You peered into your mirror after waking up this morning, and that’s when you saw it. A blackhead on your nose. You knew it wasn’t the end of the world, but you still spent several long moments inspecting it, turning your nose this way and that.

You resisted the urge to pick at it with your fingers, because you’ve heard that can be bad for your skin. The last thing you want is to make it worse, but wow, it is tempting.

And you can’t help but think that you wished there was a way you could remove that pesky little black dot.

Well, you’re in luck, because there is!

There’s a whole subsect of skincare products for extracting blackheads, aptly referred to as blackhead extraction tools.

Note that it’s often recommended to leave blackheads and blemishes alone, leaving extraction to the professionals, like dermatologists or estheticians.

However, if you do want to DIY removing one at home, there are blackhead removal tools that can be effective using the right methods, tools, and techniques.

We’ll get to those right here in this article so you can get popping – safely, of course.

What Are Blackhead Extraction Tools?

Simply put, blackhead extraction tools are the tools that are made and used to remove blackheads. Duh, right? There are many different types of blackhead removal tools, ranging in form, effectiveness, and cost. The tool that is typically referred to, and is the focus of the information provided below, is the blackhead extractor tool.

Blackhead extractor tools, or comedone extractors, are small metal rods, only a few inches long, with small loops of slightly different sizes at either end. You carefully press the loops of the metal blackhead remover tool onto the skin to pop the blackhead, ridding it of the oil and dead skin inside.

There are many different types of blackhead extractor tools, depending on the size and shape of the loops.

However, there are other types of blackhead removal tools as well, like blackhead vacuums, which are trendy on TikTok.

Below is a table of a variety of different blemish removal tools and what they look like.

Blackhead Removal Tool Type	Description
Spoon Blackhead Extractor	The shape of these loops allow them to closely surround the blackhead so the oil and dead skin cells in the blackhead are forced to the surface when you apply pressure
Angled Loop Blackhead Extractor	These loops are angled so that you can get to awkward or hard to reach places.
Small Loop Blackhead Extractor Tool	These loops are for smaller blackheads (and whiteheads).
Flat Loop Blackhead Extractor Tool	These loops’ flat shape should be gentler on the skin to help prevent irritation.
Eye Loop Blackhead Extractor Tool	These loops are used for removing larger blackheads.
Blackhead Vacuums	Blackhead vacuums gently suction the contents of a clogged pore.
Blackhead Tweezers	Blackhead tweezers are tweezers used to squeeze the skin under the blackhead, forcing the contents up and out.
Lancet	The lancet comes to a point rather than having a loop so they can carefully pierce larger blackheads and an extractor can then be used to remove the contents.

But before we get to the tools and exactly how to use them, you might be wondering what exactly is a blackhead, and why should it or can it be extracted? How does it differ from a pimple?

What is a Blackhead?

Blackheads (or open comedones) are small, dark bumps where a hair follicle (or skin pore) has become clogged but remains open; they are a type of acne, different from pimples, which are filled with pus. Blackheads commonly appear on the face, but like other forms of acne, can appear on other areas of the body as well.

Blackheads are not the same thing as sebaceous filaments, although they are sometimes confused with them.

Sebaceous filaments are what lines the skin’s pores so sebum (part of the skin’s natural oils) can come to the surface of the skin. They can have a similar appearance to blackheads, or whiteheads, but they are not the same. They are not clogged pores.

Having blackheads does not necessarily mean the person is dirty or unhygienic. Some people, particularly in their teenage years, are more prone to acne, no matter their facial care routine. But, if blackheads bother you, there are ways to remove them to give your skin a clearer appearance (and having a great skincare routine is a good place to start!). Blackhead extractor tools are just one of these methods.

How to Use a Blackhead Extractor

The focus here is going to be on blackhead extractor tools. Although you may recognize these tools as being typically wielded by estheticians or dermatologists, maybe even from pimple popping videos (warning: they can be graphic) they are available for public use as well. But it’s important to know the proper way to use them. Otherwise, you increase your risk of infection, scarring, inflammation, and other nasty side effects.

With the right technique, you’ll be able to extract your own blackheads like a pro.

Step 1: Get Prepped

Before you begin any extracting, there are steps you’ll need to take to properly prepare for safe blackhead removal:

• A good time to remove blackheads is after a shower or bath to relax the pores and loosen the clog. You can also use a warm compress or relax in a steam room. Steam will work just as well as warm water to open those pores!
• You should wash your hands and face, and ensure your extractor tool is clean before you begin, too. You can just use your regular cleanser for your face, and soap and water for your hands. But, for the extractor tool itself, you’ll want to use something like alcohol – rubbing alcohol, not the kind in a liquor cabinet.
• You don’t want to introduce any dirt or bacteria onto your skin or into the pores. There’s no use in replacing a blackhead with an infection. In pimple popping videos, you’ll see professional estheticians and dermatologists are often wearing gloves when extracting blackheads for this very reason.

Step 2: Placing the Blackhead Extractor Tool on the Skin

Different extractor tools will have different loops of varying sizes and thicknesses. This is because different loops are better suited to different blackheads (or just different personal preferences). It’s best to match your blackhead to the right tool (if you have more than one extractor to work with).

The key is that you’ll want to center the loop over the blackhead, so that an even amount of pressure can be placed all around the blackhead, rather than any sort of dragging motion.

Step 3: Under Pressure

Now that you’re ready and you’ve hit the spot, it’s time to make that blackhead go pop! It’s time to begin applying pressure for the actual extraction.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re blackhead removing:

• You’ll want to apply pressure evenly around the blackhead. You are just gently pressing the loop into the skin, not dragging, maneuvering, or wriggling it. This avoids damaging or inflaming the surrounding skin as much as possible.
• If this does not work, and nothing comes out of your blackhead, it’s time to stop. The universe does not have extraction in the stars for you today. Continuing to pick at the blackhead may just make it worse. You could force the contents of the blackhead deeper, injure the skin or risk scarring.
• If you are successfully extracting the contents of the blackhead, but start to bleed, you should stop then, too. Again, you don’t want to risk scarring, infection, or trauma to the skin.

Step 4: Finishing Up

After you’ve finished popping your blackheads, there are some steps you’ll want to take to avoid:

• Infection
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Scarring
• Irritation

To do just that, it’s recommended you:

• Cleanse the area with a gentle product to remove any bacteria or dirt
• Avoid touching it with your hands. This is again to help prevent any bacteria or dirt to get in the area, in turn preventing infection
• If there is swelling, you can apply a cool compress (ensure that what you use is clean, preferably sterile)

Some people have more sensitive skin than others, and may be more prone to inflammation, irritation, or scarring. Any time you use an extractor tool, you risk infection, swelling, inflammation, scarring, the whole nine yards, no matter how careful you are. So be careful out there – and gentle.

Things to Know About Blackhead Remover Tools

Now you know what blackhead removal tools are, and how to use an extractor, but there’s still a few more things you should know about blackhead removal tools before you purchase one of your own and put it to the test.

Blackhead Remover Kits

Rather than choosing one single extractor to buy, you can choose to purchase a blackhead removal kit. There are many different types of kits, which come with an array of different combinations of extractor tools, tweezers, and lancets. A multi-piece kit may include them all.

With a kit, you have more options with the extractor you use for your blackhead.

Controversy on Blackhead Removal Tools

Believe it or not, blackhead removal tools come with a controversy of their own. To use at home or not to use at home, that is the debate.

And the answer really depends on who you ask.

If you go searching online, you’ll find different articles both for and against it. The consensus seems to be that it’s safest to leave blackhead extraction to the professionals. That’s your best bet of escaping infection, scarring, irritation, inflammation.

Blackhead Extraction Tools vs Prevention

If you have a blackhead, it’s totally understandable why you’d want to remove it. However, if this is a consistent and/or reoccurring problem you have, you may want to consider seeing a dermatologist so they can help you create a skincare routine or provide you with medication to help keep your skin smooth.

But, if you don’t want to take a trip to a dermatologist’s office, or you’d like to try and fix it yourself first, there are some things you can try that are known to prevent, or at least help prevent, blackheads.

We recommend the following products for blackhead prevention:

• Salicylic acid cleansers
• Topical retinoids
• Skin brushes
• Mineral masks
• Blackhead mask

Research the products you wish to use before purchasing, including what will happen during the first few uses. Stop using a product if it causes irritation. But, if you just don’t think the product is working, make sure you’ve used it for a long enough amount of time to see results.

Top 7 Blackhead Extractor Tools

Now that we know a little more about the blackhead removal process, and how these tools work, it’s time to talk about the top blackhead extractor tools on the market.

Just remember, your skin is as unique as you are and that means not every tool will be ideal for your particular skin-tuation, and asking your dermatologist for advice is always best.

TAYTHI Blackhead Remover Tool Kit

This kit comes with five different stainless steel blackhead extraction tools, including different types of blackhead extractor tools, a lancet, and instructions on how to use them. You can control the pressure with the non-slip handle, which ensures accuracy and prevents skin damage. Keeping the tools clean is made easy thanks to the metal carry case that comes with them.

Revlon Soft-Touch Blemish Remover

Revlon’s Soft-Touch Blemish remover is a stainless-steel blackhead extraction tool featuring a flat loop on one end and an angled loop on the other. Available to purchase wherever Revlon is, this tool is a great option for those who don’t want to fuss with a whole kit.

Japonesque Blackhead, Pimple & Blemish Extractor

Japonesque is an American beauty brand inspired by the tools of the trade used in Kabuki theater (which is a type of Japanese theater). Its blackhead, pimple & blemish extractor is actually a small kit, with two different stainless-steel tools, featuring three different loops and a lancet. This kit helps effectively and safely removes blackheads and whiteheads.

ForPro Blackhead and Blemish Remover Kit

This 6-piece extracting tool assists in removing blackheads easily and effectively. These tools keep your face looking flawless and smooth at home in a cost-effective way. Made of high-quality stainless steel and with textured grips and angled heads, you can get into hard-to-reach places more easily.

Tweezerman No Slip Skin Care Tool

Tweezerman is a US-based beauty company selling beauty tools and implements. Its stainless-steel No Slip Skin Care Tool has an extractor loop on both ends, one of which is angled. Reviews mention this tool works particularly well on the nose area.

VeniCare Blackhead and Pimple Remover Kit

VeniCare is an American company that specializes in high-quality products for affordable prices, including its own products, overstock and closeouts. This kit comes with five different stainless-steel blackhead removal tools, including extractors and lancets. It can be used to pop pimples, remove blackheads, treat blemishes, and remove zits and whiteheads.

Professional Stainless Blackhead Remover Set

Anjou is a beauty and wellness brand focused on health and natural lifestyles. This blackhead extractions kit includes six different stainless-steel blackhead removal tools, including different types of extractors, tweezers and a lancet.

Conclusion

So that’s it! Now you know the down low on blackhead removal tools. So good luck out there! And safe and happy popping! Interested in how to deal with blackheads in your ears? Read on to learn how to get rid of them fast.