Overview
Blackheads, or comedones, are the first stage of acne. They appear as small bumps embedded into the pores of your skin and are normally blackish or yellow in color. Blackheads usually develop when your skin produces too much sebum (oil) and plug up your skin pores. Blackheads usually appear on the face, especially on or around the nose, more than any other part of your body. Many remedies can remove blackheads, such as prescription or over-the-counter ointments. However, these remedies can take a few months before you start to see results. Fortunately, you can easily pop your blackheads using an instrument used by estheticians or dermatologists called a blackhead extractor.
Step 1
Pour half a cup of disinfecting solution such as isopropyl alcohol or Barbicide in a clean bowl or container. Immerse the blackhead extractor in the bowl for about one hour. Remove the extractor and wipe it dry with a clean towel or facial tissue.
Step 2
Wash your face with a mild soap. Avoid scrubbing your face or using a loofah sponge to prevent skin redness and irritation. Pat your face dry with a clean, dry towel or facial tissue.
Step 3
Steam your face to open your facial skin pores. Boil a kettle of water. Pour it into a clean bowl. Cover your head with a towel and place your face about 24 inches above the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4
Place the hole of the extractor above a blackhead and slowly push down gently. The dirty contents of the blackheads will come out without damaging the surrounding skin. Repeat for the other blackheads you locate. Use a lighted magnification mirror to help you locate other blackheads.
Step 5
Remove oily skin debris on the sides of your nose and chin. Apply gentle pressure and scrape the skin debris with the side of the scoop on the blackhead extractor.
Step 6
Rinse your face with cold water to close your skin pores. Apply an antibiotic cream to your face to eliminate bacteria that can enter your pores.
