Skin Care Tips How to Ditch Blackheads for Good

We know that blackheads are not something you want on your face -- ever. The word alone is not a pretty one.

black·head noun (blak-hed)

Blackheads are basically the same as whiteheads, except for blackheads have an oxidized fatty deposit. And when fatty deposits are oxidized, they turn dark. So they're called blackheads. When they're not oxidized, they're called whiteheads. Blackheads differ from other pimples because they are open, and not enclosed by a layer of skin like most spots or pimples.

Follow these steps to clear and prevent blackheads:

Step 1: Cleanse
Properly cleanse the skin, preferably with a salicylic acid-based cleanser, which will help treat and prevent blackheads, says Bratschi. This will both act as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Step 2: Tone

Use an alcohol-free product that contains Totarol (from the Totara tree which again is antimicrobial and antibacterial). This closes pores and puts back the acid mantle (basically it restores the pH of your skin).

Step 3: Spot treat problem areas

A serum containing Nyacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Papain (papaya enzyme) will be most effective at treating blackheads. The Nyacinamide helps acne-affected skin and decreases oiliness, which is a component of blackheads. Papain is an exfoliant, which will help remove dead skin cells that clog pores.

Step 4: Moisturize

Use an oil-free moisturizer, preferably including Hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin, and always use an SPF during the day, especially since you'll be exfoliating your skin often as part of this process.

Step 5: Scrub

Two times a week, use a gentle grainy scrub. Manual exfoliation is the key to preventing blackheads.

Step 6: Do a mask

Twice a week, do a Kaolin-based mask, which will draw out congestion that creates blackheads, absorb oils and close pores

If you follow the steps and still don't see results …

Don't pick! Instead make your way to your nearest esthetician. Often people use too much pressure or just push more dirt in to [pores], further inflaming them, not to mention cross contaminating other areas of the skin. It can also lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation and broken capillaries -- all of which are difficult to later fix. If you squeeze a blackhead and it turns into a giant scar, it can cost you thousands of bucks to fix it. So it's much better getting someone for 30 bucks to clean up all the blackheads and call it a day.

Blackhead removal is best treated by a professional where the skin is prepped correctly, extracted correctly and importantly, treated afterwards to both stop inflammation and prevent them [from] re-occurring. Plus, professional grade products are stronger, more active and therefore more effective, and steam can be a vital tool in opening up those pores for deep extraction of those hard to shift blackheads.