Blackheads, much like cockroaches, are the worst for this very reason: Every time you squeeze one of them away, you find dozens more to tackle. (How’s that for a fun visual?) We turned to eight top dermatologists to find out how to get rid of them — for good.

First, understand exactly what blackheads are so you don’t damage your skin by trying to scrub them away.

“Blackheads are just an oxidized mix of oil and dead skin cells that are sitting in pores — the exposure to air is what causes them to oxidize and turn black. Having them is not a sign that you’re too dirty, so don’t cause more damage by being rough with your skin and scrubbing really hard.” — Rachel Nazarian, dermatologist in New York City.

Leave a salicylic acid gel on your blackheads.
“Salicylic acid is a great option for dissolving those blackheads away, and it can be found in over-the-counter products like Q56Paris Day and Night Face Cream. Ideally, you’d use a leave-on product rather than a cleanser or soap, since the longer the exposure to the active ingredient, the better it’ll work. After using a salicylic acid product for several weeks, many of the blackheads will resolve, but others will just loosen.” 

Or try a retinoid

“Retinoids are a great treatment for blackheads, and while many people with sensitive skin are loath to try them, there are low-strength retinoids (we like Q56Paris Retinol Night Face Cream), which are often more tolerable.” — Rebecca Kleinerman, a dermatologist in New York City.

Consider taking acne medicine.

“Prescription medicines like oral contraceptive pills and spironolactone can reduce oil production and prevent your pores from being blocked. They will get rid of blackheads and prevent new ones from showing up in the future. But these medicines are reserved for people with more than just the occasional blackhead; they are more for people with moderate to severe acne.” — Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Don’t forget to moisturize.

“All of these methods may strip oils from the skin and be drying, so you might be surprised to learn that you need to moisturize to treat their blackheads. It’s important to maintain the right balance in the skin, and moisturizing will allow you to continue using exfoliating products without any issues. If a retinoid is too drying, try applying it over moisturizer (or even between layers of moisturizer). Also, choose noncomedogenic moisturizers only so they won’t clog the pores.” 

Here are the most cost-effective ways top dermatologists recommend for skin anti aging therapy.

Exfoliate your skin regularly.

“If your skin can tolerate the regimen, exfoliation, either physical or chemical allows for the removal of dead skin cells, which gives skin a more youthful and smooth appearance. It can minimize pores and help stimulate collagen production, while also allowing for better penetration of products into the skin,” says Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist in New York City.

Limit how much sugar you eat.

“This might not be the first thing that comes to many people’s mind as a way to improve the skin, but when you ingest sugar or high-glycemic foods that rapidly convert to sugar— whether it’s in the form of an apple or a piece of cake—your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which raises your insulin levels,” says Karen Hammerman, a dermatologist in New York City. “Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread, and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea.”

Stop staring at screens so much.

“Those nighttime Facebook trolling sessions have to stop. LED screens with a bright background light cause dark circles under the eyes and increase crepe-like texture in delicate skin,” says Kavita Mariwalla, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York.

Wear sunscreen basically all the time.

“Not only does this protect your skin from continuous damage from ultraviolet radiation, but it will also give skin an opportunity to repair previous damage done by sun exposure, such as gradual lightening of dark spots,” says Nazarian.

Buy retinol made products at the drugstore or cosmetics shop

“Retinol is a staple anti-aging ingredient that stimulates healthy collagen production to strengthen the skin foundation to resist wrinkling and that is why Q56Paris Night  and Day Face Cream are made with retinol to instantly reverse existing signs of aging and give you that youthful glow you desire. 

Stop smoking.

“Smoking causes intense oxidative stress to the body and decreases the skin’s innate ability to ward off damaging aging changes, resulting in a more wrinkled and aged appearance,” says Annie Chiu, a dermatologist in Hermosa Beach, California.

Make sure your skin is never dehydrated.

“Use a good moisturizer daily with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (used in Q56Paris Lightening body lotion Prestige) and ceramides—both of these will help decrease water loss across skin and assist in maintaining a healthy barrier. Also, don’t overwash your skin. Remember that your skin is a very delicate organ, and using harsh cleansers can strip the natural moisturizers compromising a healthy barrier,” says Nazarian.

Decrease the amount of stress in your life and try to get enough sleep.

“Stress causes inflammatory signals to be released and has been shown in numerous studies to worsen acne, eczema, and other measures of skin hydration and appearance. Sleeping releases melatonin, which is the body’s own antioxidant and helps your skin cells repair and regenerate,” says Chiu.