How To Use An Acne Needle To Remove Blackheads? 5-Step Guide + 6 Must-Know Warnings

The acne needle is a popular blackhead-removal tool among many women. When used correctly, it can effectively extract blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples—but one careless move could leave behind acne scars! So how do you properly use an acne needle to clean out your pores? What precautions should you be aware of?

1

What is an Acne Needle?

An acne needle—also known as a comedone extractor or blackhead remover—is designed to clean out impurities in the pores. It typically features a loop on one end and a sharp tip on the other. Acne extraction involves using the tool to press, scrape, or pierce the skin to expel pus and debris from clogged pores, helping acne shrink and heal faster.

The small loop and pointed design allow for precise targeting of pimples and blackheads with pus. When used correctly, it can speed up the healing process while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin.

2

Benefits of Acne Extraction: Can It Really Remove Blackheads Quickly?

Many women keep one or two acne needles at home for quick fixes when breakouts appear. The technique is fairly straightforward: use the sharp end to gently pierce the pimple or blackhead, then press with the looped end around the edge to extract the pus and debris inside the pore.

Compared to squeezing with your fingers, an acne needle is more hygienic and precise. Plus, many people find it oddly satisfying to watch the gunk being removed from their pores! Some debris can be extremely small and hard to reach, but the tool’s design allows for accurate extraction without over-squeezing and damaging the skin.

3

7 Types of Acne Needles – Which One Is the Most Effective?

What kind of acne needle do you have at home? Besides the common sharp-and-loop style, there are many other shapes designed for different uses. Here are 7 common types—how many have you seen?

1. Flat Loop Type

This is the most common kind. One end has a slightly elongated loop, ideal for covering larger areas of skin. Great for surface-level blackheads and ideal for beginners.

2. Teardrop Loop

Smaller and more precise, the teardrop-shaped loop targets oil and debris on the skin’s surface but isn’t suitable for deeper blackheads.

3. Slightly Curved Loop

Perfect for nose wings and chin. The slight curve helps fit those contours and allows for easier pressure application.

4. Spoon-Shaped

For deep and stubborn blackheads. The spoon-like end has a small hole—just align it with the blackhead and press. Only recommended for experienced users, as it can easily cause redness or damage if misused.

5. Fish-Eye Loop

Even smaller than the spoon shape and suited for very deep blackheads. However, the thin edges can easily bruise or irritate the surrounding skin. Not recommended for DIY use.

6. Scalpel-Type

Very sharp and risky—even experienced users can accidentally injure the skin. It’s used to lightly slice the surface of a pus-filled pimple, but improper use can leave wounds. Not advised for home use.

7. Tweezer-Type

Often seen in online pimple-popping videos, this tool pierces the pimple with the pointed end, then pinches and lifts out the debris with the tweezer tip. Better left to professionals, as it's easy to apply too much pressure.

4

How to Use an Acne Needle Properly – 5 Steps to Avoid Scarring

Although the concept is simple—poke and press—improper use of the tool can damage the skin or leave scars. Here’s how to use it safely and effectively:

Step 1: Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly

Start by removing all makeup and using a facial cleanser to wash away oil, dirt, and impurities. This prevents bacteria from being pushed deeper into the skin during extraction.

Step 2: Apply a Deep-Cleansing Mask

After cleansing, apply a deep-cleansing clay mask to open up pores and draw impurities to the surface. Avoid peel-off or scrub masks that may irritate the skin.

Step 3: Use the Acne Needle

Once blackheads rise to the surface, disinfect your acne needle with rubbing alcohol. Use the looped end to press gently around the nose, chin, or forehead. If blackheads don’t come out after one or two tries, stop—this could mean they’re too deep or not yet mature.

Step 4: Apply Toner for Moisture and Pore-Tightening

After extraction, your skin will be dry. Soak a cotton pad with hydrating toner and place it over the area to hydrate and shrink the pores.

Step 5: Use a Moisturizer

Toner alone isn’t enough—you need a moisturizer to lock in the hydration. This helps prevent enlarged pores and reduces the chances of new blackheads forming.

5

Precautions When Using an Acne Needle – Don’t Overdo It!

Though effective, the acne needle is not without risk. Misuse can lead to inflammation or scarring. Here are 6 key things to keep in mind:

1. Always Disinfect the Tool

Before and after each use, sanitize the needle with alcohol or soak it in 100°C boiling water for 5 minutes. This helps kill bacteria and prevents infection.

2. Moisturize and Tighten Pores

Extraction puts strain on your pores. Without proper hydration, they may stretch and become rough. Moisturizing helps prevent peeling and clogged pores.

3. Wear Sunscreen

After using the acne needle, your skin barrier is weaker and more vulnerable to UV rays. Unprotected exposure can lead to dark spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

4. Replace the Needle Regularly

Most acne needles are metal and can rust over time. Replace them regularly to avoid bacterial buildup and rust particles getting into your skin.

5. Don’t Force Extraction

Not all blackheads can be removed. If a blackhead is deep and won’t budge, don’t press harder—it could lead to skin trauma.

6. Don’t Use Too Frequently

Frequent use doesn’t give your skin enough time to recover, which can lead to permanently enlarged pores. Limit usage and allow time for healing between sessions.

6

Are You Suitable for Using an Acne Needle? Consider These 5 Factors

Some people rush to extract every blackhead they see—but the acne needle isn’t for everyone or every situation. Using it at the wrong time can worsen your skin.

1. Acne Still Inflamed

If the pimple is still red, painful, and swollen, don’t use the needle—it’ll only worsen inflammation.

2. Cystic Acne ("Stone Acne")

This type forms deep under the skin and has no visible pus. Poking at it will only aggravate the problem. Exfoliation is better for clearing clogged pores in this case.

3. Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin should avoid using acne needles as they’re more prone to redness, itching, and damage.

4. Pus-Filled Pimples

This is the ideal time to use an acne needle. Gently pierce the pimple and press with the loop to release the pus and speed up healing.

5. Whiteheads and Surface Blackheads

These can also be removed safely—especially after using steam to open pores.

7

Are At-Home Acne Needles Convenient? Misuse Can Have Scary Consequences!

Using an acne needle at home may seem convenient—you don’t have to visit a beauty salon to clear stubborn blackheads and whiteheads. But convenience aside, incorrect use of an acne needle can lead to serious consequences!

1. Skin Damage

The most common issue with improper acne needle use is skin tissue damage. In mild cases, this can result in enlarged pores; in severe cases, bleeding and scabbing. Often, you need to pierce a small hole in the epidermis to extract blackheads or whiteheads, but if your technique is off, the wound can become larger and damage deeper layers of skin.

2. Acne Marks and Pitted Scars

If deep skin layers are damaged during extraction, collagen and elastic fibers can collapse, preventing the skin from bouncing back and leading to sagging or sag-like texture. The damaged tissue may not heal properly, forming permanent pitted scars or acne marks. Additionally, the trauma may trigger melanin production, worsening pigmentation.

3. Bacterial Infection

One benefit of using an acne needle is avoiding bacteria from your fingers. However, if the tool isn’t properly disinfected, or if you pierce too deeply, bacteria can enter the skin and cause infections. Mild infections worsen acne inflammation; in severe cases, it can lead to skin ulcers!

8

Worried About Scars from Acne Needles? Try a Non-Invasive Acne Treatment Instead!

If you’re not skilled or a trained beautician, using an acne needle could cause scarring. Dealing with acne and then having to treat acne scars is frustrating and damaging to your skin in the long run. If you want to avoid repeated skin trauma, non-invasive acne treatments are the way to go!

For pain-free, non-invasive acne removal, try the “Acne Treatment” from Perfect Medical, a renowned Hong Kong beauty clinic! This exclusive treatment uses dual-directional spiral suction drainage technology, which clears blackheads, whiteheads, and excess sebum from the skin through two channels—leaving your pores fresh, clean, and unclogged.

One channel uses vacuum suction to gently remove dead skin cells, oil, and dirt from the surface, clearing out the pores and reducing blockage. The other channel infuses a medical-grade hydrating serum, instantly replenishing moisture while balancing sebum production—say goodbye to greasy skin and hello to hydrated, plump skin!

With just one Acne Treatment, you can enjoy the benefits of a full blackhead and whitehead extraction, pore-tightening, and hydration—no need to painfully extract each blackhead one by one with a needle. It’s the perfect hassle-free solution for clearer skin!

Tired of squeezing out blackheads one by one? Try Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment! Click the link below to register on the website for a professional skin analysis and get a free limited-edition whitening and hydrating face mask!