You can use Vaseline as a remedy for other skin problems like skin injuries, chafing, or dry skin.
Blackhead treatment and removal
One such ingredient is salicylic acid. This gentle exfoliating ingredient helps dissolve the excess oil and skin cells that cause clogged pores in the first place. Salicylic acid can be found in a range of products such as face washes, toners, and other acne treatments.
Cleansers that combine both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are very effective at treating blackheads, says Burke. Lactic acid: Lactic acid is an exfoliant that helps break up dead skin cells and unclog pores, says Spey.
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.
Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars. Because popping isn't the way to go, patience is the key. Your pimple will disappear on its own, and by leaving it alone you're less likely to be left with any reminders that it was there.
If a person squeezes or 'extracts' a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out. Or, the filament may not produce anything. Trying to extract sebaceous filaments can injure the skin and cause scarring. It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger.
“Toothpaste and baking soda can both be very damaging to the skin, causing dryness and irritation,” explains Shah. Jegasothy adds, “I have seen more patients have problems from applying toothpaste to their face than to have ever successfully treated their blackheads.” Verdict: Not worth it.
Deep blackheads are caused by blackheads sitting underneath the skin for months or sometimes even longer [4]. It's not uncommon to have a deep blackhead for years if you don't find the right extraction method.
Extractions – for those who have numerous blackheads or whiteheads, a dermatologist may recommend an extraction. It can be tempting to pop pimples at home, but this increases the risk of scarring, inflammation, and infection. Professional extractions are a safe and effective option for whitehead and blackhead removal.
Turmeric & Honey Mask
When combined with honey, it creates a potent mask that not only combats blackheads but also brightens and rejuvenates the skin. Mix a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric powder to form a paste, apply it to your face, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.