Blackhead Extraction

Untreated, blackheads will linger on your skin for some time, and not easily be removed. One way of removing blackheads that we have found is known as blackhead extraction and can be done at home.

Blackheads are a type of acne. Acne is caused when the pores of the skin become blocked with an excess of sebum and dead skin cells. Often, the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is trapped within the pore. The sebum inside the pore contains melanin – a type of dark skin pigmentation. When this pore manages to push through the surface of the skin, the melanin is exposed to the air and oxidises, becoming a dark black or brown colour that resembles dirt.

Step One:
Take a hot shower. This will enable you to open up the pores of your skin. While you are doing this, set the blackhead extraction tool in boiling water to sterilise.

Step Two:
Enjoy a facial team. Use a large wide bowl and place a thick, warmed towel over your face. Make sure that it covers and touches the blackheads that you are wishing to extract. This will help loosen and open the pores further.

Step Three:

If you look at the blackhead extractor tool, you will see that there is a loop on one end. Place the loop over the area affected by the blackhead, and pressing gently, rub upwards. Use short economical strokes and make sure you clean the entire affected areas.

Step Four:
Once you are done clearing the affected areas, wash your face thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel, then use a toner to close your pores and a moisturiser to take care of any patches of dry skin.

There are a few things you can do at home to reduce your chances of another blackhead or outbreak of acne.

1. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to get rid of excess oils ad dead skin cells. Be careful how you do this though, as scrubbing your skin too hard will irritate or inflame your skin and can potentially cause another outbreak of acne and even blackheads.

2. Apply a mixture of baking soda and water to your face daily and leave it on your skin for a few minutes. Rinse it off using warm water, and pat dry with a towel. Apply a moisturiser after as this can leave your skin feeling exceedingly dry.

3. Stay away from oily or heavy cosmetics. Rather use products which are marked hypo-allergic, non-acnegenic or non-comodegenic which are designed to take care of your skin. The heavy and oily cosmetics can increase the chances of an acne breakout.

4. Treat yourself with a visit to a day spa and let the experts there pamper your skin. They can also give you good advice on what to do and not do to keep your skin looking young, healthy and acne-free.