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Welcome to Dear Derm, our video series in which dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, shares serious skin-care realness. In each episode, she’ll answer your most burning beauty questions and give you all the tools you need to take your glow game to the next level. See All There are a lot of misconceptions out there about blackheads. For example, did you know that they aren't technically pimples? Or that it's oxidation, not dirt, that gives them their signature black color? While there's much confusion about where those pesky clogged pores come from, there's an even greater misunderstanding about how to properly remove them. Case in point: those tried-and-true nose strips aren't all they're cracked up to be. In the latest episode of Dear Derm, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohra, MD, busts some of the most common blackhead myths on the market, and lays out exactly how to get rid of them without doing any permanent damage to your skin. And her go-to, at-home tool? A $5 comedone extractor. First things first, though, it's important to understand what, exactly, a blackhead is. "A blackhead is a tiny pore filled with dead skin cells and sebum," says Dr. Gohara. "When the dead skin cells and oils hit the air, they get what's called 'oxidized,' and turn black... They are not dirt in the pores." Even though they're caused by oils in your skin, they can happen to any skin type—even sensitive and super dry. And unfortunately, they aren't quite so easy to banish. Professional Blackhead Remover Comedone Extractor, $5Enter: extractions, which can be effective... as long as you do them right. Instead of squeezing your face with your fingers (or, even worse, your nails), Dr. Gohara suggests calling in some backup with the help of an at-home comedone extractor. "They're these little instruments that have a circular top, and you can apply a little bit of gentle pressure to the blackhead, and help to extract the contents" she says. As for how to use a blackhead extractor tool? Before you get down to business, start by cleaning the tool with alcohol so that you're not introducing any new bacteria onto your face, then warm your skin with a wash cloth to open up your pores. Use a "less is more" mantra with the pressure you apply, and be sure not to press too hard or drag or scrape the tool, which could risk damage to the skin. Related Stories
While this can be ultra-effective, extractions are only one piece of a multi-ingredient puzzle that you'll need to integrate into your routine to beat blackheads once and for all. To find out what else you need, press play on the video above. And—spoiler alert—your go-to pore strips didn't make the cut. Skin need a little more TLC? Some of our favorite facial pros are offering at-home facials to help ease social distancing. Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Using a blackhead extractor tool is one of the easiest, quickest ways to remove those annoying blockages. Find out exactly how to use one the right way in this article. These cheap small metal tools are such an easy thing to add to your “blackhead eliminating” routine. They’re often used in facials to quickly extract a large area and can be less damaging than squeezing. Particularly good for nose blackheads—the metal loop can be pressed into the side of the nose where no finger can get to. There’s less pressure needed so you won’t end up with a misshapen nose at the end. (See the video after these instructions for a visual demonstration) Remember: be gentle… Steps to extract blackheads:
Here is a good demonstration video (starts at 18secs): How to Use a Blackhead Remover for Nose BlackheadsFirst, use on cleansed skin. A glycolic acid exfoliator can help dissolve surface oil and dead skin cells, and help “open” the pore for easier removal. To use the extractor for nose blackheads, you will need to adjust the angle. You might not be able to get the whole loop over blockages right in the side of your nose. Instead, use the edge of the loop and ease it out, again “scraping” across the top. Always clean the tool after every use to prevent bacteria from growing on it. Remove any gunk with a tissue, then wash it in hot soapy water and allow to air dry. You can also rub hand sanitizer on it once dry for further anti bacterial protection. A Fast Way to Remove BlackheadsOnce you get the hang of it, a blackhead extractor tool is a really fast way to remove a lot at once. It can also be used for ear blackheads, or small whiteheads on the skin. It can be slightly addicting… once you get the hang of using one you’ll wonder how you managed with out it. There’s a reason why they are used so much in professional facials! Here is a good basic (and cheap) tool. Blackhead Extractor FAQsDo blackhead vacuums work?If only! Blackheads are sticky plugs of dead skin cells and sebum—trying to suck them out with a vacuum might work for a few loose ones but otherwise there are far more successful and cheaper ways to get rid of them! Using a blackhead extractor left dents in my skin, is this permanent damage?A blackhead remover can leave loop shaped dents on your skin. These are temporary. However it is really important to be gentle; you don’t need a lot of pressure. If you need to really press down on one particular blackhead…. stop. Carry on with cleansing and exfoliating for a few days and come back to that one! These tools are metal after all and do have the potential to make a bigger dent than intended. Why do I have holes in my skin after extracting blackheads?These little holes do look strange! What you’re looking at is the clear pore. These pin holes can be obvious especially if the former blackhead was “old” and large. It makes sense when you think about it: a plug has been sitting in that pore and it might not instantly shrink (or refill). Don’t worry—these holes are temporary and by using an astringent after cleansing (witch hazel or toner) you can help to shrink them. If you have larger pores naturally they may not disappear, but if they are kept clear then can “shrink” to their normal size. Blockages can stretch a pore if they sit in too long. So, in the meantime you can hide these holes by applying concealer (just it off thoroughly later!). And see this article about how to minimize pores in the long run. Can I use a comedone extractor on pimples too?Absolutely—these tools can be used on sort of skin blockage. Using one on a whitehead pimple can help get rid of the gunk inside without doing extra damage. It is extra important to only these tools on pimples that are not inflamed. Trying to squeeze new, red pimple is not only painful, it causes a bigger mess. See this article for important tips on popping a pimple. Should you use blackhead extractors?There is nothing that can permanently harm your face more than trying to perform your own face extractions at home. Using a blackhead blemish extractor is a one-way ticket to scarring, infection and even more breakouts.
How do you prepare your skin for a blackhead extraction?When you're wide awake, gently cleanse and exfoliate to soften skin and make the entire process much easier. Steaming skin is also essential to soften the contents of pores. Do this by taking a shower, applying a warm compress, or simply hanging your face over a bowl of hot water. Next, wash your hands thoroughly.
How do you use a blackhead suction tool?Here are the basic instructions King recommends following:. Plug in the device.. Position the circular nozzle tip directly on the blackhead.. Turn on the vacuum.. Slide it slowly over the blackhead and surrounding area for a few seconds.. Repeat up to three times.. |
How do you use a blackhead extractor
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