'I'm a dermatologist. Here are the chemist products that actually clear blackheads.'

If there's one word that sums up blackheads, it's definitely "Annoying" with a capital A.

While they're inevitable, some of us have more stubborn blackheads that never seem to go away, despite all the squeezing, picking (PLEASE don't do this as tempting as it may be!) and professional treatments.

If you can relate, and you've been searching for the perfect product recommendations to reduce the appearance of your spots and dots, you're in luck.

In a recent episode of You Beauty podcast, Mamamia's beauty editor Erin Docherty spoke with dermatologist Dr Shammi Theesan, who shared all the products that can help banish blackheads for smoother, clearer skin — and wow, did we learn a lot!

Watch: Leigh Campbell explains what serums to use when the weather turns cooler. Post continues below.

Firstly, it's important to understand what pores are and why blackheads form.

Essentially, "They're just an opening on our face, which feeds sebum — that's where our oil glands will produce natural oils," Dr Theesan explained. When these pores become clogged with skin cells, oil and sebum, and then oxidise, they turn black — and voilà, blackheads!

While we all have pores that can lead to blackheads, genetics play a significant role in determining their size and prominence.

"A lot of us have different types of oil, so our sebum is individual and genetic. So the type of fatty acids that break down in your sebum varies, and some are more prone to oxidation," Dr Theesan said.

The best blackhead minimising ingredients and products.

The good news is that there's one simple change you can make to your skincare routine to reduce blackheads: introduce AHAs and BHAs.

The best way to do this, Dr Shammi said, is to use a combination of these ingredients in your routine. "Salicylic acid goes down a bit deeper into the depth of the pore to clear everything out, while AHAs [like glycolic acid] make that top layer slough off very naturally, so you get a more refined look."

Cost-effective products she recommends include The Minimalist AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution,$20, or Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $49, which are both formulated with a mix of hard-working active ingredients. Or, if you're after something gentler, the Avène Cleanance AHA Exfoliating Serum, $59, is Dr Theesan's top choice, which is formulated with lactic and succinate acid. She also recommends introducing a glycolic acid, like The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, $20.50.

These AHAs and BHAs can be used in the evening, and you can take it a step further by alternating them nightly with retinol.

"Retinol is great for your collagen and your elastin but it's one of the biggest modulators of your epidermal heath," Dr Theesan noted. FYI, this is key to skin turnover. 

"A lot of the gunk in your pore is not just oil; it's the inappropriate fluffing of that skin cell. So, instead of having that normal turnover, you get chunks of skin just sitting there forever and then you're just going to get more of a nidus for oxidation."

Then, in the morning, Dr Theesan recommends using a vitamin B3 serum, like niacinamide.

"Something like niacinamide in the morning will reduce your oil gland production — it's an antioxidant and it's a skin brightener."

A perfect example is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($9.50).

Want to listen to the full episode where dermatologist Dr Shammi Theesan shares all her recommendations? Click below.

The importance of double cleansing.

Another crucial step not to overlook is double (or even triple) cleansing, especially if you wear makeup.

"Double cleansing makes a huge difference," emphasised Dr Theesan. "If you're wearing makeup, a lot of makeup has chemicals or waterproof materials and they're hard to get out."

For thorough cleansing, she suggests reaching for Rationale's #4 The PreCleanse Balm, $134, as a splurge-worthy product. Or, for something more affordable, the Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba, $52, will do the job. 

After massaging a balm or oil into your skin (take your time with this step!), follow up with a gentle gel or creamy cleanser. She recommends products like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $15, Paula's Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser, $38 or Rationale's #4 The Cleanser, $80. 

Stick to these recommendations and you can say sayonara to blackheads. 

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Have you tried any of these products? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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Feature image: Instagram @drshammitheesan.