“I’ve had blackheads on my nose for as long as I can remember! Nothing I do seems to totally get rid of them. I’ve tried cleansers, masks, exfoliating, extractions, retinol, you name it! Is there something I’m missing?” —Kirsten H.

It doesn’t sound like there’s anything you’re missing. I will say, though, that everyone’s skin is different—some people are more prone to inflammatory acne while some just get blackheads and whiteheads. If you understand what’s causing your blackheads, that can be the key to treating them.