Blackhead Removal Tool and Its Benefits

We all know the pain of pimples and how difficult it is to get rid of them. Add to the list these small bumps called blackheads, and you have the devil’s luck! We all know how they can be the most troublesome and, more than that, how hard it is to find a perfect blackhead removal tool. There are too many of them that we can’t hide from the world and protect our beauty.

We understand that you might have the urge to pop these bumps on your face, but before you do that, shove your mirror aside and read what we have to say to you. Talk to your dermatologists about what causes blackheads and how they can be treated at home or professionally.

Blackhead, no matter how stubborn, is a common skin condition. Usually, you’ll see them as small bumps on the skin of the face, but they can also form on the neck, chest, arms, shoulders, and back. It’s always better to know about your ailments before you try to treat them. So, what causes blackheads? The answer is clogged hair follicles.

The clog prevents the hair follicles from opening into the skin, forming a bump called a whitehead. When the skin on the bump breaks and opens, exposure to air causes it to turn dark, and the formation of blackheads occurs.

People who have oily skin tend to get blackheads more often than those with clear skin. The risk of blackheads originates with the formation of bacteria on the skin, build-up of dead skin cells causing the hair follicles to aggravate, and use of certain oral contraceptives or other medications.

What causes blackheads?

Are you thinking about why these tiny motes attack your precious skin? Read on to find out!

Although blackheads can form at any age in any individual, they are mostly found during adolescence. The hormones maintaining the oil function in the body lead to the blockage of skin pores. Due to excess androgens in the body, these hormones can also start wavering, causing imbalance during menstruation, pregnancy, and attacking those with PCOs or other hormonal syndromes.

Some other reasons for blackhead formation include the consumption of steroids, using thick creams, wearing tight dresses, especially sweatshirts or gym clothes that push your skin’s pores to form clogs.

Some researchers have also mentioned that genetics also plays a crucial role in the formation of blackheads other than external factors. So, if your parents or siblings tend to get blackheads, then it’s a piece of bad fortune for you. Furthermore, the size of your pores depends on your genetic structure, and the larger your pores, the more likely you are to develop blackheads!

Best blackhead removal tool

While you might have lost all hopes of ever seeing your clear skin again, we have come up with these tips with which you can easily remove blackheads at home. You can choose the best blackhead removal tool from these and get back your smooth, spot-free skin again! However, be careful while using the tool.

Always be kind to your skin. When using the blackhead removal tool, use products that are suitable for your skin type. Otherwise, it can dry out and aggravate your skin, leading to much worse skin problems.

1. Pore strips

Made with rubber and adhesive, pore strips can be found in many shapes and sizes and can be used on different parts of the face. It is a wonderful blackhead removal tool, and its functions don’t end here! You can also use it to clear dead skin cells, acne, and hair. You can find numerous tutorials on youtube and use them to treat your skin.

Normally, people apply the sticky area to the face and, after 10-15 minutes, remove the strip to cleanse the pores. But remember to wash off the residues. Use this blackhead removal tool not more than once a week. However, be sure not to use it on sensitive or fragile skin.

2. Activated charcoal

If you’re looking for a more effective blackhead removal tool, go for the activated charcoal. It helps in the absolute removal of impurities and toxins from the skin pores.

The best part about using activated charcoal as your blackhead removal tool is that you can go for any face wash, scrub, or mask containing activated charcoal as its constituents. So it’s an all-in-one blackhead removal tool for you that offers a variety of other benefits as well!

3. Steaming and manual extraction

Using blackhead removal tools at home without prior experience or professional guidance can damage skin pores and cause cracks. Be kind to your skin. Start steaming to open the pores of the skin and release the stickiness inside.

Are you wondering how to remove blackheads with steam at home? It’s a straightforward process. Just boil the water and let it cool for a few minutes. Fill a bowl with water and place it on a hard surface. Place your face about 6 inches high in front of the bowl. Place a towel or sheet over your head and bowl to trap the vapors. Keep yourself in that position for up to 10 minutes.

Then use a denatured alcohol sterilizer to get rid of blackheads. This has proven to be a very effective blackhead removal tool, so consider this as your striking move against the stubborn spots! Press it on the part of the skin that you want to clean and gently pull it to the side.

If the clogs don’t come out the first time, repeat this action several times. But make sure you don’t overdo it, or you’ll damage your skin. Sterilize the extraction device after every use to prevent the transfer of contaminants and bacteria between the pores. One last thing: don’t use your nails for popping your blackheads!

After the entire process, moisten the skin with a gel mask to avoid irritation. To close the pores of your skin, you can also apply ice to your face. It gently hydrates the skin.

4. Exfoliation

You may have heard that exfoliation negatively affects blackheads. This can happen with inflammatory acne, which can lead to more redness and inflammation in the process.

In the case of blackheads, regular exfoliation is a good blackhead removal tool against the mounds of dead skin cells that are clogging the pores. It can also help in getting rid of blackheads that are already present.

Instead of looking for exfoliating scrubs that will be tough on your blackheads, focus on alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). The most ordinary type of AHA is glycolic acid, and salicylic acid is the predominant BHA.

While they are excellent blackhead removal tools, both help remove the damaged top layer of the skin. It is a multi-purpose blackhead removal tool that helps prevent wrinkle formation and blemishes while cleaning pores and smoothing the skin.

BHA is a common blackhead removal tool, and you’ll find it easily in the market at affordable prices.

Why should you use exfoliation as a blackhead removal tool? Well, the answer lies in its power to remove dead skin cells and easily open the pores. You can exfoliate your skin with brushes, soft cloth, face wash, or facial scrub. For effective results, try not to exfoliate your skin more than once or twice a week. And also remember, this blackhead removal tool isn’t for you if you have sensitive or delicate skin.

5. Cleanse with salicylic acid

Look for ordinary retail medications that contain salicylic acid instead of benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic acid opens the pores of the skin and is the best blackhead removal tool. It helps in reducing excessive oil and dead skin cells, giving you clear, smooth skin as you want!

Using salicylic acid with your regular face wash will help you remove pollutants accumulating in your skin and makeup as well.

You need to cleanse your face twice a day, but try using salicylic acid with your face cleanser at least once a day. This blackhead removal tool works well for people who have dry skin.

You should use salicylic acid only at night and wash with your regular face wash in the morning. You can use it twice daily as your skin gets used to it.

Although it has miraculous powers as an effective blackhead removal tool, some people might be allergic to salicylic acid and end up developing other skin conditions. If you think it is hard on your skin, stop using it immediately and revert to another blackhead removal tool. There’s always another option, right?

6. Use skin brushes

Skin brushes can exfoliate excess dead skin cells, providing both AHA and BHA types of exfoliating benefits.

But you should be cautious of this blackhead removal tool. You shouldn’t use skin brushes daily. You can use them with a soft face wash periodically but stop using it when you face discomfort in your skin. This blackhead removal tool is not suited for people with sensitive skin.

There are many skin brushes to choose from that you can combine with your regular face wash. This blackhead removal tool is very convenient and budget-friendly.

7. Try topical retinoids

Retinoids can help fight stubborn blackheads by clearing the pores. This blackhead removal tool can also help improve hair follicle penetration.

But some dermatologists recommend that you shouldn’t use retinoids if your skin is generally dry.

8. Use a clay mask

Clay masks help remove sebum and toxins from the skin and pores. This blackhead removal tool is proven highly beneficial for oily skin.

But before using this blackhead removal tool, keep in mind that some clay masks have sulfur as an ingredient, and it is very dangerous for the skin. It helps accumulate dead skin cells that lead to blackhead formation. So, choose your clay masks with caution.

If you choose to use clay masks, you should use them once or twice a week besides your twice-weekly exfoliation routine.

9. Use a charcoal mask

Charcoal masks, like clay masks, penetrate deep into the skin to remove oils and other impurities. Charcoal is believed to provide various levels of benefits as compared to other blackhead remedies.

10. Consider a chemical peel

Chemical peels are a god-sent tool for removing blackheads. Don’t take our word. Try it for yourself and see the results! They have been used for a long time for treating anti-aging effects like blemishes and fine lines. The exfoliating peels contain alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids that help regulate an average balance by exfoliating the skin.

These tools can bring back your smoother, fresher skin after the whole process.

Although not an effective blackhead treatment plan, chemical peels can remove dead skin cells and shrink large pores.

Chemical peels prove most effective against anti-aging ailments so, if you want to have lighter, blemish-free skin, give it a try!

11. Make sure you’re using non-comedogenic products

If you are not using non-comedogenic cosmetics, those face washes, masks, and scrubs may not help. It will prove to be the most effective if you start your blackhead treatment with non-comedogenic products.

Non-comedogenic means the product will not clog your skin pores. But all products aren’t non-comedogenic, so read the description carefully before using one.

12. Don’t sleep in your makeup

After a hectic day, you might want to remove your makeup before hitting the last hour and slipping into your bed.

But if you sleep in your makeup, you call more blackheads to find a nest in your skin! If you leave it overnight, even those blackhead removal tools (however non-comedogenic) can create pore clogs.

You may consider a foaming face wash if you have oily skin. You can also use a makeup remover before washing your face to enhance the cleansing power.

13. Don’t waste your time on benzoyl peroxide

While finding solutions for your blackhead problem, you will find that many products contain benzoyl peroxide. And the thing is, benzoyl peroxide won’t help you get rid of blackheads.

Benzoyl peroxide effectively reduces inflammation, which would have been helpful if you were suffering from inflammatory acne, such as cysts and acne. It can also kill bacteria hidden in acne and pimples.

But blackheads are neither a cause nor a result of inflammation. Products containing benzoyl peroxide aren’t very useful as they aren’t caused by bacterial agents.

14. Use vitamin C

Of course, substances like beta hydroxy acids are great for acne, blackheads, and clogged pores, but our favorite tool is vitamin C. It’s best for treating blackheads and restoring skin health and brightness. Blackheads are just the excess oils that have oxidized and turned dark after being exposed to the air. Using antioxidants like vitamin C can help stop this process and prevent the oil from quickly oxidizing.

15. Don’t be more stubborn than your blackheads

Always focus on the darker, more prominent blackhead from the beginning of your removal process, no matter what tools you use. However, if they don’t disappear, don’t freak out. Use the rule of thumb of three strikeouts. If it doesn’t pop after three tries, let it be. Don’t be more stubborn than your blackheads, or else you’ll end up damaging your skin and nerves. Resume the next day. It’s a wiser tactic than treating it obstinately, causing damage.

Sometimes, it is also probable that you might mistake deep cysts or milium for acne and blackheads. So in these cases, you might end up scrubbing and extracting something that has a more dangerous underlying cause and effect. In any case, you must always consult your dermatologist. Both of them need more serious treatment than a simple extraction or exfoliation process.

16. Try a Hydra Facial

If you have acne or blackheads, consider using a hydra facial that enables gentle suction to remove blood clots and moisturize your skin. Think of this as an intense face wash. It’s a great way to cleanse pores without depriving your skin of water by drying it up like other removal tools.

17. Steam your face

Before extracting your skin at home, it is important to clean the pores with a little heat. A facial steam is a great way to do this, but there is a system that works just fine without the tool.

First, take a shower or wash your face, then apply a thin layer of heavy moisturizer to the areas where you want to remove the blackheads.

Moisturizers will seal your pores, trapping in the heat and softening the extracted area.

Next, wrap it up with a plastic material, place a warm wet cloth and apply another layer. These layers on top of each other will help keep the skin warm. Ensure most of the heat is retained in your skin and it has become soft before you apply the extraction and removal process. This ensures its safety.

Then, apply more moisturizer by removing the plastic and cloth. Make sure your skin is dry before this process.

18. Never pierce your blackheads with fingernails!

The most important tool is to be kind and patient. The more you peel and scratch, the more you’re increasing scars on your skin.

Use clean hands and be careful not to get your fingers too close to the blackheads. Stretch the skin a little so that the dark spots can be easily removed from the deep surface of the skin. To make it easier to work and avoid scars, move your fingers while pressing. Do not pierce the skin with your nails.

19. Make sure to moisturize

Oils create blackheads but have only the opposite effect if you avoid them. Frankly speaking, the key to reducing blackheads is to even out the fat content of your skin (rather than not using it). Some heavy oils, like avocado oil, can clog pores, but a lack of oil can backfire, increasing blackheads and skin damage.

If you have unmanageable dry skin, your glands may start producing harmful oils that lead to blackhead formation. You need to balance your skin’s moisture levels to keep the oils flowing naturally through your pores. Try a squalene oil moisturizer that not only softens your skin but is also non-comedogenic. You won’t find a better blackhead removal tool than this!

How to avoid blackheads

We have listed out the things you can do to get rid of blackheads, but there are some things you shouldn’t do because it can make it worse.

1. Blackheads have an underlying cause, deep-seated in your skin so, if you’re trying to pick or pop your blackheads from the surface, you’re wasting your time and risking your health. These can also spread bacteria and damage your skin, forming permanent scars or other major problems.

2. Do not try to get rid of blackheads with tweezers or sharp tools. Tools to get rid of acne should always be entrusted to professionals. Trying to get rid of blackheads can cause injury.

3. You can always exfoliate your skin twice a week to get rid of blackheads, but using harsh products on the skin can be harmful. They might cause damage instead of removing the blackheads, resulting in dried-up and irritated skin. So it is always recommended to choose a gentle scrub or facial product. Always try to use natural exfoliators like oats, sugar, salt, or coffee.

4. Purifying the skin removes acne, blackheads as well as pimples. Wash your face daily with a mild face wash in the morning and then at night before going to bed. In any case, it’s important to keep your skin thin so that no oil builds up in your pores. You can achieve this by scrubbing your face once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and requirements.

5. After washing your face, moisturize your skin with a suitable moisturizer. This will help in rejuvenating your skin cells and avoiding their blockage. Also, remember to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores.

6. Creams and gels containing salicylic acid can also help prevent blackheads. Salicylic acid is a chemical commonly used in acne and pimple removal creams. It is also used medically to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin and is commonly used to treat warts, psoriasis, dandruff, acne, ringworm, and pruritus. Creams with salicylic acid exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, thus cleansing it and avoiding dark spots.

See your dermatologist for professional extraction

All acne and blackhead treatments can span between 6 to 12 weeks to achieve their full potential.

Even after getting treated, if you have blackheads or acne, you may need to check it out with your dermatologist. You can get rid of blackheads using professional tools. So, find a dermatologist near you and get those dark spots treated right away!

Your dermatologist can also recommend many retinoid prescriptions or treatments to help prevent blackheads.

Blackheads cannot be permanently eliminated, and we are so sorry to tell you that. They will always find a reason to come back. But you can prevent future injuries by continuing your regular skincare routine, including the tips above.

Never forget to remove your makeup before going to bed and wash your face twice a day. If possible, treat your hormonal problems. If this appears to be the root cause, remove thick creams, cosmetics, or products from your daily lifestyle.

Never underestimate hydration, as it’s important for all skin types. Choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula that doesn’t clog pores.

While blackheads are a stubborn problem for your external body, they can also lead to a lack of self-confidence. So, the blackhead issues are multiple, but if you get a heads up in advance by following a clean and healthy lifestyle, you’re quite a competitor for these tiny spots!