The Dangers of Aggressive Blackhead Removal - Don't Pop Blackheads

The Dangers of Extreme Blackhead Popping

Blackheads are a common skin condition that nearly everyone experiences at some point. They occur when dead skin cells, oil, and debris clog pores and form small bumps. While unsightly, blackheads are generally harmless. However, some people take dangerous measures to remove blackheads that can permanently damage skin.

What are Blackheads?

Blackheads, also called open comedones, are small lesions that appear on the skin when dead cells and oil collect in hair follicles or pores. This clogs the opening of the pore, which causes a tiny bump to form. When exposed to air, the oil and dead cells oxidize, which causes the bump to look black at the surface.

Blackheads most commonly appear on the face, especially around the nose, forehead, and chin where oil glands are most active. However, they can pop up on other oily areas of the body, like the back, chest, and shoulders.

While unsightly, blackheads themselves are harmless. Nearly everyone gets them at some point, especially during puberty and teenage years when hormones cause increased oil production. For some, blackheads persist well into adulthood due to oily skin.

Why You Should Not Pop Blackheads

Many people try squeezing, picking, or poking at their blackheads in an attempt to extract them. This usually results in minimal success of getting anything out, and often makes the blackhead worse.

Dermatologists strongly advise against popping blackheads for several reasons:

• Pushing on blackheads forces debris deeper into the pore, which worsens clogs.
• Picking can damage skin and lead to enlarged pores, inflammation, and acne scarring.
• Popping blackheads spreads bacteria, which increases risk of infection.
• Repeated squeezing and picking leads to more blackheads forming as pores stretch out.
• Digging out blackheads can remove healthy skin and create open wounds.

While tempting, the dangers of popping blackheads far outweigh any immediate satisfaction. Put down the tweezers and stop scrutinizing blackheads in the mirror. Keep reading to learn the right way to get rid of blackheads safely and effectively.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Dermatologists recommend these methods for clearing blackheads and preventing new ones from forming:

1. Use Over-the-Counter Medications

Several effective acne-fighting ingredients are available over-the-counter without a prescription. Look for products containing retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to clear out congested pores. Retinoids boost skin cell turnover to prevent dead cells from clogging pores. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are oil-soluble compounds that break up debris inside pores while killing acne-causing bacteria.

2. Exfoliate Regularly

Gently sloughing off dead skin helps keep pores clear. Use a brush with soft bristles or an exfoliating washcloth to remove flaky skin cells. Chemical exfoliants containing alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids also work to dissolve dead skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard, which can irritate skin.

3. Use Clay Masks

Clay masks help draw out impurities from pores while soaking up excess oil. Look for masks containing bentonite or kaolin clay. Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. Use clay masks once or twice per week to maintain clear pores.

4. Cleanse Twice Daily

Make cleansing part of your morning and evening skincare routine. Use a gentle cleanser designed for your skin type. Never pick or squeeze blackheads when washing your face. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

5. Watch What Touches Your Face

Dirty hands and devices can transfer bacteria to your face that get trapped in pores. Avoid touching, resting your face on, or talking on cellphones. Change pillowcases frequently. Clean makeup brushes, phones, and glasses regularly.

6. Shrink Pores

Minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by using toner with witch hazel or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients will tighten up and decrease the size of pores. You can also try professional treatments like laser therapy or dermabrasion to reduce pore size.

7. Treat Underlying Causes

Consider what might be contributing to blackheads, like hormones, genetics, or certain medications. Treating underlying factors can help get breakouts under control. For teens, blackheads usually subside after puberty ends. Adults may need prescription retinoids or birth control pills to regulate hormonal fluctuations.

8. See a Dermatologist If Needed

Make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist if you continue struggling with blackheads. A dermatologist can assess your skin and determine if prescription acne medication is warranted. For deep blackheads that resist over-the-counter methods, a dermatologist may extract them.

9. Do Not Attempt Extreme Blackhead Removal at Home

You may see videos online of people removing massive blackheads with various odd contraptions and devices. Do not attempt squeezing, poking, or prodding blackheads with sharp tools. You will likely end up damaging skin and making breakouts worse. Leave blackhead extractions to professionals.

What Not to Do When Removing Blackheads

Avoid these dangerous blackhead removal methods:

Popping and Squeezing

Pressing, pinching, or squeezing blackheads forces debris deeper into pores and often ruptures the skin. The bacteria exposed can lead to inflamed papules and pustules. Aggressive picking also enlarges pores permanently.

Using Harsh Scrubs

Scrubs with coarse particles or abrasive ingredients like shells and nutshells can shred skin leaving tiny tears. This allows bacteria to penetrate and infect pores. Micro-tears also trigger inflammation and collagen breakdown.

Applying Glue or Strips

Gluey pore strips and peel-off masks do remove some dead skin and surface dirt when gently peeled off. However, they can strip healthy skin increasing irritation. They also stress the pores, making them appear dilated after repeated use.

Sharp Extractions

Never try to extract blackheads using fingernails, pins, needles, or any kind of sharp tool. Plucking and digging at skin causes severe trauma. Pitted acne scars usually result from improper poking and prodding.

Harsh Chemical Peels

Aggressive chemical peels burn through layers of the skin attempting to peel off blackheads. This inevitably leads to blistering, crusting, pigmentation problems, and potential scarring.

Painful Devices

Devices claiming to suck blackheads out of pores usually do more harm than good. At best, these gadgets temporarily inflate pores without extracting much. More concerning, they can rupture capillaries under the skin leading to bruising.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if your blackheads are severe or not responding to over-the-counter care. Signs your blackheads require professional medical treatment include:

• Blackheads cover a large area of your face, chest or back.
• Picking and popping have led to pigmentation or scarring.
• Prescription acne medications have not worked.
• Blackheads frequently reappear soon after clearing up.
• You have painful, inflamed breakouts surrounding blackheads.

A dermatologist can extract stubborn blackheads that resist other methods. More importantly, they can diagnose and treat any underlying skin conditions contributing to blackheads like excess oil production, bacteria growth, or dead skin buildup.

Treatments a Dermatologist May Recommend

• Prescription retinoids to unclog pores and regulate oil
• Oral or topical antibiotics to reduce bacteria
• Birth control pills to stabilize hormones
• Corticosteroid injections to lessen inflammation
• Light and laser therapies to shrink oil glands
• Chemical peels to deep clean pores
• Microdermabrasion to smooth and tighten skin

With professional treatment, most people can achieve clear skin free of blackheads and minimize their return. The key is being gentle, patient, and consistent with proper skincare.

How to Prevent Blackheads

Once you get blackheads under control, work to keep them from coming back by:

• Washing face twice daily and after sweating heavily
• Using oil-free cosmetics and sunscreen
• Avoiding thick creams and ointments that clog pores
• Exfoliating 2-3 times per week
• Using acne-fighting skincare products regularly
• Avoiding touching or picking at face
• Changing pillowcases frequently
• Keeping hair off face and skin
• Shampooing hair regularly if oily
• Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet

While frustrating, blackheads respond best to gentle, consistent care over time. Skincare matters more than expensive products or harsh procedures. With a regular regimen tailored for your skin type, you can successfully keep blackheads at bay.

The Bottom Line

Popping or squeezing blackheads pushes debris deeper into pores leading to inflammation and scarring. Aggressive scrubbing and picking also worsens breakouts. The safest, most effective way to get rid of blackheads is using over-the-counter retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.

Implement an acne-fighting skincare routine with exfoliation and clay masks to keep pores clear. See a dermatologist for prescription treatments if severe blackheads persist. With consistent, gentle care most people can achieve clear, smooth skin free of blackheads.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.