A comedone extractor is a tool used to remove blemishes such as blackheads, pimples and whiteheads. Often, those who are afflicted with thsee common skin conditions have a hesitancy to remove the blemishes because they are afraid of scarring, which can happen under some circumstances. A comedone extractor is a tool not much bigger than a pair of tweezers that is said to make removal easier, without as much risk of creating scars.

The comedone extractor has one or two looped ends, with one of them usually ending in a shaper point. In most cases, the comedone extractor can be used to remove some surface pimples, but blemishes located deeper should be left alone due to risk of infection and scarring. The comedone extractor uses the looped end to apply pressure to all areas of the pimple. This is different than the finger squeeze method which centers pressure on one point.

While it may be possible to use the comedone extractor by itself, with very little preparation, it is not recommended. Instead, the directions usually call for allowing steam to hit the face for a few minutes. This helps open up the skin pores a little more. Caution should be taken during this step simply because there is a potential of getting burned, depending on how hot the water is.

The steaming can be done in a couple of different ways. The most convenient way may be just to take a warm to hot shower, where the steam will come up and cover the face. The other way is to boil water over a stove and allow the steam coming up to hit the face. Either method may be equally as effective and will properly prepare the face for the comedone extractor.

One the steam has hit the face, the pores should be sufficiently loosened and the pimple should be ready to be extracted. To do so, the loop end of the comedone extractor is placed around the pimple. Then, gradual but steadily-increasing pressure is placed on the pimple. The contents of the blemish, including the head itself and the pus inside, should all easily come out. If it does not easily come out, there should be no forcing of the situation.

There are many companies offering varities of comedone extractors on the market, most for less than $20 US Dollars. They are also usually available in the cosmetics or skin care area of retail stores selling those types of products. For those having trouble finding them locally, they are also available at multiple merchants online.