1. Keep Your Fingers to Yourself

It may be tempting to try to clear up blemishes on your complexion by "popping" them. However, squeezing blackheads and pimples only makes them look worse. Squeezing causes redness and swelling and may cause bleeding, which can leave you with an unattractive scab.

2. Squeezing Blackheads Creates More Acne

Squeezing blackheads may get rid of them temporarily. However, the practice also releases the plug of oil and dead skin within the pore, which in turn may cause pores to produce more oil and more blackheads. Squeezing can also cause scarring and infection.

3. Let Your Dermatologist Take Over

The best way to have blackheads removed is to see a dermatologist. He can safely extract the blackhead from the pore using a special tool called a comedone extractor. Dermatologists can also perform microdermabrasion, which extracts blackheads and pimples while exfoliating the skin.

4. If You Must Squeeze Blackheads, Squeeze With Care

If you must squeeze, take precautions. Wash your face and exfoliate with a gentle face scrub. Then press a warm, damp towel against your entire face to expand your pores. Wrap both your index and middle fingers in tissue. This prevents your fingernails from scarring your complexion and keeps any unseen grime from your nails out of the pores. With your fingers covered, gently push out any blackheads.

5. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Complexion

Blackheads occur when your pores enlarge and fill with excess oil (sebum) and dead skin. Minimize oil by using oil-free makeup and lotions. Regularly exfoliate with a gentle loofah or brush to slough away dead skin and prevent it from building up within your pores. Wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and debris from your complexion. Keep your hair out of your face, especially if you wear many styling products, as these can irritate skin and cause acne and blackheads.