How to Remove Blackheads With Dental Floss

The creative tricks people come up with to clear their skin never cease to amaze. The latest: extracting blackheads with dental floss.

Instagrammer Sukhi Mann is known for mixing DIY lip plumpers out of wasabi and whipping up acne masks with aspirin. One of her most popular tricks has gotten over a million views: using two disposable floss picks to scrape out blackheads.

Here’s her method: Use a hot towel on skin for five minutes to open pores. Drag the floss pick over skin, then cleanse with a mild cleanser. Finish with toner (which can even include mouthwash!) and moisturiser.

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🔪DIY trick using disposable floss picks and mouthwash. This trick helps to extract whiteheads and blackheads. This hack definitely works❗️If you try it, tag me 🤗 ♥️ ___________ ◾️All you need is a hot towel, floss pick, and toner. ___________ 1️⃣Take a towel and place it in hot water. Take the towel out and make sure it isn't too hot. Also, make sure that the area is clean and place the towel on the problem area so that the heat will open up the pores. Do this for about 5 mins or so. 2️⃣Take the disposable floss pick and drag it in a scraping motion. This option is cheaper and less likely to scar you than using a metal extractor. Be sure to not over do it. 3️⃣When finished, rinse the area with a mild cleanser. 4️⃣Follow up with a toner (you can use rose water, mouthwash, or your regular toner.) ❗️If you have really sensitive skin don't use mouthwash or do a patch test first. 5️⃣Be sure to moisturize your nose after applying the toner. ----------- Tag your bestie ♥️ 👻SNAPCHAT: A_LLURE7 _____________ @hudabeauty @monakattan @alyakattan #hudabeauty #hairmakeupdiary #facemask #skincare #makeuptutorial #fashionarttut #laurag_143 #sukhimann_ #instadaily #instalike #instamood #instafashion #chico #fashion #instamakeup #indianvlogger #indianblogger #desibeautyblog #nyxcosmetics #colorcorrection @glitterglamhouse @makyaj.bakim.onerileri @uae_trendmood @loola.blog #hudabeauty #allmordernmakeup #melformakeup #hypnaughtymakeup #inssta_makeup #makeupfanatic1 #brian_champagne #makeuptutorial #shimycatsmua #fakeupfix #associationofbeauty #hairmakeupdiary @liveglam.co @laurag_143 #liveglam #laurag_143 @bretmansvanity @brian_champagne #brian_champagne @farsalicare

She’s not the first to hack the hack—but the question we have to ask: Is this safe? “The dental-floss method may be effective at removing blockages that are not deeply rooted, so long as you do not push too hard,” says dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner. The name of the game is gentle, even pressure.

If blackheads don’t come out, don’t pick, increase pressure, or use something sharp (your nails), which can injure, inflame, and potentially scar skin.

But perhaps you rather keep your floss in your mouth. In that case, Dr. Zeichner recommends salicylic acid cleansers and scrubs as the go-to for treating and preventing blackheads. “They help absorb excess oil and remove dead cells from the skin's surface,” he says.

The article Everyone On Instagram Is Obsessed With This Blackhead-Removal Technique originally appeared on Women’s Health.