How to Clean With a Blackhead Extractor

Avoid permanent scarring and more acne by using a blackhead extractor.

Dirt and oil from the environment and from touching the face with dirty hands cause skin blemishes. One common form of blemish is a blackhead, also known as an open comedone, which is a pore clogged with excess oil that turns black when it is exposed to air. Blackheads appear most frequently on the nose, but they can be found on any part of the face. Attempting to remove the blackhead by squeezing it with the fingers leads to inflammation and scarring. Dermatologists recommend using a blackhead extractor, also known as a comedone remover, to safely and cleanly remove blackheads.

Things You'll Need

• Warm washcloth
• Benzoyl peroxide wash
• Towel
• Cotton swabs
• Alcohol
• Tissues
• Antiseptic

Instructions

1. Place a warm washcloth over the affected area to open and soften pores. It is easier to extract blackheads when the pores are open, causing less damage to the skin.

2. Disinfect face with a benzoyl peroxide wash. Clean the entire face thoroughly, preventing excess oil and dirt from being present during extraction. Pat face dry with a clean towel.

3. Clean the blackhead extractor with a cotton swab covered in alcohol to remove dirt and oil from previous uses. Wipe the tool dry with a tissue before use.

4. Place the blackhead extractor on the blackhead, making sure the loop is circling the blackhead. Push down on the blackhead with gentle force. Continue applying pressure until all of the dirt and oil is removed.

5. Disinfect the pore after the dirt and oil is removed with an antiseptic. The pore will appear large, but it will go back to normal quickly.

6. Disinfect the blackhead extractor with alcohol before moving on to the next blackhead. Repeat the same steps, disinfecting the tool and face between each blackhead, until all blackheads are removed.

7. Disinfect the blackhead extractor with alcohol before storing it for the next use. Clean and sanitized tools are the key to preventing more blackheads from forming due to extraction.

Tips & Warnings

• If the blackhead is large or difficult to remove with gentle force, see a dermatologist.

• Do not use scalding hot water to open pores. This could cause burns and permanent scarring.

References

• Nose Cosmetic: Blackheads Removal Using Comedone Remover
• Acne Light: How to Extract Blackheads Using a Lancet With Ring