Blackhead Extractor

Both blackheads and whiteheads are a type of acne, that develop when the skin pores get clogged due to over production of sebum. Blackheads are generally referred as open comedones. The excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands blocks the skin pores, and causes the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. The accumulated 'sebum' in the skin pores sometimes gets oxidized when it comes in contact with air, and as a result darkens or turns black. This causes the appearance of blackheads. Whiteheads on the other hand, develop when a thin layer of skin covers the clogged pores, filled with 'sebum'. As the pores do not get exposed to air, the accumulated sebum does not oxidize and the whiteheads appear as tiny, white raised bumps. Blackheads and whiteheads are more commonly found on the face, usually on the nose and can look unsightly.

What is a Blackhead Extractor?

Blackhead extractor is a simple tool, used to remove blackheads and unclog the skin pores. For many people, squeezing may seem to be the simplest way to get rid of these pesky blackheads. But, it is not recommended by the experts, people may end up with damaging the surrounding skin and scars as while trying to squeeze the blackheads. This tool can help to clear the clogged pores without damaging the skin. There are several types of extractors. Some of the most common types are, comedone extractor, lancet comedone extractor, double spoon comedone extractor and tissues extractor. Out of these, tissue extractor is the simplest of all. It is basically a tissue, which has to be used to wrap the blackheads. When the tissue is removed, it would bring out the blackheads with it.

The comedone extractor is basically a stainless steel tool, with an end that is scoop shaped and a hole in the center. This extractor is used to gently press the blackheads, so that the accumulated 'sebum' and dirty materials come out by the hole. The scoop present at the end of the extractor helps to remove all materials that have clogged the skin pores. The lancet comedone extractor is usually used for blackheads that are difficult to clear up. This tool contains two ends, and a lancet at one end. The end with the lancet is used to make a hole, while the other end is used to extract the dirty materials out of the blackheads. Double spoon blackhead or comedone extractor is used for removing blackheads that are really big and cannot be removed with the usual extractors. This extractor has a spoon shaped end that contain several holes of different size.

How to Use a Blackhead Extractor?

The severity of blackhead can vary from one individual to another. Some can be removed quite easily, while others can be quite tough to clear up. Therefore, it is advisable to soften the pores or blackheads before using any tools. This can be done in two ways, either you can place a warm washcloth over the places affected by blackheads, or you can opt for steaming the face.

Never forget to sterilize the extractor before using it for removing blackheads. So, soak the extractor in rubbing alcohol for some time before the procedure. Once the comedones have softened and you are ready to begin the extraction process, take the extractor and encircle the blackhead with the loop of the extractor. Then apply gentle pressure, so that the sebum and other accumulated dirty materials come out of the pores through the hole of the extractor. Now, disinfect the open pores by applying some antiseptic cream, so that bacteria cannot invade the pores and cause infection. You can also apply some astringent on the area in order to close the pores. After removing the blackheads, clean or disinfect the extractor with rubbing alcohol.

While removing blackheads with the extractor, be sure to not apply too much force, as this could lead to an infection. If the trapped sebum and the dirty material is not coming out easily, then do not push it too hard. This would only raise the risk of infection and scarring. You can talk to a dermatologist regarding the proper use of extractors, so as to avoid such risks.