Let's assume you are getting ready
to go out on a date and look in the mirror. You've got a
blackhead right in the middle of your forehead-panic sets in.
You reach up and using your fingernails press down and squeeze
hard. You think you've got it, but when you look into the mirror
you realize you barely touched it. You try again. Now there is
just a red spot where you damaged the skin surrounding the
blackhead-and the blackhead is still there! This is how NOT to
remove a blackhead. Be patient and don't stress and you can get
it out without destroying your skin.
First of all when you decide you
are going to remove a blackhead there are a few simple steps to
follow. Wash your face with warm soap and water. This will
remove dead skin on your face. Next place a warm, but not hot,
wet cloth over your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. As
the cloth cools rewet it with warm water and reapply it to your
face. This warm wet cloth will help loosen the skin and open the
pores making the blackhead easier to get out.
Dry your face well and place a
piece of tissue over your fingertips. The tissue will keep your
fingertips from slipping and damaging your skin. Using your
fingertips, not your nails press down gently and then up to
remove the blackhead. If the blackhead didn't come out, repeat
the process from a different angle. If it does not come out the
second time you are most likely going to be stuck with it for
awhile.
Don't fret-there are other
options. There are many blackhead removal strips on the market
as well as suction devices that when placed over the blackhead
can remove the blackhead from the skin. Make sure you follow the
directions that came with the product you are going to use so
you do not damage your skin.
Remember that taking out a
blackhead requires gentle pressure. Do not use your nails, use
your fingertips. Use a warm cloth to loosen the blackhead. Do
not try to remove the blackhead when your skin is not prepared
with a warm cloth. Do not try to force the blackhead out.
Forcing the blackhead out by using a lot of pressure will only
damage your skin and leave you with a bigger problem. Be gentle
and patient and you'll get the blackhead out safely.
