Squeezing Blackheads
Get Rid Of Blackheads

As mentioned above, blackheads contain bacteria. As you squeeze a blackhead, you run the risk of causing the bacteria to spread to the surrounding tissues if you tear the pore's wall. When this occurs, a simple blackhead can turn into a pustule or papule, which are pimples with or without pus. You can also spread the acne-causing bacteria to other areas on the surface of the face, which in turn can cause breakouts. Lastly, when you squeeze you run the risk of scarring.


BLACKHEAD PORE STRIPS VS. SQUEEZING BLACKHEADS

Pore strips are a great option under certain conditions. As long as you do not have skin sensitivity to the adhesive, this is an option to consider trying for extracting blackheads. The strips come in various sizes for use around smaller areas like the nose or larger strips for the forehead. Since the blackheads reside right under the immediate surface of the skin, the adhesive pore strip can usually pull the blackheads' contents out without causing any damage to the skin or pore. The best part about using pore strips is the fact that they facilitate the removal of several blackheads at one time. Therefore, if you have a cluster, you can get rid of them all in one fail swoop rather than squeezing blackheads individually.

Now, one final caveat concerning pore strips. If you find these strips to be too aggressive in terms of them "ripping" off a layer of skin, you might need to forego this option. Sometimes they do not completely eliminate the entire blackhead's contents. As a result you may find that you experience additional breakouts. Therefore, it is imperative once you use these strips that you immediately start an at-home skin care regimen to attack any remaining bacteria and sebum that is still in the pores.


COMEDONE EXTRACTOR VS. SQUEEZING BLACKHEADS

A comedone extractor which has also been called a blackhead extractor or a pimple extractor is a metal tool that has a loop at one end. The loop is placed over the center of a blackhead and gentle, even pressure is applied. When done properly, the loop will cause the contents of the blackhead to pop out of the center, thus releasing blackhead debris. Using this tool dramatically reduces the chance of damaging the skin and/or the pore walls. However, whenever the skin is being pressed, squeezed, or manipulated in any way, there is always a chance that damage could result. Therefore, care should still be taken when pressing blackheads out with a comedone extractor.


SQUEEZING BLACKHEADS

All right, you win, here's how to remove blackheads using the squeeze method.

• It's best to start this process right after a shower; however it is not required.

• Wash your face with a water-soluble cleanser that contains glycolic acid. This ingredient will help to exfoliate the dead skin cells on the skin.

• Next either gently steam your face to open the pores or use a warm wet washcloth.

• Once the pores are sufficiently opened, you can wear disposable gloves and/or wrap your index fingers with tissue that has been dipped in astringent.Carefully and gently work on extracting blackheads one at a time so not to cause any bruising to the surrounding tissues.

• Using the padded portion of the fingertips, in order to coax the blackhead out of the follicle, firmly press the skin that surrounds it. When done properly the contents of the blackhead pops out and can easily be wiped away. Be sure to change the tissues frequently so not to spread the bacteria to other parts of the face.

Here's one final note relating to squeezing blackheads. When it comes time to get rid of blackheads on the nose, you will want to be sure to apply the pressure in a vertical position rather than horizontal. In addition, pay close attention when extracting blackheads so you do not press down on the bridge of the nose, namely the cartilage.