Are Blackhead Vacuums Effective?

Are Blackhead Vacuums Effective?

We've all seen them: videos of people using what look like tiny little vacuum cleaners to slurp blackheads from their faces.blackhead vacuum Some are ads, others are beauty bloggers who seem hypnotised as they smooth the devices over their skin, and then watch with wonder as the blemishes get sucked away into the small machine's suctioning chamber. But are pore vacuums effective?

According to dermatologists, the answer is a bit complicated.blackhead vacuum The tools — which can range in size from a mini syringe to an electronic hand-held device — work by using mild suction to help loosen up oil, dirt and dead skin cells that create blackheads, according to New York City-based dermatologist and hormonal skin expert Hadley King. "When you apply the right amount of pressure to a clogged pore, you can release the keratin plug that is causing the appearance of a blackhead," she says.

Most pore vacuums have a circular nozzle that you position over a blackhead and then gently suction it to remove the blemish.blackhead vacuum They're typically easy to use and come with different nozzle attachments that fit most facial contours, making them ideal for spot treatment on stubborn blackheads, such as those in the nose or chin. You may also find a rubber ring that can be placed over the nozzle to increase suction power and help the tool reach deeper into pores.

Before you start sucking, though, experts advise some pre-skincare prep.blackhead vacuum "Before you get started, make sure your face is clean, dry and free of makeup and other debris," says Dr. Campbell. She also recommends hydrating the skin with a non-oil moisturizer. "When the pore vacuuming happens, it can irritate the skin and cause redness, which is why you want to keep the barrier protected," she adds.

Another step is to use a gentle exfoliator to prepare the skin for pore vacuuming.blackhead vacuum She likes the Kat Burki exfoliating clay mask ($98), which helps chemically exfoliate the skin and slough away excess oil. She suggests applying the mask once a week at first, and then increasing to twice or three times as your skin becomes accustomed to it.

Finally, you should always follow any pore vacuuming instructions that came with the device and be careful not to overdo it. Experts warn that too much pressure can cause inflammation and even a temporary bruise or broken capillary. And, for anyone with a blemish that's already come to the surface, a pore vacuum can actually push the oil and dead skin into the open pores, creating a fresh blemish, says dermatologist and glamologist Jessica Krant.

If you're still interested in trying a pore vacuum, it's best to go for the more expensive, professional-grade options, say dermatologists. They can be used in a spa setting with a trained technician who knows how to properly use the device and isn't too aggressive.

However, if you do end up going for the DIY route, Dr. Engelman says you should never expect a vacuuming treatment to provide the same results as a professional facial. But it's probably worth a try if you want to avoid picking or wiping your blackheads, which can lead to scarring and infection.

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