Overview

The dark color of flat blackheads comes from a plug in the pore. Pores are also known as sebaceous follicles, and blackheads are known as open comedones. When skin oil and dead skin cells get trapped in the pore, the material hardens into a plug. Washing your skin gently twice a day with warm water and a mild skin cleanser helps to remove skin oil, known as sebum, to control acne, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. With the right tool and by working in clean conditions, getting rid of flat blackheads is a straightforward procedure.

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap. Soak a blackhead extractor in alcohol and set out a clean washcloth and towel.

Step 2

Soak your face or other blackhead-affected area with a warm washcloth for at least five minutes to help soften the blackheads.

Step 3

Center a blackhead extractor on a blackhead and press on the blackhead to remove it. The blackhead extractor has a tiny spoon with a hole in it. Place it on the blackhead with the curved side against your skin. The instrument creates pressure around the comedone to remove the plug without harming your skin.

Step 4

Use the blackhead extractor on the rest of your blackheads. If a blackhead doesn't clear with the extractor, don't force it. Soak the blackhead extractor in alcohol after use.

Step 5

Rinse your face with cool water. Pat your face dry.