But-you knew this was coming-that doesnt mean you should push them out with your fingers. Most will come out eventually, and we can help them along using topical products, he says. Think of the face as having thousands of pipes connecting oil glands to the surface of the skin, Dr. Zeichner says. Acne happens when the pipes are blocked. They fill up with oil and dead cells.

To open the pipes again, you dont need to add a bunch of steps into your life. For the most part, you can switch to anti-blackhead products that already fit into your usual routine.

Switch from your usual face cleanser to one containing salicylic acid. Its not complicated; you can find these in the drugstore-they often say salicylic acid facial cleanser right on the front label.

What most people dont know: You need to leave them on your skin for a moment so they can do their thing, Dr. Zeichner says. I usually tell people to put the wash on their face, lather it up for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday, then rinse it off.

If thats not helping, use a salicylic acid product thats designed to be left on your face. These are often spot treatments, but you can use them all over the affected area (Dr. Zeichner likes Kamedis Acne Spot Treatment ). Its the same active ingredient thats in the washes but in a higher concentration. Leave it on your skin before bed so it can work overnight, Zeichner says.

Theres something satisfying about checking the nose strip to see what came out when youve applied it and zipped it off. Dr. Zeichner says they can be effective, you just have to be cautious if you have sensitive skin, if youre exfoliating, or if youre using topical retinoids. These can make the outer skin layer more sensitive.

If nothings working and youre really bothered by blackheads, see a dermatologist, who can prescribe topical retinoids. Prescription products contain higher amounts of the retinol products you can buy over the counter in grooming products, and they might be the ticket to clearing up your skin.

Theres a way to do extractions thats has less potential for harm than the squeezing. Extract after a warm shower when the skin and the oil in your pores is soft. Apply gentle downward pressure on either side of the pore. Ideally, with two Q-tips, not your fingernails, Dr. Zeichner says. If its ready to come out, it will. If not, leave it alone! Too much pressure can disrupt the outer skin layer and traumatize skin, leading to potential infections and scarring. The result is that it looks worse than if youd left it alone.

Or, just forget picking it yourself and get the joy of extractions vicariously, if thats what youre into, from Dr. Pimple Poppers blackhead removal extravaganzas like this major one, and this classic.