Kayla Young
Blackheads – those tiny, stubborn gatecrashers that make a permanent home on our faces. We wage daily battles against them, and sometimes, in our quest for clear skin, we end up paying a hefty price.
Enter the blackhead vacuum, a tool that promises to suck out blackheads and leave us with flawless skin.
But, like any battle, there can be unintended casualties, and in this case, it’s a “vacuum hickey,” also known as a pore vacuum suction bruise.
In this article, we’re rolling up our sleeves and tackling these unsightly bruises. We’ll guide you on how to get rid of suction bruises on your face and share crucial strategies to prevent these hickeys from marking your victory.
So, if you’re nursing a pore vacuum bruise, stick around – we’ve got the remedy you need! And better yet, we’ll help you prevent them from gatecrashing your victory party next time.
Let’s dive in!
Contents
Understanding Pore Suction Vacuums (aka Blackhead Vacuums)
First, let’s get to know our so-called skin savior, the pore vacuum. At a glance, these handy gadgets might remind you of a handheld exfoliation brush. Compact, lightweight, and cylindrical, they wield a cone-shaped suction tip – the magic wand that vows to banish blackheads.
How Blackhead Vacuums Work
Switch on your blackhead vacuum and position the cone-shaped tip over your blackhead hotspots. As it vacuums away the blockages, you’re likely to experience an oddly satisfying sensation. It’s as if you can hear each blackhead going SPLAT against the vacuum’s interior!
You might notice a small hole after the blackhead extraction, but don’t worry, that’s temporary.
For these little wizards to work their magic, your pores need to be ready. You can prep them by steaming your face with a facial steamer or a simple bowl of hot water and a towel.
Are Pore Vacuums Effective?
Now to the million-dollar question – do these hyped-up gadgets actually deliver results?
The verdict? Yes, they do. They’re particularly effective when used after a face-steaming session. However, it’s essential to follow the usage instructions meticulously and understand your skin type’s limitations.
These devices continue to fly off the online shelves, and there’s a reason – they work as promised.
However, like any tool, pore vacuums can cause problems if overused, misused, or if you happen to buy a faulty one. It’s crucial to know how to use them correctly to avoid turning your blackhead removal journey into a bruising encounter.Â
The Risks of Pore Vacuums
Pore vacuums can be lifesavers for those battling blackheads, enlarged pores, and stubborn acne. However, they come with their own set of potential risks. The most notable? The chance of getting an unexpected memento – a pore vacuum bruise, or as it’s commonly known, a “vacuum hickey“.
You might be scratching your head, wondering, “What on earth is a vacuum hickey?”
Well, these surprises are the results of a pore vacuum used improperly or simply due to a stroke of bad luck.
They bear a striking resemblance to the small, round hickeys and tend to make their appearance in the T-zone area.
The Tale of the Vacuum Hickey
Pore vacuums, with their promise of magically extracting those annoying pore-blocking plugs, might seem like a dream come true for many.
However, not all dreams are sweet, especially when it comes to pore vacuums that don’t quite deliver as promised.
Imagine this – a group of disappointed users, their faces tarnished with bruises, all because they dived headfirst into using their new devices without sparing a glance at the instructions. If you’re feeling brave, a quick online search will reveal pictures of these unfortunate vacuum hickeys.
They serve as a stark reminder that pore vacuums, like all skincare tools, need to be used with care and caution.
How To Get Rid Of Pore Suction Bruises On Your Face
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably one of the unfortunate victims of a pore vacuum’s vicious attack.
The good news is that there are plenty of remedies that can help you get rid of your vacuum hickey faster or at least reduce its appearance.
Let’s take a look!
Pore Vacuum Bruise Remedy: 10 Home Methods
Don’t have the time or money to visit the beauty spa for a fix? Thankfully there are several home options that can soothe vacuum-bruised skin fast.
1. Ice it Down
The moment you spot a developing bruise, place an ice pack on it. The Ice reduces the inflammation and prevents excess blood from pooling in the area, thus minimizing the bruise’s size and darkness.
As soon as you notice a bruise developing, immediately put ice on it. , causing less blood to pool in the area and preventing the bruise from being as large or dark as it would otherwise be.Â
2.Try The Cold Spoon Trick
If you find applying ice cubes on your face uncomfortable, go for the cold spoon method. Just pop a spoon into the freezer for a few minutes and gently press it against the bruise. It’s less intense than ice and easier to handle.
3. Apply Heat
Once the bruise has fully formed, switch to applying heat regularly. The warmth relaxes blood vessels, helping to disperse the darkened skin and promoting faster healing.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Known as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, apple cider vinegar could be your bruise’s foe. Despite its strong smell, it can be beneficial. Simply soak a cotton ball or cloth in some ACV and hold it over your bruises for about 30 seconds.
This allows your skin to absorb the helpful compounds and should reduce swelling and size shortly.
5. CBD Topical Creams
CBD, derived from hemp, is a well-known anti-inflammatory compound that can be absorbed through the skin. There are several natural CBD salves and creams available that you can apply to your face to reduce swelling and boost healing.
6. The Magic Of Makeup
And of course, makeup is always there to save the day! Once you’ve tried all the other methods and reduced the bruise to its minimum, a tiny mark might still remain.
But as long as the other remedies have done their job, this light, small bruise can easily be concealed with some foundation.
7. Arnica Gel or Cream
Arnica is a plant that is used in homeopathic medicine to treat bruises. You can find over-the-counter creams or gels containing arnica, which can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and discoloration.
8. Vitamin K Cream
Vitamin K plays a key role in helping the blood clot and preventing excessive bleeding. Using a cream that contains Vitamin K can potentially help to heal bruises more quickly.
9. Hydration
Keeping your skin hydrated can also help in the healing process. Drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturizer can improve your skin’s health and speed up healing.
10. Healthy Diet
Consuming a balanced diet rich in Vitamin C and zinc can help speed up the healing process as these nutrients are essential for skin repair and recovery.
Professional Treatments for Stubborn Pore Vac Bruises
If that pesky bruise isn’t fading and has left an unwelcome mark, you might want to consider professional treatments. There are a couple of highly effective treatments out there that can tackle more than your average bruise.
They’re a bit pricier, but sometimes, it’s worth it for clear skin.
Laser Skin Therapy: An Intense Solution for Lasting Marks
Not all bruises bow out gracefully. Some overstay their welcome, leaving lasting marks or uneven skin pigmentation that can take months to fade on their own. If you’re impatient for results, laser skin therapy might be your best bet.
This treatment involves a medical professional using a focused laser on your bruised skin, triggering rapid skin repair. It’s like hitting the reset button on your skin, banishing the dark spot for good.
For a DIY approach, you could try the Tria Age-Defying Laser. It offers a similar kind of treatment from the comfort of your home.
Microdermabrasion: A Gentle Approach to Skin Repair
Another popular option is microdermabrasion, a treatment that uses a tiny device to exfoliate the top layers of your skin. The device’s spinning head is coated with microscopic crystals, gently buffing away dark spots.
Plus, microdermabrasion stimulates collagen production, helping to heal and tighten skin affected by scars, residual dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
You can get professional microdermabrasion at a spa, or you can invest in your own device for at-home treatments.
Some at-home microdermabrasion machines, like the Trophy Skin RejuvadermMd (which we’ve reviewed here), also function as high-end blackhead vacuums. It’s like getting two skincare solutions in one!
How To Prevent Vacuum Hickeys
Let’s dive into some top-notch tips to help you avoid those unsightly suction bruises and vacuum hickeys when using a pore vacuum.
Invest in a Trustworthy Brand
There are plenty of reliable blackhead vacuum brands on the market, and we’ve highlighted several of the best ones in our article here. Keep in mind that many of these are budget-friendly and often originate from Chinese manufacturers.
They get the job done, but if you’re up for splurging a bit, consider a microdermabrasion device with blackhead vacuum functionality, like the PMD Personal Microderm Elite. We’ve reviewed it here for your convenience.
Follow the Instructions
When you get your shiny new blackhead vacuum, it should come with a handy guide. Don’t toss it aside. Make it your mission to read it thoroughly and adhere to the instructions closely.
Remember, not all pore vacuums are created equal. The one you purchased might have different features or suction strengths compared to your friend’s model.
Start Small and Test the Waters
As with any new skincare product, it’s crucial to start small. Many pore vacuum users could have avoided facial bruising if they had just tried the device on a small section of their face first.
Suction-induced bruises or hickeys often take a few minutes to appear. That’s why some people end up with a full face of bruises—they’ve vacuumed their entire face before the first signs of bruising show up.
Our advice? Start with an inconspicuous area, like the bottom of your chin or along your jawline.
Don’t Skip the Steam
One common rookie mistake is skipping the face steaming step and jumping straight to the vacuuming.
You don’t need a high-end facial steamer—a bowl of hot water and a towel will suffice, but a steamer does make the process easier.
Steaming your face isn’t just a spa-like indulgence; it’s a crucial part of the pore vacuuming process. The steam prepares your pores, aiding in the removal of blackheads.
If you skip the steaming, the vacuum will have to work twice as hard on your dry skin, increasing the chances of bruising and making the process more painful.
Blackhead Removal
Ever spent what feels like an eternity hunched over your sink, squinting into the mirror, as you wage war on the blackheads besieging your face? Before you know it, your neck starts to protest, you glance at your phone, and—bam!—you’ve spent the last 15 minutes in a blackhead-busting marathon.
Despite your best efforts—picking, exfoliating, investing in pricey blackhead strips, or trying out bizarre natural remedies—those stubborn blackheads seem to have a permanent lease on your face!
Navigating the world of skincare can feel like sailing a choppy sea. Sure, we’ve mastered the art of banishing acne, achieving the perfect sun-kissed tan, deftly shaping our brows, and even smoothing out wrinkles.
But blackheads? They seem to be our Everest.
Enter the pore vacuum—a potential game-changer. But remember, it’s not a magic wand. You need to follow the tips we’ve shared above to truly turn the tide in your battle against blackheads.
Incorporating Pore Vacuums into Your Skincare Routine
Pore vacuums can be an effective tool in your skincare arsenal, but they’re not a one-stop solution for all skin woes. They should be incorporated into a comprehensive skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Here’s a simple guideline:
- Cleansing: Start by thoroughly washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove surface oils, dirt, and makeup. This preps your skin for the pore vacuum and other skincare steps.
- Steaming: As we’ve mentioned earlier, steaming your face is a crucial step before using a pore vacuum. The warm steam opens up your pores, making blackhead removal easier and more effective.
- Pore Vacuuming: Now it’s time to use your pore vacuum. Remember, start with the lowest suction setting and avoid lingering too long in one spot to prevent bruising.
- Toning: After using a pore vacuum, your skin might feel a bit sensitive. Applying a soothing toner can help calm the skin, maintain pH balance, and further remove any lingering impurities.
- Moisturizing: Follow up with a good-quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that provide deep hydration and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
- Weekly Exfoliation: Along with daily cleansing and moisturizing, consider adding a gentle exfoliation to your routine once or twice a week. This can help remove dead skin cells that could potentially clog your pores.
- Sun Protection: Finally, always protect your skin from sun damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even if you’re not planning on spending much time outside.
Remember, the key to a successful skincare routine is consistency. It’s also essential to understand your skin type and choose products that are designed for your specific needs.
If you’re uncertain about any skincare product or routine, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist.
Parting Thoughts
A single mishap shouldn’t sour your opinion of pore vacuums! Remember, most hiccups are entirely preventable. If you suspect your device was the culprit, don’t hesitate to exchange it for a better one.
Venturing into the world of pore vacuums again? Remember these golden rules: start small, stick to the lowest setting initially, and follow the instructions to the letter.
With the right approach, you can make pore vacuums an effective and safe ally in your skincare regime.
