This article will cover how to pop a blackhead safely. Before removing a blackhead , spend some time in a warm shower or bath. Steam can help your pores relax, and the clog in your pore will start to loosen on its own. In most cases, your skin will clear the blockage on its own if you give it time. You might also want to try using over-the-counter products , such as pore-clearing strips, retinoids , and cleansers that contain salicylic acid. However, using pore strips may also remove natural oils from the skin, which can lead to irritation and dryness.
Be aware that most blackheads are caused by overproduction of natural oils in your skin. For stubborn blackheads, consider see an aesthetician or a dermatologist for an extraction. Some aestheticians offer extraction-only facials that last about 30 minutes. Find blackhead-clearing products online. Tools called comedone extractors can be used to remove blackheads. These tools are typically made of stainless steel and have a small circle at the end.
Removing a blackhead yourself with a comedone extractor is no safer than any other way of doing it yourself. After you remove a blackhead, your pore will appear smaller. Swipe a toner, such as witch hazel , over the area to kill any bacteria you may have spread and to condition your pores.
You may want to avoid directly touching the area while your skin heals. Introducing dirt or any irritant to the area can result in another blackhead. Buy witch hazel online. Being proactive about blackhead prevention and skin care can help you avoid having to try to extract blackheads yourself. Consider these ways to treat and prevent blackheads. You know that technically it's not OK to pop a pimple. But there are few among us who haven't resorted to squeezing a blemish every now and again.
So, if you're going to pop, at least know when it's OK to do so, the safest technique to use, and when to absolutely leave that blemish alone. Unquestionably, the safest thing for your skin is to keep a hands-off approach. Allow the pimple to heal naturally and try to avoid squeezing it. When you squeeze a pimple, you may be able to drain some pus. But as you're squeezing, that pus and the pimple's core a plug of dead skin cells and sebum isn't just pushing up and out of the skin—it's also being pushed down further into the pore.
The pressure can also cause the wall of the pore to burst, underneath the surface of your skin, allowing infected material to spread into the dermis. All of this causes more damage than just leaving the pimple alone to heal. Also, the more the skin is damaged, the higher the chances are of developing acne scarring.
That said, it's tough to sport a huge whitehead to work or school. In some cases, you may be able to gently express the pus and allow the pimple to drain. Popping isn't the only way to get that pimple to drain. Before you resort to popping, try these tricks first. The best thing you can do is have a dermatologist or an esthetician drain the pimple or blackhead.
Extractions work especially well for blackheads. Of course, it's not practical nor realistic not to mention cost-effective to run to the dermatologist's office or salon every time a blemish appears.
If you have a pustule with a large, obvious white head, you can try to get it to drain with a warm compress. Soak a soft cloth in warm water and hold it over the pimple for several minutes. Rewarm the compress when it gets cold. The warmth helps to loosen and "open" the pore and soften the head, allowing the pimple to drain naturally. Make sure, though, that the pustule is ready, with a large white head at the very surface of the skin.
If you do this with a pimple before the white head has formed it can make the blemish more inflamed, making it look larger and more obvious. This method won't work on blackheads. The core of a blackhead is much harder and stickier than the core of a pustule. If you have a day or so to wait, over-the-counter spot treatments are another good option. Dab a small amount on the pimple and leave it alone. The spot treatment helps dry up the pimple.
Hydrocolloid acne stickers may also be helpful as pimples heal and to prevent picking. You can get spot treatments in the skincare aisle of your local drug store. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide or sulfur tend to work best on pustules. Some people also have good results with products containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil. You may want to experiment with a few different brands to find the one that works best for your skin.
Follow the directions on your chosen product. Don't be tempted to apply more often than recommended or you'll end up with a dry, red, peeling spot. Ideally, you'll be able to take care of your pimple without squeezing. Popping pimples should always be a last resort. This video has been medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD. Smart Home. Home Decor. Holiday Decor. Smart Home Devices. Travel Rewards. Gifts for Men. Gifts for Women. Gifts for Baby. Gifts for Kids. Gifts for Teens. Gifts for Everyone.
Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Catherine Santino. Blackheads occur when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. They are notoriously tricky to remove, and it's important to do so safely in order to avoid traumatizing the skin.
NYC dermatologists Dr. Joshua Zeichner share their tips and top product recommendations for blackhead removal. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Loading Something is loading.
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