Blacklist Blackheads Forever

Comedones are the scientific name for them, but if you suffer from blackheads, you want to call them gone as soon as possible. Ugly blackheads form when pores get clogged with oil and debris, such as old makeup or dead skin cells. During puberty, this and other forms of acne are common, but many adults suffer from them as well. Blackheads are oxidized oily deposits that differ from pimples in that they're not covered by skin or anything else. It's tempting to squeeze, and while it's not advisable, there are ways to minimize the damage inflicted by squeezing blackheads. First, be sure your face and hands are clean. Beauty supply stores carry blackhead removers (sometimes called comedone extractors), which you can use to pop the blackhead. Steam your skin over a bowl of very hot water to open pores, or apply a very warm, damp washcloth to the spot.