Comedones, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads, are a result of pores becoming clogged with a combination of dead skin cells, oil, and sometimes makeup residue. When this mixture oxidizes, it turns black, creating a blackhead. If pus and inflammation are involved, the pore may appear white.
While numerous skincare products can contribute to a clearer complexion over time, specialized tools like pore vacuums offer a more immediate solution for deep cleaning and addressing stubborn clogs. These devices utilize gentle suction to extract debris, oil, and dead skin cells from pores.
How Pore Vacuums Work
“Pore vacuums use a gentle suction force to pull out debris, oil, and dead skin cells clogged in pores,” explains Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “They can help improve the appearance of skin and minimize the appearance of pore size.”
While pore vacuums can be effective, it's crucial to use them with caution, especially if you have active acne, extremely dry, or sensitive skin. Dr. Lori Aliksanian, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MedBeautyLA, advises that “People with balanced, well-moisturized skin and very mild blackheads can try pore vacuums.” She recommends starting with a single pass to assess skin tolerance to the pressure and using the lowest setting initially to monitor the skin's reaction.
Choosing the Right Pore Vacuum
When selecting a pore vacuum, it's essential to prioritize well-vetted tools to avoid potential side effects such as broken blood vessels, irritation, and redness. The effectiveness and experience with a pore vacuum can vary significantly from person to person due to individual skin types and conditions.
To help navigate the options, the Marie Claire team, along with skincare experts, evaluated various pore vacuums based on ease of use, safety, and customizability.
Top Pimple Extractor Tools and Pore Vacuums
1. PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro
This device is lauded for its ability to provide a treatment akin to an in-office microdermabrasion. It employs a calibrated vacuum to enhance blood circulation, contributing to a radiant complexion, while patented spinning discs exfoliate and cleanse pores.
- Number of Attachments: 13
- Number of Settings: 3
- What We Love: Great design, ease of use, variety of caps and exfoliation levels, multiple speeds.
- What We Don't Love: Expensive.
Customer Review: "I’ve been using the original PMD for a few years and have LOVED it. I am a licensed cosmetologist, and I recommend this to all my clients! I have noticed a HUGE change in my skin for the better. I was so excited to get this newest version, and it has exceeded my expectations! The fact that it’s wireless is the BIGGEST game changer for me! My skin has never been healthier."
2. GLOfacial
The GLOfacial treatment offers more than just extraction; it simultaneously infuses the skin with a concentrate rich in clarifying salicylic acid and plumping hyaluronic acid. Its treatment tips are designed for gentle extraction and exfoliation, making it suitable for all skin types.
- Number of Attachments: 3
- Number of Settings: 1
- What We Love: Gentle, infuses skin with hydrating and acne-fighting ingredients, contains LED light.
- What We Don't Love: Complicated instructions, expensive.
Customer Review: "This tool is amazing! It seriously sucks things out of my face that I didn't even know existed. I love how it's very effective on my skin, glides smoothly, and doesn't irritate my face!"
3. Foreo Kiwi
Foreo is a trusted brand for facial devices. The Kiwi pore vacuum gently extracts blackheads, whiteheads, dirt, and other pore-clogging substances. It features six customizable intensities and a blue LED light to help prevent future breakouts.
- Number of Attachments: 1 (tip does not need to be replaced)
- Number of Settings: 6
- What We Love: Easy to use, effective, waterproof, tip never needs to be replaced.
- What We Don't Love: Requires caution to prevent broken capillaries.
Customer Review: "I can't believe that I'm enjoying this kind of treatment; it was always followed by severe redness, but not with Kiwi, and I love it!"
4. Dermapore+
This dermatologist-recommended device utilizes ultrasonic vibrational technology to gently loosen and push debris and oil out of clogged pores. It features two modes: Extract, to remove impurities, and Infuse, to enhance the penetration of skincare products. This can lead to nearly invisible pores.
- Number of Attachments: 1 (does not need to be replaced)
- Number of Settings: 2
- What We Love: Dermatologist-recommended, multipurpose, easy to use and clean.
- What We Don't Love: Can be too intense if pressed too hard.
Customer Review: "I am no longer insecure about the appearance of my forehead, and makeup goes on so smoothly. I use my Dermapore once a week after my Dermaflash and before the toner and serum."
5. NuFACE NuDerma + Microcurrent + LED
Designed with gentleness in mind, this microdermabrasion wand is suitable for sensitive skin. It offers customizable suction to prevent tugging and boosts circulation and collagen production for a more youthful complexion.
- Number of Attachments: 4
- Number of Settings: 2
- What We Love: Good for sensitive skin, customizable, smart screen.
- What We Don't Love: Expensive.
Customer Review: "I have very sensitive and dry skin, and I purchased this because I wanted a spa-like treatment without going to the spa and spending big bucks on facials. Level 1 had minimal suction but enough to make a difference. It even sucked out some impurities I had been battling for over a month."
6. Silk’n Cleanse & Exfoliate Device
For those who enjoy visually seeing the extraction process, this device comes with a camera that syncs to your phone, allowing you to view the pore vacuum at up to 20x magnification. It offers three suction heads and a range of intensities for customization. However, its power may not be ideal for very sensitive skin types.
- Number of Attachments: 6
- Number of Settings: 3
- What We Love: Comes with a camera, customizable.
- What We Don't Love: Can cause bruising on very sensitive skin.
Customer Review: "I love this thing. It doesn’t irritate my skin, and it removes all the blackheads on my face. I’ve had it for a couple of years now, and it still works perfectly with my phone."
7. PMD Beauty Wave Pro
This spatula-type device from PMD Beauty is designed to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blackheads. It features an "Extract" mode to remove dirt and oil, and an "Infuse" mode to help skincare products penetrate the skin. The PreciseXtractor feature allows for targeted treatment of individual blackheads.
- Number of Attachments: 1 (does not need to be replaced)
- Number of Settings: 2
- What We Love: Multiple settings, great at removing gunk.
- What We Don't Love: More expensive than other options.
Customer Review: "The PMD Wave Pro tool not only exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin but also enhances the absorption of skincare ingredients."
8. PMD Personal Microderm Classic
As a more affordable alternative to the Elite Pro, this device uses spinning disc technology and vacuum suction for gentle exfoliation and pore cleansing. It comes with three caps of varying intensities for customization, though it only has one speed setting.
- Number of Attachments: 8
- Number of Settings: 1
- What We Love: Dermatologist-recommended, customizable tips.
- What We Don't Love: Only features one speed.
Customer Review: "Since I turned 40, my once oily skin suddenly became dry. To make matters worse, I fly twice a week for work to a super dry climate. My skin has been so flaky and gross."
9. Dermaflash Luxe
This pore extraction system is praised for its ability to reduce blackheads, even stubborn ones, leaving skin feeling soft. It's recommended for deep cleaning needs.
- Number of Attachments: 7
- Number of Settings: 3
- What We Love: Multi-benefit, can work wet or dry, customizable.
- What We Don't Love: Battery doesn't last very long.
Customer Review: "Adding this pore extraction system has been an awesome upgrade to my beauty routine. My blackheads are reduced (yes, even the stubborn ones around my nose and chin!), and my skin feels baby soft. I don't use it regularly, but it's perfect when I need a deep clean."
10. Microderm GLO
This device offers microdermabrasion and pore cleaning, featuring a nanomist infuser for a refreshing treatment. It includes a microdermabrasion tip for exfoliation and another tip for suctioning out impurities, with three speeds and a wet feature.
- Number of Attachments: 4
- Number of Settings: 3
- What We Love: Affordable, safer for sensitive skin.
- What We Don't Love: Other options on the market are more powerful.
Customer Review: "This is one of the best tools for acne-prone skin. I use it every few days to help keep my skin clean of gunk. If I have acne pop up, I use this immediately."
11. Nurse Jamie Beauty Stamp DTO
Designed to cleanse and unclog pores, this tool offers three features: Cleanse, Enhance, and Extract. The Cleanse setting works with cleansers, Enhance boosts skincare product absorption, and Extract targets blackheads. It utilizes ultrasonic vibrations and soft pressure to minimize skin irritation.
- Number of Attachments: 1 (does not need to be replaced)
- Number of Settings: 3
- What We Love: User-friendly, multipurpose.
- What We Don't Love: Lacks vacuum capability due to being an ultrasonic device.
Customer Review: "I love how sleek it looks, clean design. I was so excited to use it!! I paired this with a cleanser during my night routine, and it’s AMAZING! The vibrations were soothing, and you could literally see the tool cleansing my pores as I used it."
12. The Best Pore Vacuum Mask
This cooling, pore-purifying mask, formulated with an AHA/BHA salicylic and glycolic acid complex, works without suction to break down dirt and oil, unclog pores, and reduce their appearance. Reviewers appreciate its effectiveness on blackheads without drying out the skin.
- Number of Attachments: N/A
- Number of Settings: N/A
- What We Love: You definitely won't bruise, exfoliates, loosens blackheads and whiteheads.
- What We Don't Love: Some reviewers don't love the smell.
Customer Review: "It foams up really nicely, and there are tiny little granules to help wash the debris away. Though I do not have sensitive skin, I do have dry mature skin that can react to drying agents in a cleanser. My skin felt great after using this. It felt clean and soft."
13. Prospera Pore Vacuum
This device features four suction heads of different sizes and one gentle exfoliation head. It's designed for weekly use on clean, dry skin and is noted for its strong suction, though caution is advised.
- Number of Attachments: 6
- Number of Settings: 1
- What We Love: Multiple suction heads, small size makes it easy to hold.
- What We Don't Love: Best for more congested skin.
Customer Review: "CLOGGED PORES? NOT ANYMORE. Say goodbye to stubborn blackheads, excess oil, and congested pores."
14. Prospera Facial Pore Cleaner
This pore vacuum includes a massage option and strong suction for effective gunk removal. Its textured handles provide an anti-slip grip for comfortable use.
- Number of Attachments: 4
- Number of Settings: 4
- What We Love: Long-lasting battery, massage setting, good value.
- What We Don't Love: Suction can be too strong for some.
Customer Review: "Suction power on this is amazing. Please be sure to select the correct suction level based on your skin needs."
What to Look For in a Pore Vacuum
Customizable Suction
Customization is key when choosing a pore vacuum, as different areas of the skin can tolerate varying levels of suction. A device with multiple settings ensures you can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. "The greater the level of suction, the more likely you are to damage blood vessels leading to bruising," warns Dr. Joshua Zeichner. Areas with thin skin, such as the neck and around the eyes, require particularly gentle settings.
Multiple Modes
Some ultrasonic devices offer different modes, such as cleansing, extraction, and infusion. These modes utilize vibrations to help dislodge impurities and enhance the absorption of skincare products, offering a multi-functional approach to pore care.
Alternative Blackhead Removal Methods
Skin Spatulas
These devices work by applying pressure to the skin to help push out excess oil. While effective for small blackheads, they may not fully remove deeper blockages. Some skin spatulas use ultrasonic vibrations to loosen oil in clogged pores, though the pressure of scraping is often the primary mechanism for oil accumulation on the spatula.
Skincare Products
The most effective long-term solution for blackheads involves regular use of skincare products containing keratolytic agents and exfoliating ingredients. Key ingredients to look for include:
- Salicylic Acid: Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cell plugs.
- Glycolic Acid: Provides surface exfoliation to prevent dead skin cell buildup.
- Retinoids (e.g., Adapalene): Increase cell turnover, helping to clear existing blackheads and prevent new ones.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliate the skin's surface.
- Azelaic Acid: Helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
- Sulfur: Can help dry out blemishes and unclog pores.
- Clay Masks (Kaolin, Bentonite): Absorb excess oil and draw out impurities.
- Charcoal: Works to pull out impurities from the pores.
Risks Associated with At-Home Extractors
While at-home extractor tools can be effective when used properly, incorrect usage can lead to significant skin damage. Risks include inflammation, infections, scarring, and the potential to push debris deeper into the pore. It is crucial to avoid attempting to extract pimples that are not ready or are deep and painful. For stubborn or deep blackheads, consulting a dermatologist is the safest approach.
Frequency of Use and Cleaning
It is generally recommended not to overuse blackhead removal tools. Examine the breakout to see if it is ready for extraction with minimal pressure. Overuse or excessive pressure can traumatize the skin, leading to raw skin, infection, or scarring.
Cleaning your blackhead remover tool after every single use is essential to kill bacteria and prevent skin infections. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfection. Additionally, tools should always be used on clean skin with freshly washed hands.
Expert Recommendations
Dermatologists often recommend consulting a professional for extractions to ensure safety and efficacy. However, for at-home use, they emphasize proper technique and the importance of using the right tools and ingredients. Skincare products with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids are considered the safest and most effective for long-term blackhead management and prevention.