How to Get Rid of Blackheads

We’ve all been there… standing in front of the bathroom mirror, getting ready for the day and giving our face a final once-over check, when something catches our eye. 

Is there something stuck on our skin? It’s not a pimple… so you lean in and on closer inspection, there it is. 

A blackhead, rearing its ugly head and it’s all you can focus on for the rest of the day.

When it comes to how to get rid of blackheads, there are multiple ways to go about it - but not all blackhead removal methods are created equal. 

And if you’re like most of us, you’ve tried a number of methods to banish those pesky blackheads. 

Maybe you’ve tried pore strips (which only remove the “lid” of the blackhead, and actually leave more room for infection and can make the blackhead even worse… yikes!), maybe you’ve tried purifying masks and scrubs and maybe you’ve even given in to temptation and started haphazardly squeezing at it, in the hope that it will pop out like one of those satisfying videos on Instagram.

But here’s the deal - nothing gets blackheads out quite like the extraction from a microdermabrasion tool.

Before we get into that, let’s learn a bit more about blackheads. You’ve got to know your enemy, after all!  

Blackheads vs. whiteheads

Both blackheads and whiteheads alike are types of non-inflamed clogged pores called comedones. A blackhead is an open comedone - a large opening in a hair follicle that’s been clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When this gets exposed to air, it then oxidizes and turns black, forming what we see as a blackhead.

On the other hand, whiteheads (which are closed comedones) are covered by a layer of skin cells that prevent them from oxidizing, so they look more flesh-coloured. 

Can blackheads be fully, permanently removed? 

Sadly, those pesky little spots are prone to keep popping up, depending on how much oil your skin produces, your genetics and your environmental and lifestyle habits (falling asleep with your makeup still on is a big no-no for clogging pores!).

And if you’re planning on playing the waiting game and hoping they disappear of their own accord - don’t hold your breath, because blackheads need manual intervention.  

Getting rid of blackheads is all about persistence, and is dependent on how actively you work to remove them in conjunction with your body’s physiological response.  

And here’s the thing - when it comes to clogged pores and blackheads, the most effective way to remove them is with manual removal (such as gentle squeezing, sonic cleansers and microdermabrasion) as topical skincare products alone will not remove blackheads.

The key to effective manual removal lies in gentle exfoliation. As blackheads don't have an infection, you don't want to make the mistake that many people make, which is to try to treat them with harsh acne products.

Instead, exfoliate. Removing dry skin cell buildup will help blackheads be extracted from the dermis, naturally. 

Using a blackhead remover

Enter our Blackhead Remover microdermabrasion tool! 

Our Blackhead Remover is the perfect solution for clogged pores, uneven skin tone and dullness. Our pore vacuum can easily extract blackheads and buildup straight from your pores quickly, all without a facial appointment!  

A home microdermabrasion treatment, the Blackhead Remover doesn’t just give your skin a deep clean and help reduce acne, it also combats signs of ageing, brightens skin, improves hyper-pigmentation and sun damage and smooths uneven skin tone. 

Using the pore vacuum is easy, the motored device simply glides over the skin, removing impurities and revitalising your complexion. 

How does microdermabrasion get rid of blackheads? 

Think of microdermabrasion as a supercharged spring-clean for your face; a powerful exfoliation technique that gets deep into the pores and buffs the skin’s surface flawlessly. Exactly the ticket when it comes to removing blackheads and debris from pores!

Microdiamonds on the surface of the device tip work to mechanically remove dead skin, while a suction method helps with lymphatic drainage and circulation, alongside removal of sebum - the oily substance that creates blackheads - in pores.

The benefits of microdermabrasion, aside from the sheer satisfaction of seeing the gunk sucked out of your pores, include a smoother more even skin texture, tighter pores and brighter skin, softened appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improved product absorption and wonderfully, an overall ‘glow’ that has to be seen to be believed.

If you’ve got oily or congested skin, microdermabrasion is a dream treatment for you - working on breakouts, blocked pores and dull complexions. 

When it comes to blackheads, the suction method of microdermabrasion pulls out sebum from the skin and micro lymphatic drainage brings it to the surface. And even better, even the blackheads that aren’t immediately suctioned out are loosened by the suction effect, which allows deep and stubborn blackheads to naturally make their way to the surface of the skin more easily, where they can then be removed.

What does microdermabrasion feel like? 

You’ll be pleased to know that microdermabrasion can be an enjoyable addition to your self-care routine! 

Start by charging the Blackhead Remover. Then, cleanse your face with your cleanser of choice - clear skin prevents the exchange of bacteria, so it’s important not to skip this step.

Now for a little relaxation. Steam your face, or use a hot washcloth to warm your face and open up those pores. This will increase the effectiveness of the pore vacuum and prime those blackheads for easy removal.  

Now that you’re ready to vacuum, place the nozzle over the blackhead so that it’s completely enclosed, and watch the magic! 

For best results, suction just one blackhead at a time, moving the vacuum around as you work around the contours of the nose. You’ll feel a slight suction/pulling sensation, but this is not at all painful. 

Once you’re done, splash your face with cool water to close the pores, and gently pat dry with a towel. It’s that easy!  

What skin care can help keep pores clean after a microdermabrasion?  

Once you’ve suctioned your pores clean with the Blackhead Remover, follow up is everything.  

When it comes to your topical products, dermatologists recommend that you use acid-based products to keep your pores clean.  

This is because once the pores are cleared out, products with AHAs and BHAs can absorb directly into the pores and keep them cleaned out, as well as preventing the oil from filling back up so quickly… thus giving you more bang for your buck, and requiring less harsh exfoliation treatments.

Antioxidant products (our Vitamin C serum with extra Hyaluronic Acid for hydration is great for this!) can also help prevent oil from oxidizing in the pores. 

Antioxidants used in skin care products have a plethora of benefits, such as encouraging collagen production, lightening discoloration and hyperpigmentation, and slowing down the production of skin-damaging free radicals. 

And importantly, antioxidants such as Vitamin C can prevent oil from oxidizing, hence the name antioxidants meaning ‘anti-oxidation.’ 

Please note: Do not use any acid-based products for at least 24 hours after professional or DIY manual extractions - the skin is extra sensitive during this time, and active ingredients (such as acids) that may aggravate the sensitive skin should be avoided until the initial inflammation has had time to calm down, and your skin’s natural healing response of producing collagen and elastin has been activated.  

If you’re looking to supercharge your skincare with a powerful pore-cleaning acid, you may also wish to try glycolic acid - which is considered by many to be the gold standard of chemical exfoliants and the best chemical for removing unwanted dead skin cells. 

When you remove dead, clogged cells from both the pores and the surface of the skin, it helps to prevent acne blemishes and ensures faster healing of most existing acne marks, especially blackheads. And at the same time, it helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. 

Not sure how to get started with removing blackheads?

We’re here to help!