How To Get Rid of Blackheads

This tip is for all the men who want to get rid of blackheads. Blackheads are caused by partially blocked pores. The "black" appearance of them is not caused by dirt, but by the oxidising effect of air on the sebum (oil) in a blocked pore and the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells.

Step 1 You will need
* A bowl of very hot water
* exfoliator
* toner
* face cream for reducing enlarged pores
* soap for oily or neutral skin

Step 2 Daily exfoliator
In the morning, wash your face using a daily exfoliator and some warm water. Apply in a circular motion, emphasising the common problem areas. In men these are normally the nose and upper cheeks. When you're done, rinse your face with warm water.

Step 3 Apply cream
Apply a face cream especially designed to reduce enlarged pores. This will be specified on the packaging. Apply using upward strokes. You can also tap the skin to improve circulation.

Step 4 Apply toner
Dampen a cosmetic pad by running it under warm water, then squeezing the water out of the pad. Apply toner to the pad and run lightly over your nose and upper cheeks. Toner will close the pores after exfoliating.

Step 5 At night
Before you go to bed, wash your face with soap and warm water. Use a soap designed for oily or neutral skin. This will be clearly marked on the packaging. Finally run over your face with some toner before heading off for that all-important beauty sleep.

Step 6 A steam bath
If, despite these preventative measures you find yourself faced with a rogue blackhead, fill a bowl with hot, steaming water. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Stay in the steam for 10 minutes. This will open the pores and soften the content of the blackhead.

Step 7 Extricate the blighter
Wrap a tissue around each of your index fingers, and apply gentle pressure on each side of the blackhead. Try to tease out the blackhead. Don't squeeze too hard, and if the blighter's stubborn back off - the last thing you want is to cause scarring. Never use your fingernails as they carry dirt and can cause further infection.

Step 8 Call in the professionals
For a flawless complexion, consider a regular facial once every 4 weeks or so.