Overview
A blackhead occurs when a plug forms in the opening to a hair follicle. Each hair follicle contains a gland, called a sebaceous gland, that produces oil. This oil, sebum, provides many beneficial functions, including keeping the skin and hair lubricated, minimizing moisture loss and helping to keep pores free of dirt and debris. When a pore is blocked, sebum fills the follicle and begins to exert pressure on the surrounding tissue. The black dot that you see on your skin is a result of the plug being exposed to air. As noted by “Medical News Today,” blackhead removal should only be done at home if the blemish is not infected. “Popping” and infected blackhead can cause further damage.
Prepare and Cleanse
Step 1
Hold the hair away from face with a head band or hair clips, if necessary.
Step 2
Wash the hands thoroughly with antibacterial hand soap.
Step 3
Cleanse the face using a facial cleansing milk. Rinse.
Step 4
Massage two drops of facial cleansing milk into the skin over and surrounding the blackhead. This will help to lubricate the plug.
Steam
Step 1
Pour boiling water into the sink or bowl.
Step 2
Bend over the bowl so that the steam rises onto your face. Take care not to burn yourself.
Step 3
Cover your head and shoulders with the bath towel. Make sure that the towel extends past the sink or bowl so that the steam is trapped inside this “tent.”
Step 4
Allow several minutes to pass. You want your skin to begin to sweat.
Step 5
Remove the towel and set aside.
Extract Blackhead
Step 1
Blot the blackhead with the cotton ball. You want to remove any excess cleansing milk that can cause the extractor to slip, but you do not want the area to be fully dry.
Step 2
Look into the mirror and place the spoon of the blackhead extractor over the plug, rounded side against our skin. You should see the blackhead plug through the hole in the spoon.
Step 3
Press gently against your skin. You may gently roll the spoon in place to exert pressure from all sides. Take care not to press too hard.
Step 4
Empty the blackhead. The plug and some sebum will collect in the concave side of the spoon.
Step 5
Wet a cotton swab with witch hazel. Dab the blemish.
