To push blackheads out safely, first soften pores with steam or a warm compress, then use a sterilized comedone extractor tool or clean fingers with a tissue to apply gentle, even pressure around the blackhead, rocking gently until the plug emerges, but stop immediately if it's difficult, as forceful squeezing can damage skin; always cleanse the area and hands thoroughly before and after. Avoid harsh scrubs and pore strips, opting for salicylic acid, retinoids, or clay masks for prevention and gentle loosening.
“Avoid picking at blackheads! Attempting to extract will introduce additional bacteria and actually cause the opening to get bigger,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes. “Forcing the contents of the gland deeper and causing scarring.
Prolonged exposure to the air causes the blockage to oxidize and darken. 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.
The goal with squeezing is to avoid positioning the fingers too close as this will block the blackhead from coming out. Widen them out a bit so that the blackhead will be extracted from the deeper levels of the skin. To avoid creating squeeze marks, go easy and be sure to relocate the position of your fingers.
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin® (which is now available without a prescription), break up blackheads and whiteheads and help to prevent clogged pores.
While Vaseline doesn't directly dissolve blackheads, it does soften keratin and sebum inside the pores, allowing them to be removed more easily — a gentler alternative to forceful squeezing.
Some untreated blackheads are a bit more stubborn than others and can become inflamed or infiltrated by bacteria. What happens if you don't remove blackheads like these? They'll likely turn into deep blackheads and, eventually, pimples.
When you use your fingers, you risk pushing the infection deeper, leading to more inflammation, scarring, and even rupturing beneath the skin. Dermatologists use specialized tools because they apply even pressure, making extractions safer and more effective. If you do use a tool, be gentle!
Applying toothpaste on blackheads: Yes, there's an idea circulating the web that you can use toothpaste to extract your nose blackheads. Don't buy it! Toothpaste can cause dryness and irritation, causing more skincare troubles than it's worth.
A dilated pore of Winer is a common, giant blackhead pimple, found on your head, neck and torso. Dilated pores of Winer occur on adults and the elderly.
Exfoliators. Exfoliators are products that remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Experts recommend using a chemical exfoliator that cleanses and removes blackheads without scratching the skin.
To safely remove blackheads, avoid squeezing or picking, and instead use topical treatments or seek professional extraction. Maintaining a gentle facial cleansing routine and using appropriate skin care products can help prevent blackheads and more severe skin infections.
Factors that can cause your pimples to smell
The smell associated with acne isn't just a byproduct of the blemishes themselves—it's caused by an interplay of factors. The presence of bacteria, the intensity of your acne breakout, and your personal hygiene practices all collectively contribute to this distinctive scent.
Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates the skin using a diamond-tipped wand to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It's effective for treating blackheads by cleaning out pores and stimulating collagen production, which improves skin texture.
Why are my blackheads so deep? Deep blackheads are caused by blackheads sitting underneath the skin for months or sometimes even longer [4]. It's not uncommon to have a deep blackhead for years if you don't find the right extraction method.