Lurking underneath the surface of the most seemingly stellar of complexions can be one big breaking point: blackheads. If these little specks are standing between you and perfect skin, consider these proven problem-solvers.
Blackheads are often attributed to an abundance of oil or a buildup of dirt, but getting rid of them may not be as simple as just targeting oil and making skin matte. “Some people have ‘stickier’ skin cells on the face that need to be broken up,” explains West Palm Beach, FL, dermatologist Kenneth R. Beer, MD, adding that using a salicylic acid–based cleanser, along with prescription-strength retinoids like Differin, Tazorac and Retin-A, at home helps. “For an in-office solution, a laser like Isolaz, which treats both blackheads and whiteheads, or a salicylic acid peel, also works well.”
