If you get blackheads, you might already know you shouldn't pinch or squeeze them — but you do have plenty of different options for removing them. One of the more recently popular methods of blackhead removal involves using a pore vacuum, also known as a blackhead vacuum.
Using a pore vacuum shouldn't hurt, but it does come with a risk of bruising or irritating the skin if you use the wrong setting or leave it on one spot for too long. Pore vacuums are safe for most skin types.
Blackheads and closed comedones can be extracted. Inflamed acne and milia need to be treated by a healthcare provider. You can extract blackheads at home as long as you use gentle pressure and avoid squeezing the skin with your fingernails.
Risks include permanent broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation and scarring. "There are risks associated with vacuum-based extraction devices," says Dr Sheraz, the main danger being broken blood capillaries. "These may appear as bruising and in some cases may be permanent," he adds.
Dermatologists know how to remove acne safely
One is called acne extraction, which involves using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. it's rarely a first choice because it takes time and can be expensive.
Via Refinery29, Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., agrees that after the clay mask brings all the junk to the surface, physical massage can "indeed dislodge clogged pores and whatever's inside them."
Do dermatologists recommend using pore vacuums? In short, yes. Since these vacuums make the process of unclogging pores and clearing skin a lot faster and easier, many experts have given at-home devices an official nod of approval.
Poor results are only one of the risks of trying to vacuum your pores yourself – or have it done by someone without experience. If too much suction is applied to the skin you can suffer bruising or a condition called telangiectasias. “Telangiectasias are small broken blood vessels in the skin,” said Rice.
A comedone or blackhead extractor is a stainless steel tool designed to remove the dirt and oil that cause blackheads and whiteheads. "It works by gently pushing the clogged sebum out of the pore," explains Rackley.
It's actually completely normal for you to have some holes initially after removing blackheads. This is because the dirt and debris filling the pore is suddenly gone, leaving a small space.
During the extraction, your dermatologist uses the equipment to clear clogged and obstructed pores. The AAD also shares that blackheads can return after extraction, so it's important to follow a skin care plan to prevent blemishes from returning.
Because the pore gets stretched out of shape, it will fill back up again even after it is emptied. These stubborn pores are most likely to occur on the face, chest and back. However, they can also emerge on the ears, neck and scalp.
According to Zeichner, you should start a vacuum once per week at first, as your skin begins to tolerate it, before progressing to twice or three times per week.
After using a pore cleansing tool, be sure to disinfect and apply moisturizer to soothe your skin. It may feel a little red and tender after the treatment.
Conditions such as acne occur when dead skin cells and skin oil clog hair follicles. This could lead to the skin's pores looking larger. Finding ways to control acne may help prevent the nose pores from becoming blocked.
Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist uses a specialized instrument to “sand” your skin. Removing the top layers of your skin frees the clogs that cause blackheads. Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce blackheads.
While cellophane tape could possibly remove surface dead skin cells, it's unclear how effective this method is in removing clogged gunk in your pores. Don't use masking, duct, industrial, or any other type of tape that could be harmful to your skin.
Exfoliate. Use an exfoliating scrub on the skin once a week to help remove the dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads. A scrub may also improve the overall appearance of the skin. Avoid exfoliating if it irritates the skin, and stop using a scrub if it makes the skin feel dry or sore.
It's irreversible damage,” says Dr. Henry. Damaging your skin by squeezing or picking can also cause inflammation, hyperpigmentation and scarring. Squeezing additionally introduces bacteria, oil and dirt from your hands into your pores, which can lead to more blackheads.
During extraction, the therapist uses a special blackhead tool to apply pressure to your nose to loosen and release the sebum from your pores. After the facial you may notice a bit of redness from the pressure, but this dies down within the day.
Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, can collect in the healing area and cause it to heal as a dark spot. If you have a pimple, blackhead, or acne and dark spots occur after it is gone, it is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Keloidal scars can form from acne.
The average price of non-invasive blackhead removal treatment is between Rs 700 and Rs 8,000. Following are some of the popular dermatologist-approved solutions: Chemical peels are available for a price range between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000 per session. Comedone extraction costs between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per session.
The 'white stuff' that comes out of a blackhead or more commonly in pimples is pus. Pus is formed from inflamed debris, dead white blood cells and is also produced as the body's response to bacteria invading the system. This can it will heal on its own without treatment.