Enlarged pores and blackheads can feel like a total mystery. It's as if we spend most of our time constantly trying to clear them out or figure out how they got so clogged up in the first place. Honestly, it's like they have a mind of their own! And when those moments of desperation hit, the quickest course of action may be to reach for a pore strip or, the more trendy option, a pore vacuum. It was only a matter of time before this skin trend blew up all over TikTok and now it seems like every influencer raves about this viral beauty tool. So, we've put on our skincare investigating hat to debunk this new and potentially damaging trend.
First and foremost, here are the facts: Pore vacuums are battery-powered facial tools designed to physically suck up any gunk, dirt and build up deep within the pore. Sounds a little too good to be true so we reached out to the medical aestheticians over at MD Beauty Clinic to get their expert opinion on these trendy devices:
"If extraction is something a patient is looking for, we recommend skipping the pore vacuums and head straight in for a skin examination. If pore vacuums are used incorrectly, it can actually cause further inflammation and irritation which can lead to even more breakouts."@casanova_popperz #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #pimplepopper2021 #WhatWouldPopTartsDo #satisfaction #skincare #viral #explore #acneskin #PerfectAsWeAre #porevacuum ♬ Shoot Me Down - Album Version (Edited) - Lil Wayne
How to treat clogged pores
Step away from the mirror and put down the vacuum—it's always safer to seek expert help when pursuing pore extraction. This is because it's a physical process that, in inexperienced hands, can damage your skin and even cause hyperpigmentation. If you are unable to make it into a professional setting, do not worry. There are still many (safe) ways to treat your skin and clear up those blackheads. So, close those tabs because we've got a few suggestions you'll want to give a try.
Daily Treatment
We recommend adding Solution to the chat. Solution I and II is an exfoliating toner that is safe for normal, mature and acne-prone skin types on a daily basis (AM and PM). After a double cleanse, apply two pumps of your preferred Solution into your hands or on a cotton pad and gently press it into the skin of your face and neck. Remember, consistency is key!
Weekly Treatment
If you're experiencing major blackheads or comedonal acne around your nose and/or T-zone, then give our Renewal Complex a try. You see, the key to ensuring those blackheads do not become repeat offenders is by maintaining a healthy amount of sebum or oil on the surface of your skin. Strip too much of it away, and your skin goes into overdrive to produce even more oil! Thankfully, Renewal Complex contains three types of gentle exfoliating acids. Glycolic, salicylic, and succinic acid work together to help clear out any spots while keeping oil production to a minimum. And when applied 2-3 times a week, it help will also increase skin cell turnover for that youthful glow. Bye-bye, blackheads.