“As a man I’m well aware how difficult it can be to discuss those grooming worries. N&J Confidential is the perfect way to get the advice you need – however embarrassing the problem.” Lee, Niven & Joshua Lifestyle and Grooming Editor

Q. I have really bad blackheads around my nose and chin. What’s the best way to get rid of them?

A. If you're sufering from blackheads, you’re certianly not alone. Most people, even those with dry skin, will encounter them at some point. They form when a pore becomes blocked with sebum - the skin’s natural lubricating oil. This oil eventually solidifies to form a little plug which oxidises as it comes in contact with the air, and turns black. Since the skin around your nose and chin are especially greasy this is where they’re most likely to appear.

As well as being unslightly, though, blackheads can become infected and have a nasty habit of stretching the pores they inhabit leaving sizeable holes if left untreated.

To keep the blackheads at bay ensure skin is free of grease and grime with the help of a good cleanser and use a facial scrub twice weekly to remove pore-blocking dead skin cells. Or why not kill two birds with one stone and use a product like Cowshed Bullocks Refining Facial Scrub which is gentle enough to be used as a daily exfoliating facial wash?

It’s also worth using a face mask like Anthony Logistics Deep Pore Cleansing Clay once as week to give skin a deep-down clean, draw out impurities and soak up excess oil. If all this fails, or you’re sitting there will a bunch of blackheads already and want to remove them get yourself a Mekur Blackhead Remover. A really nifty little grooming tool, it has a specially-designed flat loop that you simply pop over the blackhead and press lightly, gently forcing it out without you having to get your fingers – or a beautician – involved.

N&J knowledge: To make the extraction of blackheads easier try steaming your face over a bowl of water first – it’ll soften skin and relax the pores.

If you have a question or concern please contact Lee by clicking here. Names and email addresses will not be published.

Share: Tweet