Zwivel posted "Whitehead Removal Dos and Don'ts: Advice from the Experts" featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel, founder of Visha Skincare.
Before a job interview, a first date, or an important presentation — comedones have a way of rearing their ugly heads in the worst moments. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do to get rid of whiteheads.
Why Popping Whiteheads Is A Bad Idea
You may be tempted to squeeze out whiteheads to deal with them fast, but as most dermotologists will tell you, this could actually worsen the situation.
Creating an open wound in which bacteria can thrive will make the whitehead more inflammed, more visible, and slower to heal. Furthermore, “popping the pustule can lead to scarring,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel, a cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist based in Memphis, Tennessee.
It is also worth noting that since the pustules contain concentrated bacteria, popping them can spread pus and infection to other areas, resulting in more blemishes.
Instead, Patel recommends using a comedone extractor, a specialized tool made of small stainless steel rods that can physically remove whiteheads and blackheads without causing significant damage to the skin.
Dermatologists and skin care professionals often use the tool, but it is also readily available for use at home. Although it can take some practice, it’s a relatively simple skill to learn.