I’ll admit it: I’m a serious perfectionist. This implies on any given night, you possibly can probably find me examining my pores within the mirror for at the very least quarter-hour post-cleanse to pinpoint and eradicate every little blemish. On top of selecting the very best pimple patches and pimples spot treatments to place an end to my merciless picking and prodding, I’ve also turned to some popular blackhead removal tools in my quest for a clearer, purer complexion.
“These tools are available various forms to physically extract blockages from inside the pores,” says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. “They’re designed to be applied to the skin with light pressure and force the blackhead out of the follicle.”
Besides traditional pore strips and comedone extractors, there are a selection of electrical blackhead removal tools now available. For example, “poor vacuums use suction to extract blockages inside the pores,” says Dr. Zeichner, mentioning that these are typically best for removing smaller, closer-to-the-surface blackheads. Meanwhile, “poor spatulas are vibrating tools with flat edges which are applied to the skin at an angle to force out blockages,” he says.
Based on fellow dermatologist Dr. Doris Day, a blackhead removal tool may offer more precision in removing congestion than your nails. Nevertheless, it’s vital to proceed with extreme caution. “Anything that you just’re using to press or squeeze the skin with can create some inflammation or swelling,” she says. “All of that may result in scarring or damage, and possibly a better risk of the blackhead or pimple coming back in the identical spot, if application is completed incorrectly.”
“When using these tools at home, first make sure that the tools, your skin, and your hands are properly cleansed,” Dr. Zeichner advises. “Apply gentle, downward pressure across the blackhead itself, and if the blackhead doesn’t easily come out using the tool, abort the mission.” With pore suction devices specifically, start on the bottom setting to see how your skin reacts and to avoid any potential bruising. Most brands suggest using their blackhead removal tools not more than twice every week, but check each item’s specific instructions for guidance.
Prior to using a blackhead removal device, Dr. Day also recommends softening the skin by jumping within the shower or using a facial steamer, the latter of which may also provide temporary hydration. “This may help open up the pores, so blackheads come out more easily with less force,” she says.
For those who, like me, are curious to soundly test out these advantages, keep reading. Below, shop the 12 best blackhead removal tools per these experts, customer reviews, and my very own honest feedback.
