Blackheads are incredibly common – and incredibly annoying. Many people will suffer from blackheads, and blackhead remover tools are frequently relied on.
If you are interested in using a tool to get rid of your blackheads, read on to learn more about the best blackhead extractor tool and how to use them.
What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads are a mild form of acne that can occur on the face and the body. A blackhead is a type of comedo, a small bump found on the skin. Blackheads are some of the most common types of comedones, and are referred to as “open comedones”.
Blackheads are caused by debris, such as bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, sebum, and sweat, that clogs the pores. These debris turn a black or grey color when exposed to oxygen, hence the name “blackheads”.
How Do Blackhead Removal Tools Work?
Blackhead extractors (also called comedone extractors) are tools used to, as you can probably guess, remove blackheads. They are made of stainless steel, and feature a loop on the end that helps push out debris from the pores and remove blackheads from the skin.
There are a variety of types of comedone extractors, and there isn’t one best blackhead extractor. Different sized and shaped loops are used for different sized blackheads. Some tools are also designed to reach more hard to get to spots. Some of the different blackhead extractor tools include:
- Flat Loop - This is one of the most popular blackhead removing tools. It has a long oval shaped loop that doesn’t irritate the skin. The shape is great for scraping away extracted debris.
- Small Loop - This tool is similar to the flat loop, but is just smaller and more round. It is great for treating smaller blackheads.
- Angled Loop - An angled loop has a larger teardrop shape and is helpful for reaching more difficult spots. It is also useful when treating a cluster of blackheads at one time.
- Spoon Extractor - This tool has a small, spoon-shaped tip with a hole in the center. It is designed to fit tight around a blackhead to help push the debris out. This tool requires more pressure (making it particularly great for more stubborn blackheads), and as such should be used with caution to not damage the skin.
- Eye Loop - This is similar to the other loops, but has a circular, small loop at the end. The shape is great for smaller blackheads. Similarly to the spoon extractor, it requires more pressure, and should be used with caution.
Best Blackhead Remover Tools
Now that you understand the process and proper methods behind extracting blackheads, it is time to find the tools that work best for you. These are some of the best blackhead extractor tool kits available on the market.
1. Bestope Blackhead Remover Kit
#1 Best Seller on Amazon - easily remove blackheads, acne, and various blemishes
This 5-piece blackhead extraction kit has the variety of tools you need to safely get rid of your blackheads. Bestope’s kit includes angled loop, small loop, flat loop, and spoon extractors. The tools are made with a stainless steel coating that is appropriate for all skin types and won’t irritate the skin. They also feature an anti-slip handle design, which makes it easier for you to control the positioning and pressure. The kit comes in rose gold, silver, and black, and includes a carrying case for easy storage.
2. JPNK Blackhead Remover Kit
This stainless steel blackhead removal kit can help to remove blackheads, acne and various blemishes, keep your face clean and smooth
This set from JPNK is one of the best blackhead extractor tool kits. It contains 6 different stainless steel tools that will help you target your blackheads. This JPNK kit includes angled loop, flat loop, and eye loop extractors. The tools feature anti-slip handles which make them easy to control. You have your choice between silver, black, and pink tools. The kit comes in a leather case.
3. Chimocee Blackhead Remover Tools
Chimocee offers an effective 5-piece set that has everything you need to extract blackheads, including flat loop, angled loop, and small loop extractors. The tools are made of 100% dermatological surgical steel, so they won’t cause issues for those with sensitive skin. This blackhead extractor kit comes in a leather case for easy storage and transportation.
How to Use a Blackhead Remover Tool
For the best and safest results, you need to use a blackhead extractor correctly. These steps will help you get rid of blackheads without damaging your skin.
1. Cleanse and Gently Steam Your Skin
You should do the blackhead extracting process on clean, dry skin. This helps prevent bacteria on the skin from getting into the pores as you are extracting. For the best results, you can do the extracting process after taking a warm shower. While you may have heard that steam will “open” the pores, this isn’t exactly true. Pores don’t open and close, so steam won’t do anything in regards to their size (which is determined primarily by genetics). Rather, steam helps soften the sebum in the pores, making it easier to extract the debris.
2. Safely Extract
Once you’ve picked out the best blackhead extractor (more on that below), you are ready to safely extract. Start by placing the extractor around a blackhead. Gently press down on one side, and then slowly roll it to the other side of the blackhead to extract the debris. Fight the urge to apply too much pressure, as it can irritate the skin. If you are working with a blackhead that won’t budge, don’t try to press harder – leave it be for this time around. Before moving on to the next blackhead, sterilize your tool to avoid spreading bacteria.
3. Apply a BHA Containing Product
Once you are done with the extraction process, use a BHA product, like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Saturate a cotton ball, and sweep it across the affected area. This will help cleanse the skin of any remaining debris, and will also exfoliate. If you were unable to get rid of some blackheads, a BHA can help dissolve some of the sebum. This in turn may make it easier for you to extract the blackhead next time.
4. Sterilize the Blackhead Removal Tool
After the process is finished, sterilize the blackhead removal tool with alcohol. This will keep it clean so that you aren’t spreading bacteria the next time you use it.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Blackhead Remover Tool
Pros
- A comedone extractor can be a useful tool for those dealing with blackheads.
- It helps blackhead sufferers quickly and effectively get rid of blackheads on their skin.
- By using a sterilized tool (rather than your fingers) to extract blackheads, you are also reducing the possibility of further spreading bacteria on the skin.
Cons
- While comedone extractors can be useful tools for those dealing with blackheads, they do come with some risks.
- If someone doesn’t use the tool correctly, they could push the pore-clogging debris further into the skin.
- Overuse or pressing it too harshly could end up irritating and potentially scarring the skin.
There is also the issue of keeping the tool clean. If someone uses a comedone extractor that hasn’t been properly sanitized, they could end up spreading bacteria to their skin. Additionally, if a user doesn’t cleanse the area after removing blackheads, the bacteria can spread and cause more issues.
Additional Tips for Getting Rid of and Preventing Blackheads
Using the best blackhead extractor is an effective way of getting rid of blackheads. However, it isn’t the only method or tool available. Many may find that, after implementing the following steps, they may be able to adequately treat and prevent blackheads, and may not need to use a comedone extractor at all. At the very least, these easy steps should help reduce the frequency at which you need to use a blackhead and comedone acne extractors.
- Cleanse Daily - Regardless of skin type and skin issues, everyone should cleanse their skin on a daily basis. A facial cleanser helps sweep away debris on the skin that can clog pores and cause blackheads and breakouts. Find a cleanser that works for your skin, and be consistent with cleansing day and night to get rid of debris and bacteria on the skin.
- Apply a BHA Product for Exfoliation - Chemical exfoliating products dissolve anything that might be holding dead skin onto the surface, and unclog debris in the pores. Salicylic acid (which is a BHA) is a chemical exfoliant that is particularly useful for those with blackheads. It works deep in the pores to help unclog blocks that are creating blackheads. By using a BHA product on a daily basis, you can treat current blackheads and prevent new ones from forming.
FAQs
What tool do you use to remove blackheads?
A blackhead extractor (also known as a comedone extractor) is a tool that extracts debris that causes blackheads from the pores. There are a variety of types of extractors, which each have their own unique purpose when treating blackheads.
Are blackhead extractors bad for your skin?
Blackhead extractors are effective tools. However, they can cause damage to the skin when not used properly. They should be used with caution, and users should avoid applying too much pressure to the skin.
Can you use duct tape to remove blackheads?
You should not use duct tape to remove blackheads. It irritates the skin and would likely do more harm than good. More safe and effective alternatives include cleansing your face daily, using a BHA to exfoliate, and extracting with a comedone extractor.
Summary: Best Blackhead Remover Tools
The Bottom Line
Blackheads are a type of comedone (referred to as an “open comedone”) where debris build-up clogs the pores. Blackhead remover tools are effective tools for getting rid of blackheads, but should be used with caution to not irritate the skin. Those dealing with blackheads should cleanse daily and use a BHA product to help treat and prevent new blackheads from forming.
