A recent TikTok trend sparked by Korean YouTubers involves applying Vaseline and cling film to your nose to remove blackheads. We’re all desperate to extract these pesky blemishes, but will the popular lip balm really do the trick? Express.co.uk chatted to Eva Nydal Abildgaard, technical product researcher at health and beauty brand New Nordic, to find out.
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are black bumps full of keratin that will explode if you squeeze them.
They are caused when the cells lining the sebaceous duct overly proliferate and produce too much sebum.
The build-up blocks the sebaceous duct and hair follicles which causes comedones to form.
Sebum is secreted at a higher rate on your T-Zone, which is why blackheads are most commonly found on the chin, nose and forehead.
Blackheads can be extracted using steam and a clean tool, but it is best to get a facialist to do this for you.
Squeezing blackheads yourself risks introducing bacteria to your skin and making the problem worse.
Nevertheless, TikTok users have been trying to remove their blackheads with Vaseline and cling film.
TikTok blogger @rogerwh0, inspired by a video he saw on YouTube by @MisoJeong, has acquired 650,000 views on his Vaseline blackhead removal tutorial.
First, you need to rub the Vaseline all over your nose using a cotton bud.
Then, cover the area with cling film – making sure to leave your nostrils clear so you can breathe!
Soak a face towel with hot water, squeeze the water out, and place the flannel on top of the cling-film-covered nose. Hold it there for 30 seconds.
Remove the plastic and then wipe the Vaseline off with a clean cotton bud.
Rub the Vaseline off your nose with cleansing oil and then use a cotton bud to push the blackheads out.
While this process had worked for the original YouTuber, @rogerwh0 noted that nothing came out of his nose – rendering the hack totally useless.
But does it actually work? Does the science behind it make sense?
According to skincare expert Eva Nydal Abildgaard, you shouldn’t bother with this hack.
She described the Vaseline and steam treatment as “pointless”, just like the TikToker said.
She explained: “You’ll achieve better and longer-lasting results with AHAs and BHAs, as well as using a clay mask once a week.
“The thickness of Vaseline is more likely to clog your pores than clean them and is not recommended.”
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