Blackhead popping is a way of removing blackheads that works really well – but if you do not use the right technique, you can end up with the bacteria in the blackhead getting spread within your skin and this can easily cause an infection and redness to develop.
For blackhead popping to be successful, you need to begin by cleansing the area thoroughly to minimise any possible breakout caused by a bacterial infection. Follow this by exfoliating using a very gentle exfoliator or scrub or a Hydroxy Acid type product. This will help to remove dead skin cells and other debris from the area you are working on. Using an exfoliating cream or scrub helps to open up the pores but if you can use a steamer afterwards, or use a very warm washcloth on the area, this will really help to open the pores more in order to make it the removal as easy as possible.
Before you start out on your blackhead popping, it is important to put on lightweight disposable gloves or cover your fingertips by winding a tissue around them. This not only gives you a better grip, but will prevent you damaging your skin with your fingernails. Apply a fingertip each side of the blemish and pull them gently apart. This stretches the skin; when you push your fingertips together again, press down as well so that you create a little mound of skin containing the blackhead between your fingers. By applying pressure under the blemish, you will find it a lot easier to push out the contents of the blocked pore.
If the blemish will not come out easily, you need to leave it alone and preferably use an overnight treatment on the skin area before trying again. Repeatedly trying to remove stubborn blemishes is counter-productive and will just inflame the skin and cause you more problems.
After a successful blackhead popping session, wipe the area with an antiseptic wipe to sterilise it and kill any bacteria that have been left on the skin surface. Then you can apply a gentle clay masque onto the area which will help to purify the skin, soothe it and reduce any redness and refine the skin. A masque containing tea tree oil is great and can be left on for around ten minutes before gently removing with warm water and a clean wash cloth and patting dry.
After this, you can use a mattifier which helps to refine the skin further, reduce oil production and reduce bacteria – this also has the effect of reducing any oily shine. If you want to use a concealer on the area afterwards, use one that is a treatment product containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide or one containing benzoyl peroxide. Following these steps will make blackhead popping successful and trouble-free.
The jury is probably still out on what is the best blackhead treatment, however by improving your diet, perhaps taking a vitamin b5 supplement you will help your body to keep your skin looking great.