If you have acne blackheads and pimples you'll be tempted to remove them by squeezing or picking but this may just make things worse by bursting the membrane that is holding in the acne causing bacteria and allowing them to spread out beneath the skin. So what is the best way to remove acne pimples and blackheads?

One of the best ways is to use an over the counter glycolic acid exfoliating product. These work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and effectively cleaning out the clogged pores. Glycolic acid is mild to the skin and won't usually cause any side effects apart from a little, temporary redness. As well as removing acne pimples and blackheads used regularly it will help to prevent them coming back.

A more drastic method to remove acne blackheads and pimples is to use a chemical peel. Glycolic acid chemical peels are mild enough for sensitive, acne prone skin but should be used by a professional for the first time until you see how your skin reacts to them. You could also try a salicylic acid chemical peel. Do not use these types of peel if you are using a retinol containing product however as they increase the skin's sensitivity and could result in increased severity of side effects such as burning, itching or skin irritation.

Over the counter retinol products are also useful for removing acne problems. They can reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin and help to make your skin look better in the long term. They are not an instant solution to removing the acne problems but very helpful in keeping your skin in good condition and preventing the blackheads and pimples from returning.

A simple home remedy is to use an oatmeal mask. Cook some oatmeal and mix well into a paste then apply to the face. leave on for about twenty minutes then wash off gently with warm water followed by cold water to close up the pores. The oatmeal will help to clean out the pores and will help to remove blackheads and pimples if done regularly.

Pore strips are sold everywhere but do they work? In general they are not a 100% method but will remove the top part of the blackhead so at least your skin looks better. If followed by the application of a topical benzoyl peroxide product to help kill off the bacteria they can be useful but don't expect them to completely clear up all your blackheads. Don't overuse them or use them on damaged skin and only use them on the blackhead itself.

Prevention is better than cure and I'm sure you know that, although you can't completely cure your acne, a healthy diet and careful attention to keeping your skin clean will go a long way to preventing outbreaks so that you won't have to rely on methods to remove acne pimples and blackheads.