Do’s and Don’ts of Blackhead Removal

When it comes to blackhead removal, many individuals are actually doing more harm to their skin than good.

In addition to introducing more bacteria into the area, you can potentially bruise and even scar your skin if this procedure is not done properly.

First of all, you should understand exactly what a blackhead is and how it is formed.

Blackheads are actually dirt, debris, and dead skin cells trapped beneath the layer of the skin’s surface. The black color comes from pigmentation of this blockage from the presence of the sun.

They are formed when a pore is clogged with oil produced by the sebaceous gland that lies underneath the pore.

Once this pore becomes blocked, all sorts of other materials—as previously mentioned, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells—mix with this oil and remain trapped just under the skin’s surface.

3 Steps for Blackhead Removal

Consider the simple steps for clear skin:

Step One: Treat Your Pores

One of the reasons why your pores become blocked is due to their size.

Typically, pores on certain areas of your skin will be larger than those in other areas, but they can be stretched by blockages over time.

Look to shrink your pores by using certain products or procedures that will allow this process to be successful.

If your pores are smaller, they are less likely to become blocked by dirt and debris found on your skin. Think of your pores like the holes in a sieve. Fine mesh sieves do not allow penetration of larger items.

Ways to shrink your pores include using certain prescription topical treatments or using laser therapy for a more permanent solution.

Step Two: Keep Your Skin Clean

As previously mentioned, black heads are caused by debris that collects on the surface of your skin.

This debris can be everything from sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, and even pollutants found in the air. Keep your skin clean and properly exfoliated to prevent any of these items from clogging your pores.

Step Three: Learn Correct Techniques

When you wish to perform a blackhead removal procedure in your own home, be sure to know the correct techniques. Simply squeezing your skin is often not enough and can lead to future damage.

Also, the bacteria found under your fingernails—no matter how clean they appear—can further infect the area and cause a greater breakout.

If you see a skin care esthetician who knows how to remove blemishes, they will use a small metal tool that has a round circular end. The esthetician will use the tool to apply pressure around your blackhead with the circular part which squeezes the blackhead upward. There is some preparation of the skin beforehand that makes this method quite safe.