Are blackhead removal tools safe? Whenever a breakout appears to be ripe for the picking, well, we pick (and pick and pick) until (a) it’s gone, or (b) we’re left with a bigger mess, or even worse, an acne scar. Which, awesome if it disappears, but if left to our own acne removal devices, it can easily end up being the latter—no fun.
As always, “any form of manipulation to the skin should be done by professionals who are trained to address potential complications,” says Dr. Maiman. It is also important to note that those with dark melanin-rich skin should use particular caution, as the skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, she explains.
There is some good news, though: Dr. Mona Gohara, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale, explains that if done correctly and with caution, blackhead removal tools can be a very effective way to clear some of those pesky, stubborn blackheads that don’t seem to go away (i.e., the dark, more obvious ones that have been on your face for days, weeks, or even months). Beforehand, “ensure that you consult your dermatologist to confirm that this is the right approach for you,” says Gohara.
So, if you choose to use them—after acknowledging the risks and with caution—there are a few important tips you should keep in mind to make sure you’re using ’em correctly and as safely as possible:
- Clean hands, skin, and a properly sanitized tool are a must. Remember to clean tools and devices before and after each use. (For stainless steel tools, rubbing alcohol will do the trick.)
- Steam your face beforehand. Dr. Maiman suggests gently steaming the skin to loosen debris for a better extraction and less trauma. This can be done with a warm, damp towel, a warm shower beforehand, or if you really wanna get ~fancy~, a facial steamer.
- Go light on the pressure. Less pressure means less trauma; less trauma means less damage to your skin.
- If it’s not budging, STOP! And above all, if the blackhead is not easily releasing, that’s your sign to call it a day and leave it up to the pros. If you continue extraction at this point, you can easily damage your skin or cause scarring.
Read more: cosmopolitan.com
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Also read: Get Rid of BLACKHEADS: Why Only A Dermatologist Should Do It
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