Everything You Need to Know About Pore Vacuums

If you've ever gotten a HydraFacial and loved the results of the pore vacuum– not to mention how satisfying it is to see all of the gunk it sucks out afterward– you've probably looked for a way to replicate the feeling (and results) at home. So, if you're not feeling up to an in-office treatment, or maybe you're trying to save some money (all those facials can really rack up the credit card bill), maybe it's time to try an at-home version. But are pore vacuums safe to use? We've tapped top skin experts for their opinions.

What is a Pore Vacuum?

A pore vacuum is the common name for a medical-grade hydradermabrasion device that removes dead skin cells through the combined power of a textured suction tip and the pressure of hydrating skin solutions. Think of it as essentially a power-washes for your skin.

What Do Pore Vacuums Actually Do?

You may have seen an Instagram ad or two showcasing the dramatic before and after results of using a pore vacuum. While, yes, these tools do use suction to extract sebum, dirt, and other debris from the skin to reveal fewer blackheads like these ads suggest, they're not miracle devices. “Pore vacuums may be a temporary, modest solution to minimize pore congestion from excess oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and keratin buildup,” says dermatologist, Cula Dautriche, MD, Ph.D. However, she notes that despite your best efforts, the pores will eventually re-fill again.

Is an At-Home Pore Vacuum Safe?

“Generally, at-home pore vacuums are less powerful than professional devices you would find in a medical office and are safe for most skin types,” says plastic surgeon, John Diaz, MD, FACS. “I like the PMD device. It exfoliates and has a suction feature to remove debris from pores. It also has various disks for mild to moderate exfoliation.” 

With those benefits and less powerful suction, pore vacuums seem user-friendly. But Dr. Dautriche, says it’s a little more complicated than that due to the settings on the devices: “High suction settings may create micro-tears in the skin and lead to many unwanted side effects. Therefore, as a general rule, any form of manipulation to the skin should be done by professionals who are trained to address possible complications.” 

What are the Side Effects of Using a Pore Vacuum?

You'll want to take precautions when using a pore vacuum, especially necessary if you have active acne, eczema, rosacea, and generally sensitive skin. “It is possible for the device to exacerbate skincare issues like rosacea or active acne,” says Diaz. [The pore vacuum] could also cause mild irritation like redness and/or broken capillaries or bruising if the setting is too intense or the person has very sensitive skin."

Melanin-rich skin, which is especially prone to hyperpigmentation, could see even worse side effects from the redness and inflammation that results from improper pore vacuum use: “People [with darker skin tones] should use pore vacuums with extreme caution,” advises Dr. Dautriche. She adds that, in extreme cases, pore vacuums can lead to the development of small vessels called telangiectasia. “These side effects outweigh modest benefits from pore vacuum use, especially when there are better, gentler, and safer treatment options for blackheads.”

What Can You Use Instead?

In place of an at-home pore vacuum, Dr. Dautriche recommends a simple skincare regimen with retinoids or chemical exfoliants to combat blackheads and pore buildup. “Retinoids and chemical exfoliants remain the holy grail for blackhead treatments and prevention," she says, adding that retinoids are a must because they increase skin cell turnover and inhibit the formation of microcomedones and comedones, AKA blackheads. In terms of chemical exfoliants, her gold standard for clear pores is salicylic acid, which she says deeply penetrates the skin and efficiently dissolves buildup.

The Final Takeaway

Since we now have a better understanding of the (minimal) benefits and potential side effects of pore vacuums, making a sound decision on whether to add the device to your skincare routine may be a little easier. But if you're still headstrong on using a pore vacuum, Harvard MGH Cosmetic and Dermatologist, Karen Kagha, MD, has a valuable tip before using the tool: "Use steam and [an exfoliating cleanser] beforehand to help loosen the debris," she explains. Proper skin prep may help prevent damage to the skin and ensure you see the best results from your new tool.

As our experts shared, a pore vacuum isn't a substitute for a simple, effective skincare routine. If you're thinking you can zap an active pimple with a vacuum, don't do it—spot treat it instead. When you're ready for a deep clean, leave it to the hands of your dermatologist.