A: Dear Jade

John and Edward. Global warming. And blackheads. Three things we can live without.

Those clusters of black pits on our nose, chin or forehead are known in the trade as comedones.

We need to bust the three biggest blackhead myths.

1) "Creams and makeup help." Nope. They make it worse, blocking pores and making our skin oily. Stick to products marked non-comedogenic.

2) "Blackheads are dirty." No way. The black stuff is (wait for it, science fans) partially oxidised sebum. So washing too vigorously will not help. Stick to once a day, with warm water.

3) "I can get rid of mine by squeezing." Bad move. Squeezing a blackhead just enlarges the pores and can cause zits and scars to form. If you must squeeze, steam your face over a basin of hot water first and go gently. Never gouge.

The best thing I know for blackheads is Benzoyl Peroxide. It is available from your chemist without prescription, so ask your Pharmacist. It clears up blackheads a treat. Wish the same could be said for John and Edward.