Blackheads

Despite their ubiquitous nature, blackheads are one of the most commonly misunderstood skin care concerns. Often mistaken for enlarged pores, blackheads are a type of comedone similar to a whitehead in that a pore becomes clogged by a blend of natural oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads are open to the environment, which results in the oxidation of the substance plug, giving it a dark appearance.

To prevent blackheads and similar blemishes, you must find a cleansing, moisturizing and toning regimen that is best for your skin type. Exfoliating cleansers are especially important to keep dead skin cells and other debris at a minimum, but you must also address the blackheads that you already have. Solutions that feature benzoyl peroxide are particularly good for targeting blackheads because they loosen and unstick the stubborn plugs from the pore. Salicylic acid is also effective, but more gentle, so it's ideal for sensitive skin types.

You may also want to add a weekly treatment or daily serum especially designed to reduce and remove blackheads, whiteheads and control the overproduction of sebum. Dermstore offers a variety of masks and other products from professional brands that will not only eradicate stubborn blackheads, but make sure they don't return.