How to Extract a Blackhead Properly
Practically everyone gets blackheads from time to time, but that doesn't mean you have to live with them. Blackheads are from oil that gets caught in your skin and expands in your pores. When you expose this oil to the air, the oil turns black. You can take steps to prevent blackheads, but if you get them, you can get rid of them by following a few easy steps. You will look better and feel better about yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cleanser
- Exfoliant
- Steam
- Washcloth
- Magnifying mirror
- Gloves or tissue paper
- Anti-bacterial wipe
- Clay mask
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean your face. You have to have a clean canvas before you start working on getting rid of the blackheads, says Annet King from the International Dermal Institute on the Total Beauty website. Remove all the cleanser by giving your face a good rinsing.
-
2
Exfoliate the skin where you have blackheads for a few minutes using gentle scrubbing motions with your fingertips. This helps to lift the dead skin cells and impacted oils, making it easier to get rid of the blackheads. Remove the exfoliant.
-
-
3
Steam your face with a facial steamer, if you have one. If not, you can steam your face by taking a hot shower.
-
4
Hold a hot washcloth over your face. This softens your skin and opens the pores.
-
5
Look into a magnifying mirror to help you see the area better.
-
6
Cover your fingertips either by wearing gloves or by wrapping your index fingers with tissue.
-
7
Stretch the skin where you have the blackhead. Roll your fingertips underneath the area where the blackhead is, creating a mound. The blackhead should come out easily. Wipe it away and go on to the next area.
-
8
Sterilize your skin when you are done by wiping it with an anti-bacterial wipe.
-
9
Apply a clay mask to purify the skin, soothe the skin and reduce redness. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and remove.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can help prevent blackheads by using oil-free, water-based products, according to "Marie Claire" magazine. Some products say they are noncomedogenic, which is good for this condition. Noncomedogenic products help your pores from becoming clogged.
Products that contain Retin-A are also good to prevent blackheads. Retin-A exfoliates the skin, opens pores and cleans out the blackheads.
An exfoliant or scrub that contains hydroxyl acid might be a good choice.
Make sure the lighting is good in the room when you are extracting blackheads.
If you try to remove blackheads without first washing your face, you risk infection or more breakouts.
Do not use your fingernails and come over the blackhead to squeeze. This could hurt, break the skin and cause an infection.
Do not force the blackhead out. You could damage your skin.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit woman washing her face image by Jarek Miarka from Fotolia.com
