Why You Should Think Twice Before Extracting Your Own Blackheads
Shutterstock By Rachel Dillin/March 14, 2021 2:05 pm EST
Everyone deals with blackheads. Even celebs like Cardi B need help with them. It’s tempting to try to extract that blackhead when you see it pop up on your nose or chin. Perhaps you have an extraction tool, or maybe you just grab a bobby pin. However, you should think twice about removing them yourself the next time you see one of the dreaded blemishes. Doing so risks causing long-term skin damage like permanent scarring and dark spots (via Garnier).
The List spoke with Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, top NYC Dermatologist and empowerment leader, and he gave us the lowdown on all things blackhead-related. “We all get blackheads. It’s basically the cost of living. They are a downer — I totally get it, and the temptation to self-treat them is real,” Dr. Mudgil noted. However, Mudgil explained that there are several reasons why you shouldn’t attempt to extract blackheads yourself because it can cause many unintended consequences. Ultimately, he believes that you should leave the delicate procedure to the professionals to avoid some potentially severe skin issues.
Here’s why professionals are the best for blackhead removal
Shutterstock
When you go to a professional to get your blackheads extracted, she or he uses properly sterilized instruments and knows precisely how to prepare your skin for the removal process. “As you can see, blackhead management is best left to the professionals! You can do a lot more damage than good when taking matters into your own hands,” said Dr. Mudgil.
In addition to avoiding the pitfalls of attempting to extract blackheads yourself, you can also get information on preventing blemishes altogether, so you have fewer of them in the future. “Fortunately, the pros (like me) have lots of tricks up our sleeves, both to treat your blackheads and to prevent them,” encouraged the doctor. It is frustrating to see blackheads, especially on your face. While it may seem easy to prod the clogged pore yourself, it could leave you with lasting problems and make your skin worse. To avoid regret and potential damage to your skin, make an appointment with a trusted pro.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Extracting Your Own Blackheads
Shutterstock
By Rachel Dillin/March 14, 2021 2:05 pm EST
Everyone deals with blackheads. Even celebs like Cardi B need help with them. It’s tempting to try to extract that blackhead when you see it pop up on your nose or chin. Perhaps you have an extraction tool, or maybe you just grab a bobby pin. However, you should think twice about removing them yourself the next time you see one of the dreaded blemishes. Doing so risks causing long-term skin damage like permanent scarring and dark spots (via Garnier).
The List spoke with Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, top NYC Dermatologist and empowerment leader, and he gave us the lowdown on all things blackhead-related. “We all get blackheads. It’s basically the cost of living. They are a downer — I totally get it, and the temptation to self-treat them is real,” Dr. Mudgil noted. However, Mudgil explained that there are several reasons why you shouldn’t attempt to extract blackheads yourself because it can cause many unintended consequences. Ultimately, he believes that you should leave the delicate procedure to the professionals to avoid some potentially severe skin issues.
The List spoke with Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, top NYC Dermatologist and empowerment leader, and he gave us the lowdown on all things blackhead-related. “We all get blackheads. It’s basically the cost of living. They are a downer — I totally get it, and the temptation to self-treat them is real,” Dr. Mudgil noted. However, Mudgil explained that there are several reasons why you shouldn’t attempt to extract blackheads yourself because it can cause many unintended consequences. Ultimately, he believes that you should leave the delicate procedure to the professionals to avoid some potentially severe skin issues.
The downsides to extracting blackheads yourself will surprise you
Unfortunately, removing your own blackheads could cause inflammation and infection, which could worsen your acne. “Manipulating blackheads in an effort to remove them can inflame/irritate your skin, which can lead to more acne!” warned the doctor. “You can cause an infection, particularly if the skin is not prepped properly or instruments are not sterilized properly.”
Here’s why professionals are the best for blackhead removal
When you go to a professional to get your blackheads extracted, she or he uses properly sterilized instruments and knows precisely how to prepare your skin for the removal process. “As you can see, blackhead management is best left to the professionals! You can do a lot more damage than good when taking matters into your own hands,” said Dr. Mudgil.
In addition to avoiding the pitfalls of attempting to extract blackheads yourself, you can also get information on preventing blemishes altogether, so you have fewer of them in the future. “Fortunately, the pros (like me) have lots of tricks up our sleeves, both to treat your blackheads and to prevent them,” encouraged the doctor. It is frustrating to see blackheads, especially on your face. While it may seem easy to prod the clogged pore yourself, it could leave you with lasting problems and make your skin worse. To avoid regret and potential damage to your skin, make an appointment with a trusted pro.
In addition to avoiding the pitfalls of attempting to extract blackheads yourself, you can also get information on preventing blemishes altogether, so you have fewer of them in the future. “Fortunately, the pros (like me) have lots of tricks up our sleeves, both to treat your blackheads and to prevent them,” encouraged the doctor.
It is frustrating to see blackheads, especially on your face. While it may seem easy to prod the clogged pore yourself, it could leave you with lasting problems and make your skin worse. To avoid regret and potential damage to your skin, make an appointment with a trusted pro.
