Is It Okay to Squeeze Out Blackheads?

Blackheads are probably the most annoying and stubborn skincare woes that one can think of. These pesky things are a matter of constant irritation for people with oily skin. They are basically pores that have been partially blocked by oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Often, they take a long time to go away and if you don’t follow a proper skin care they might just stick around for longer. In such situations, it might seem tempting to squeeze out the blackheads so that you can get rid of it instantly. Some even attempt to prick or dig them with sharp tools, but let us tell you this is not a wise idea at all. In today’s post, we will tell you why you should never squeeze out blackheads and what are the harmful consequences that might come across for doing so and “is it okay to squeeze out blackheads.? Find out the answer.

Is It Okay to Squeeze Out Blackheads

Why Should you Never Squeeze out Blackheads?
It might be visually satisfying to squeeze out these tiny clogged up pores, but let us tell you that, it might result in unwanted consequences.

  • Blackhead removal is not easy: If you are not a thorough professional, chances are that you will end up pricking the blackhead in the wrong way and it won’t even come out. Compared to whiteheads, these tiny monsters are hard to get rid of and need proper tools for extraction. Squeezing the blackheads can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin. Eventually, this will cause skin irritation and create an inviting ground for more bacteria to get inside causing cysts.
  • Enlargement of pores: In case of mishandling of a blackhead, you might damage the pore that you are trying to unclog. It might result in permanent enlargement of a skin pore. You should always leave such tasks to well-trained hands where the squeezing can be done in the right way.
  • Creates breeding ground for bacteria: Once you have a blackhead, the clogged pore gets full with bacteria and other impurities. So, squeezing a pore opens it and causes more bacteria to enter inside. Also, your sharp nails can create microscopic tears in your skin making it easier for bacteria to invade. This bacterium can also affect the surrounding pores and cause more blackheads post the opening gets bigger.
  • Skin Irritation: It doesn’t even need a mention that your skin needs care and should be handled gently. When you apply pressure to your skin for removing the clog, it irritates the skin and causes inflammation in the area where you tried to remove the blackhead. You might also witness some scarring. Additionally, the tissue surrounding the blackhead can also develop dark spots due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The dark spots and scarring that develops don’t go away that easily, so squeezing must be avoided at all costs.

What are the Possible Alternatives to Squeezing Blackheads?

  • Blackhead extraction: For proper extraction of blackheads, one of the best alternatives is to use a blackhead extraction tool, namely a comedone extractor. It is a small loop on the end of a metal rod. The loop gently retracts the skin around the blackhead and brings the contents to the surface. This tool is safer to use compared to squeezing as it does not compress the sides of the pore, so there is less risk of breaking the pore walls. It is better to get it done by a dermatologist.
  • Charcoal Pore Strips: These can be used remove several blackheads at a time. These pore strips have an adhesive surface and can be used on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. This adhesive sticks to the blackhead surface, so when you pull out the strip, the blackheads come out as well. It comes with lesser chances of damaging the pore.
  • Proper cleansing routine: For people with oily and acne-prone skin, you should cleanse your face twice a day with a face wash as per the skin type. Products that contain salicylic acid and zinc may be beneficial.  Weekly exfoliation is also a good attempt to remove the top layer dead cells of the skin. You can also try acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to apply directly onto spots. This will reduce chances of formation of blackheads.
  • Using non-comedogenic products: Once in a while, consider change of makeup tools and brushes. Also, use makeup products that will not block pores and choose items that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.
  • Visit a specialist: After trying all these remedies, if you are still not happy with the results, then the best choice is to visit a dermatologist and seek expert consultation.

So, the answer to today’s question is “No”, you should never ever try to squeeze out a blackhead. We have already mentioned about the ill-effects of doing so. Follow the possible alternatives that we have listed out for tacking blackheads. You will find yourself having a much smoother and brighter complexion if you follow the above tips. Thanks for reading!

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