Blackheads are a common skin issue for many  - and for many they are also the source of endless 'picking pleasure'

The bad news is, that although they can be extracted at home, the squeezing and picking can traumatise the delicate skin on your face - causing infection and permanent scaring.

Last week a reader wrote in to the Beauty Bible skincare expert Caroline Parker of Dermalogica to find out how to treat her blackheads - read Caroline's answer below.

Ask Caroline your own skincare question here

Hi Caroline,

How can I get rid of the blackheads around my nose? Will microdermabrasion help? I feel like I can't get away without using concealer everyday. Thanks!

Blackheads are small plugs of oil and dead skin cells that accumulate in the opening of the oil gland (pore) on the surface of your skin.

Unfortunately the daily use of a concealer could actually be making the problem worse as it could be contributing to the skin blocking.

Blackheads are best removed by a qualified Skin Therapist during a professional treatment.

Your therapist would soften the impactions (blackheads) and therefore minimize the trauma on the skin as they are expelled.

It is a simple process performed during a standard skin treatment however the therapist may not be able to remove them all for you during the first visit. Microdermabrasion alone will not remove blackheads but it can be useful in the preparation of the skin.

Check out more fabulous skincare solutions here - Beauty Bible brings you the best

Or check out these products that are specially designed for blackhead control.

CLEAN & CLEAR Blackhead Cleanser- click here for more details

Ethique Microdermabrasion Face Rub- click here for more details

NEUTROGENA Blackhead Eliminating Scrub - click here for more details