Yes, you can vacuum your face — here’s how pore vacuums can safely treat blackheads (2025)

You’ve heard it a million times: Don’t pick at your skin. But it can be so darn tempting when a blackhead is staring back at you when you look in the mirror. That’s probably why skin care items like pore strips and other blackhead treatments are so popular — they can help get the gunk out without you risking doing serious damage by squeezing and digging.

Another option in the fight to unclog those pores: A pore vacuum. If you’ve never heard of one of these devices, it is exactly what it sounds like — a tool that uses suction to clean out your pores. But do they work? And if so, what should you be aware of when shopping for one? To get those answers, we turned to experts to get the scoop.

If you’ve ever gotten a clarifying facial, there’s a good chance your facialist used a pore vacuum. But these tools aren’t only available to the pros — they can also be bought for at-home use. “They are essentially handheld devices designed to suction debris — like oil, dead skin cells, and blackheads — from your pores,” says Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas. “They’ve become popular in skin care routines, especially for people looking to reduce congestion or improve the appearance of their pores.” They’re also pretty easy to use. You just turn it on and gently drag it over your skin while it does its job.

And while you can use one at home, they come with risks. “The suction can be too aggressive for some skin types, leading to bruising, broken capillaries or irritation,” says Collins. Dr. Suzanne Jagger, founder of Aura Aesthetics in Portland, Oregon, says those with sensitive skin, rosacea or broken capillaries should be especially careful. “I’ve seen patients come in with bruises, inflammation, even skin tears because they didn’t realize that dragging a suction device across delicate skin could be damaging.”

Want to try using a pore vacuum at home? According to Collins and Jagger, here are the most important things to look for when shopping for one of these devices.

• Adjustable suction: “Look for a model that allows you to adjust the suction,” says Jagger, who adds that this will help you avoid doing damage with too strong of a pull.

• Multiple tip sizes: Pore vacuums often have multiple tips to target different-sized areas. This will help you avoid using too much suction in an area that doesn’t’ need it and can help you target smaller areas (like around your nose). “I prefer silicone tips, which are more gentle than hard plastic,” adds Collins.
• Easy to clean: If your pore vacuum is dirty when you use it, you may introduce bacteria onto your face, leading to breakouts. “Look for models that are hygienic and easy to maintain,” says Collins.

PMD At-Home Microdermabrasion Machine

PMD At-Home Microdermabrasion Machine

$

159.00

$

159.00

$

111.99

$

159.00

This option is technically more than just a pore vacuum — it is an at-home microdermabrasion device. It contains spinning discs that gently exfoliate skin to loosen dirt and dead skin cells, then has light suction to lift it away. It comes with four different exfoliating discs for different skin sensitivity levels, and the entire device is easy to disassemble to clean, according to the brand. One thing to note: This option only comes with one tip size.

Yccu Blackhead Remover Vacuum

Yccu Blackhead Remover Vacuum

$

29.99

$

49.99

With this blackhead remover, you get five tip sizes and four suction modes (from soft to super strong) for a customizable experience. The device is rechargeable via the included USB cable and it has an easy-to-read screen so you can see what mode it is on while using it. This device also comes with four metal extraction tools and has a 4.2-star average rating from 2,629 reviews on Amazon.

Ottleba Blackhead Remover Vacuum

Ottleba Blackhead Remover Vacuum

$

39.99

$

42.99

Shaped almost like a pen, this pore vacuum has six silicone tips and three suction levels. Like the option from Yccu, it also comes with metal extraction tools. However, Ottleba’s model also has a built-in 1080P HD camera that connects to an app to get an up-close view of what it’s doing as you use it.

BeautyBio GLOfacial Hydro-Infusion Pore Cleansing + Blue LED Clarifying Tool

GLOfacial Hydro-Infusion Pore Cleansing + Blue LED Clarifying Tool

$

199.00

$

199.00

$

149.25

$

199.00

If you want to splurge, BeautyBio’s pore cleansing tool is worth looking at. It has a large and small treatment tip and a cleansing brush to help clean your tool. As it suctions, it also infuses an included serum into your skin to keep it hydrated and soothed. The rechargeable device has a large LED screen and a charging stand. It should only be used once or twice a week for a few minutes at a time, according to the brand

Rayovac Pore Vacuum

Rayovac Pore Vacuum

$

33.69

$

35.69

Another affordable option is this pore vacuum. It costs less than $40, comes with 5 silicone tips and has three suction strengths. It also comes with a chart that tells you which tip is best used on different areas of your face and there are four metal extraction tools included, too. This rechargeable device comes with a USB cord and the tips are easily removed for cleaning.

Once you have your pore vacuum, you’ll want to do more than just turn it on and go to town. Collins suggests following the steps below when using a pore vacuum.

• Prep the skin: Steam your face or use a warm compress first to help loosen up debris in the pores.
• Start on the lowest setting: Always begin with the gentlest suction and gradually increase only if your skin tolerates it well.
• Keep it moving: Never hold the device in one spot — glide it across the skin to avoid bruising.
• Limit use: Once a week is typically enough. Overuse can disrupt your skin barrier and lead to inflammation.
• Follow up with hydration: Apply a soothing serum or moisturizer to calm the skin after use.

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Kristina Collins is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas
• Dr. Suzanne Jagger is the founder of Aura Aesthetics, a skin care and wellness destination in Portland, Oregon.

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists on pore vacuums.

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