Popping blackheads

Blackheads can be unsightly, and they are very tempting to pop.  But popping blackheads can damage your skin.  Here’s the right way to do it so that you don’t hurt the surrounding tissue.

What is a blackhead?

A blackhead is an open comedo – one that is plugged with oil and other debris like dead skin cells.  It’s a type of noninflammatory acne that is usually either yellow or black.  This is because it has oxidized – it is exposed to the air.  It makes our pores look larger so coupled with the discoloration, it makes it unsightly.  Many people suffer from blackheads on nose.

Popping blackheads and large pimples

Do you enjoy squeezing zits?  It’s never a good idea to pop your pimples but I know people do it.  I used to.  I had this especially large blackhead in the crease of my nose and cheek when I was about 14 years old.  (This is a very common place to get blackheads on nose.)  It was so large and ugly that I just wanted it to go away.  I constantly picked at it – trying to extract it.  Extracting blackheads needs to be done gently so that you don’t hurt your skin.

At the time, I didn’t think about that so I picked and picked.  Eventually, I was able to squeeze a bit out.  Once some of that dried oil / dead skin cell combination came out, I took a pair of tweezers to pull the rest of it out.  It worked but it’s not the way I would recommend it to anyone anymore.

How to extract blackheads safely

When you just can’t help yourself, here is how I would now recommend popping blackheads.

1. First, you need to get your pores open.  Do this either by washing your face with warm water at the sink, taking a shower to allow the steam to open the pores, or steam your face safely.
2. Then, exfoliate.  Of course, I recommend the Nutt So Ruff Face bar.
3. Using a clay mask afterwards will help draw out any impurities from your skin, loosening the blackhead.  Generally, this may be enough.  Rinse with warm water.
4. If you still see the blackhead and absolutely ‘need’ to squeeze, please use a soft cotton pad – one for each hand.  Gently squeeze but not too hard.  This should do it.  If you have a blackhead extractor tool, check out this video from Dr. Pimple Popper.  This will show you the proper way to use this tool so that you don’t damage the skin.
5. Lastly, once the blackhead is extracted, it’s recommended to use an acne spot treatment cream on the area to prevent any possible infection or reoccurrence.

Bottom line is you should not use your fingernails because they may be dirty – even if you’ve washed your hands.  Using a clean cotton pad is much better or use the tool so you can use even pressure.  Otherwise, it can damage the skin and can lead to scarring, infection or they can even break the capillaries.