In fact, whiteheads are pus-filled pimples that are formed from the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells. Before doing anything to get rid of it, try treating it first. In addition, also understand the various tips to prevent the appearance of whiteheads on the face. Remember, squeezing pimples or blackheads can leave scars on the skin! Therefore, it is not recommended for anyone to do it. If you have trouble holding back, at least do it in a way that minimizes the risk of scar formation. Once a pimple or blackhead is popped, immediately restore the condition of the skin using the various methods recommended in this article.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Protecting the Skin
Step 1. Identify whiteheads
First of all, observe if the tip of your pimple looks white. If the base of the pimple is red, you should clearly see the white dot or "eye" at the tip. If you can't find the white dot, don't try to squeeze it to avoid irritation and/or infection. Remember, whiteheads are also a form of infection, and squeezing them can make your skin even more inflamed.
- If the pimple is very large and painful, let it sit for a few days until the edges are white. To speed up the process, try compressing the pimple with a warm towel for five minutes for 3-4 hours, every day or two.
- To identify pimples or whiteheads that can be squeezed, read the wikiHow article How to Solve Acne Painlessly.
Step 2. Clean and sterilize your face using facial cleansing soap and warm water
Scrub your face in circular motions until all the dust, dirt, and makeup residue is removed. After that, lightly pat your face with a towel until it's half dry, and apply an antiseptic liquid or a special toner for acne-prone skin. Then, dry your face again without rubbing it to keep the blackheads area moist and supple.
- Do not rub pimples or blackheads in too rough a motion. Be careful, doing so can cause inflammation and spread pus and bacteria to healthy areas of the skin.
- If you don't have toner or antiseptic, use rubbing alcohol. However, do not do it too often so that your facial skin does not become too dry.
Step 3. Wash your hands with soap and warm water
As a benchmark, sing the song “Happy Birthday” and don't stop washing your hands before the song ends. Pay more attention to the area around your fingertips that will be in direct contact with the blackheads. If possible, also exfoliate the area of skin under your nails.
Step 4. Wrap each index finger with a piece of tissue
This step should be done to prevent the nail from piercing your skin. In fact, even you with short nails should still do it!
Part 2 of 4: Piercing Blackheads with Sewing Needles
Step 1. Sterilize the sewing needle
Remember, the method of piercing blackheads with a sewing needle is not recommended by dermatologists or other health professionals. Therefore, all risks must be at your own risk! If you still want to do it, choose the most common needle shape. Supposedly, this type of needle is sharp enough and can reduce the risk of scarring. Before use, soak the needle in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for one minute.
If you wish, you can also burn the tip of the needle with the help of a lighter or lighter before dipping it in the alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
Step 2. Puncture the surface of the blackhead
Make sure you insert the needle at an angle, not vertically, so that the skin that is still healthy and lies beneath the pus doesn't get punctured. Immediately take the needle after the blackhead oozes pus.
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If a blackhead oozes blood or clear fluid instead of pus, stop immediately.
In fact, squeezing blackheads that are not ready to burst can cause inflammation and slow down the skin's healing process.
Step 3. Squeeze the blackheads slowly
Place both index fingers around the blackheads, then press the blackheads inward in a very gentle motion so that the healthy parts of the skin are not injured. After that, wipe off any pus or fluid that comes out using a tissue. Change the tissue regularly to prevent the skin from being infected by germs. Do this process until there is no more pus left.
Part 3 of 4: Remove Blackheads Using the Steam Method
Step 1. Steam facial skin
First, fill half the pot with water, then bring it to a boil. Once the water boils, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes until the temperature has slightly reduced. While waiting for the water temperature to drop, wrap your head and hair with a towel to trap the incoming steam, then hang your head over the pot until the entire surface of your face is exposed to the warm steam. Do this process for five minutes.
This method is easiest to do if the pimple is on the neck or face area, not on the back of the body such as the back or shoulders
Step 2. Pull the skin around the blackhead
After wrapping your index finger with a tissue, place them around the blackhead. Then, pull the blackheads outward. It should be that the blackheads should burst at this stage so your work will be lighter afterwards. If a blackhead bursts, immediately wipe the pus or fluid that comes out with a tissue. Change the tissue regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
Step 3. Remove the pus from inside the blackhead
Place both index fingers around the blackhead, then gently press inward so you don't hurt your skin. After that, immediately clean the pus that comes out, and continue the process again until there is no pus left.
If a blackhead begins to ooze blood and/or clear fluid, stop immediately, even if the pus isn't completely drained
Part 4 of 4: Treating the Affected Area
Step 1. Stop any bleeding, if necessary
A popped blackhead will likely ooze pus, followed by blood. If this situation occurs, immediately apply pressure to the bleeding area with a tissue until the bleeding stops (approximately 5-10 minutes).
Step 2. Apply an antiseptic medication to the acne-prone area
Use a toner or antiseptic liquid that is specifically intended for people with acne-prone skin. If you only have rubbing alcohol, use it sparingly as a disinfectant. Applying too much alcohol can make the skin feel very dry afterwards.
Step 3. Use a topical medication
Buy acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide or other less effective medications such as retinoid creams, antibiotic ointments, or salicylic acid. To use it, all you have to do is apply a small amount of the ointment to the affected area using a cotton swab or fingertip.
If you want, you can also use a face mask that contains clay or benzoyl peroxide. Wait until the mask is completely dry and clean according to the instructions on the package
Step 4. Continue to treat your acne
For a day or two afterward, continue to apply the topical medication and clean your face as usual. If you prefer to use herbal remedies, try buying a bottle of tea tree oil at your nearest beauty or health store, and applying one to two drops to the pimple several times a day. Do this process until the pimple is completely gone!
Do you like wearing makeup? Instead, resist the urge until your face is completely free of acne
Step 5. Visit a dermatologist, if necessary
If blackheads look red or don't go away after a few days, see a doctor immediately. Also see a doctor if the severity of your acne increases or if all methods don't work. Chances are, after that the doctor will prescribe drugs such as Retin-A or Accutane for severe cases.
Tips
After squeezing whiteheads, don't look in the mirror too often! Trust me, you'll be tempted to squeeze it again and run the risk of getting an infection or scarring afterwards
Warning
- Don't squeeze blackheads around the eye area! Be careful, sewing needles that aren't on target can actually injure you. After all, pus that comes out, no matter how small, can cause infection if it accidentally enters your eye.
- Remember, squeezing whiteheads can make your acne worse or cause a skin infection!
- Sometimes, squeezing whiteheads will leave scars. Therefore, carefully follow all the instructions in this article to reduce the chances of scarring, or leave the task to your doctor.
