Blackheads are a real nuisance to deal with. They’re not the worst skin problem imaginable yet they are pesky and unsightly and difficult to get rid of. There are products that claim to eliminate blackheads. Is it really that easy to get rid of them? What products are most effective and how can you get the most out of them?

Did you ever partake in the Biore pore strip craze that started about 10 years ago? These strips were flying off the shelves at local drugstores. I even remember seeing a sign in front of a local store that said “We have Biore Strips”. Yet for some reason hardly anybody talks about these strips anymore and the TV commercials have long since disappeared. I can tell you that I was one of the people who rushed out the door to get my pore strips when I first heard of them. I was also very impressed at the initial results as I did find that they removed practically all of my blackheads. However, I also found them to be very harsh. If I let the strips dry too long, I drew blood. I also began to notice that the small broken capillaries on my nose were getting worse. That was enough to make me abandon the strips and seek an alternative.

Both salicylic and glycolic acids keep pore walls clean and clear and can prevent blackheads from forming. That’s what makes them great general acne fighters. These ingredients are also effective at loosening blackheads and can be found in several products intended to completely remove the unsightly pore-cloggers but it’s important to set realistic expectations when using these products.

Joey New York has a product in its Instant Chemistry line called Quick Blackhead Dissolver and Pore Minimizer Gel. You simply apply a thin layer to entire face, wait a minute and gently rub the product off. The blackheads are supposed to roll away with the product. I wondered if it could be this easy so I tried it and I have to admit that I was impressed with the results. I definitely saw fewer blackheads but it didn’t get them all. The especially nasty ones remained.

Donell also formulated its Super Skin Alpha Beta Acne Gel to gently unroof blackheads. You will definitely see an improvement in the appearance of your skin with regular use but don’t expect instant miracles. That’s the mistake people make when using products for blackheads. While salicylic and glycolic acids can loosen blackheads and allow you to remove the top crust, blackheads that are deeply imbedded in the pores will most likely require the additional step of extraction.

If you want to attempt to physically remove blackheads, do so only if you are not prone to scarring. Find a good tool like Tweezerman Skin Care Tool and clean it thoroughly with hot water and soap. Blackheads can be loosened even more with the steam of a hot bath or shower. With the ring of the Tweezerman tool, apply very gentle pressure to the blackhead until it is extracted. I cannot stress the word “gentle” enough. Too much pressure can damage the skin and cause scarring. If the blackhead doesn’t budge with gentle pressure, don’t force it. You might consider having a professional clean your pores.

After you’re finished extracting, cleanse your face thoroughly. You may find that your skin is a little irritated at first so only do this before bed. If in the morning your skin is still irritated, self pore-extraction is not for you. You also may find that it takes a few days for the pore to become less apparent. Blackheads can stretch pores out. Once the pores are clear, they may remain enlarged. Continue to use products containing salicylic and glycolic acid to keep pores clear.