Removing blackheads: with a comedone squeezer, extractor or loop

Removing blackheads, clogged pores and ingrown hairs gently

Note: This article offers practical guidance. With inflamed or deep-seated blackheads there is a risk of infection – in that case see a dermatologist or a beautician.

With a metal blackhead remover you work more hygienically and more gently on the skin than with your fingernails. There are three designs, which differ only at the tip – which one is good for what is explained below.

Comedone loop

The comedone loop has an oval loop at the end. It comes single-ended and double-ended.

A large loop is suitable for larger blackheads and for areas of the body such as the back and legs. A small loop works more selectively: it applies the pressure only to a tightly limited area and spares the surrounding skin.

Left: large loop · Right: small loop

Comedone lifter

Instead of the oval loop, the comedone lifter has a ring-shaped loop. The difference from the loop tool lies solely in this shape.

Left: curved ends · Right: straight ends

Whether lifter or loop is ultimately a matter of taste. Anyone who does not want to commit takes the comedone lifter set with several variants – that covers face and body.

Comedone presser

Left: versatile range of use · Right: different loops

The comedone presser tapers into more of a spoon shape at the end. This allows a whole area to be treated – typically the sides of the nose.

Specialised instruments

Left: comedone presser & nail cleaner · Right: comedone lifter with cotton hook

For ingrown hairs, a combination instrument with a fine, pointed side helps. If that is not enough, reach for splinter tweezers or plucking tweezers – they let you grip the hair precisely.

What matters in a blackhead remover

At dm, Rossmann and Müller you can get blackhead removers for a few euros. For occasional use that is often enough. Four things distinguish a cheap instrument from a good one:

• The edge of the loop. It rests on the skin. If it is stamped out and not reworked, it presses at single points instead of evenly – which is more likely to leave redness.
• Two loop sizes. Inexpensive models often have only one. But fine blackheads on the nose need a smaller opening than larger pores on the chin.
• Sterilisability. Stainless steel can be disinfected or boiled without going dull. That is the difference between rinsing off and really clean.
• Durability. A bent loop cannot be straightened again. Harder steel withstands the strain for longer.

Where our instruments come from

We carry both and state with every product where it comes from:

• Made in Solingen – by Erbe, YES Solingen and Niegeloh. Reworked edges, priced accordingly.
• Podiatry instruments by RUCK – manufactured in Baden-Württemberg, sterilisable and designed for everyday practice use.
• Affordable ranges – our Excellent models are manufactured in Pakistan and cover everyday needs well.

The country of origin is stated with every product in the description. Anyone who values manufacture in Solingen should look for Erbe, YES and Niegeloh.

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Buy comedone lifters & blackhead removers now

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Frequently asked questions about blackhead removers

What is the difference between a comedone lifter, a comedone loop and a comedone presser?

All three are metal tools for removing blackheads and differ above all in the shape of the end. The comedone loop has an oval loop, the comedone lifter a ring-shaped loop and the comedone presser a spoon-shaped end with which larger areas of skin such as the nose can be treated.

How do you use a comedone presser correctly?

Clean and disinfect the tool before every use. Place the loop centrally over the blackhead and apply gentle, even pressure instead of squeezing with your fingernails – this removes the sebum more hygienically and more gently on the skin. With deep-seated or inflamed blackheads you should see a dermatologist or beautician.

Are stainless steel comedone lifters more hygienic than squeezing with your fingers?

Yes. Tools made of stainless steel can be disinfected and reused and reduce the risk of infection compared with squeezing with your fingernails. What matters is cleaning the instrument before and after every use.

Which blackhead remover is suitable for which spot?

Small, single-ended loops are suitable for targeted, small blackheads on the face, large loops for larger blackheads or areas of the body such as the back and legs. Double-ended models and sets combine several loop sizes and thus offer maximum flexibility.

Can a comedone lifter also remove ingrown hairs?

For ingrown hairs, combination instruments with a fine, pointed side or special splinter and plucking tweezers are better suited, because they let you grip the hair precisely and pull it out.

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• The best cuticle scissors – extra-pointed, tower-pointed or curved
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