What Is A Comedone Extractor?

A comedone extractor is a tool used in many spas/wellness centers as well in the home to remove unsightly blackheads from the face.  A blackhead, otherwise known as a comedone, is a build up of oil in a sebum gland at the surface of the skin.  As our bodies build new skin cells on our face, we must dispose of thousands of dead skins cells every day.  If we do not utilize a good skin care program the dead skin cells mix with excess oil on the skin partially clogging pores creating a build up of oil.  This build up of oil manifests itself as a blackhead or whitehead on the skin which must be treated with a proper skin cleanser or removed physically with a comedone extractor.  Removing a blackhead with anything but a comedone extractor, such as your fingernails is dangerous and unhealthy.

Anything But A Comedone Extractor Is Dangerous

You should never attempt to remove your blackheads with anything but a comedone extractor for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, your hands are extremely dirty and covered with bacteria.  Particularly the area under your fingernails receive very little attention when you wash your hands, and they are rarely disinfected.  This bacteria can transfer into an open pore on your face when you pop a blackhead causing an infection.

The second reason why popping pimples without a blackhead extractor is dangerous is the uneven pressure you apply with your fingernails.  Without distributing the pressure of your fingernails perfectly around the blackhead, it is possible to create permanent scarring and bruising on the face which is not easily repaired.

A good comedone extractor will apply pressure in a perfect circle around the blackhead forcing it to break through in the center of the pore.  Additionally, comedone extractors can be easily sterilized before and after use, dramatically cutting down the risk of infection.

How To Use A Comedone Extractor

Before attempting to remove blackheads, make sure you have a quality comedone extractor such as the Body Toolz Double Hoop Blackhead Remover.  Make sure you are in front of a mirror with plenty of light and room to work.   Before touching your face, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize your comedone extractor with rubbing alcohol.  Center the blackhead inside the center of the small hoop on your extractor and apply firm even pressure until the blemish pops out of the center of the hoop.  Clean the pore with an antiseptic toner or rubbing alcohol.  Complete the treatment by re-sanitizing the comedone extractor with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol.