Blackhead Extraction

Blackheads are a form of acne that are caused by small plugs in the opening of pores on the skin. They appear as small, black spots. There are a number of blackhead removal methods.

Steam & Heat

• Before you attempt to extract blackheads by any means, make sure you first open your pores with heat or steam. This can be accomplished by placing a hot, damp washcloth over your skin for a few minutes.

Pore Strips

• Commercial pore strips (like Ponds and Biore) remove blackheads by placing a strip over the blemish on moistened skin. Once your skin is dry, pull off the strip along with the debris from inside the blackhead.

Gentle Squeezing

• If you plan to squeeze a blackhead by hand, always cover your fingers with a tissue or wear soft gloves. Placing your fingernails directly into the blackhead can leave your skin red or lead to an infection.

Extractors

• Blackhead removal devices, such as the fine loop extractor, work by placing the loop over the blackhead and softly pushing down until it is gently forced out of the pore.

Exfoliation

• Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week will help discard dead skin that can clog pores and lead to the formation of new blackheads.