You know those aren't specks of dirt on your face...they're blackheads

It's not that bad, blackheads are a mild form of acne. These lesions are non-inflammatory and are filled with excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. The follicles have a wider than normal opening and they contain no head.

Blackheads occur when trapped bacteria and sebum (oil) open, but only partially to the surface of your skin, The black color is due to your skin's own pigment reacting to the oxygen in the air.

Sometimes, these lesions can stick around for a long time, due to the fact that their contents slowly drain to your skin's surface.

So, what's the best way to tackle this type of acne? Head-on! The important fact to remember is you are dealing with one of the mild forms of acne. Also, this acne is non-inflammatory, which gives you the advantage to conceal while you heal.

During your treatment for blackheads, if you are concerned about your cosmetics and acne, just remember to choose the right cosmetics for your skin. If you develop mild to moderate breakouts you can probably do a good job in controlling them yourself, with a good treatment program which should include a good acne cleanser, acne toner, over the counter acne treatment or prescription acne medicine and acne moisturizer .

Remember, a good acne cleanser should:

• Contain a good bacteria fighting agent
• Gently exfoliate

A good acne toner should:

• Be alcohol free
• Refresh and tighten pores

A good over the counter acne treatment or prescription acne medicine should:

• Help control and prevent future breakouts

A good acne moisturizer (even for oily skin) should:

• Hydrate
• Be hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

If you have uncontrollable breakouts, I would then recommend a visit to your dermatologist for oral acne medication such as Accutane or Tetracycline, to aid in your treatment.

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