Q. What are blackheads? I can’t seem to get rid of the ones around my nose.

A. Blackheads are caused when the skin’s natural oil, called sebum collects in the skin’s pores and hardens. To be a more specific, congesting toxins that are being expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid combine with sebum and create a pasty, “glue”. The exposed tip becomes oxidized and black in color, thus the name. Oily and combination skin is more susceptible to blackheads. The skin’s most dense oil glands in everyone are in the T-zone, across your forehead – down your nose to your chin. This is where people will get the most blackheads. Visiting a spa for a professional facial will help you get rid of the blackheads initially. You should then follow a routine of proper home care to keep your skin clear. Try and keep your face clean but don’t over wash that can aggravate the problem. A good wash twice a day with an exfoliating soap or scrub and warm water followed by a toner or treatment product should do the trick.