Overview

Blackheads are a form of acne. Oils from the pore mix with dead skin cells and plug the pore causing it to turn dark when the oils react with oxygen. Blackheads are the beginning stages of acne and form prior to pimples that are caused by infections inside the pores. The bacteria trapped just below the surface in a blackhead can become inflamed, causing the blackhead to be painful. You can remove painful blackheads by following a few steps.

Step 1

Pour steaming hot water into a large bowl and hold your face over the bowl for 4 to 5 minutes. Cover your head and bowl with a towel to catch any escaping steam. Steaming your skin loosens and opens the pores to allow for less painful blackhead extraction.

Step 2

Apply gentle pressure to the blackhead with a double spoon blackhead extractor or double loop blackhead extractor tool found at any drugstore. Applying slight pressure to the blackhead causes the blackhead to push from the pore. Take care when using the blackhead extraction tool -- too much pressure can damage the skin surrounding the blackhead.

Step 3

Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser specifically for your skin type once you have removed the painful blackheads. Use an astringent toner after cleansing to remove any dirt and debris left behind from cleansing -- and to close and tighten your pores.