Blackheads & Comedones
Loosen the plugs, keep pores clear, resist the squeeze.
Blackheads (open comedones) form when a pore fills with oil and dead cells; the surface oxidises on contact with air, which is what makes it look dark. They are most common on the nose, chin and forehead, but can appear anywhere oil flow is high.
The goal is to loosen and prevent the plug — not to scrub or squeeze it out, which pushes inflammation deeper and can leave marks. Well-tolerated, oil-soluble salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating acids are the evidence-led tools.
Because blackheads refill continuously, prevention is a daily habit rather than a one-off treatment.
Essential routine
£148.00 RRP
£133.20
Daily prevention for pores that keep refilling.
- 1
Hydroxy Cleanser£35.00£31.50150mlOil-soluble salicylic acid in a wash-off cleanser plus glycolic and lactic acids — daily removal of the oil and dead cells that form the plug.
- 2
B Calm£63.00£56.7050mlLeave-on salicylic acid (2%) keeps working inside the pore lining, with niacinamide to help regulate oil and ceramides to protect the barrier.
- 3
Zinc Shade£50.00£45.0050mlA matte mineral SPF15 (rated SPF 23) well suited to irritable, blemish-prone skin — because clear-up routines and sun exposure do not mix well.
You save £14.80 with ReGen's 10% discount · free UK delivery over £60
Advanced routine
£83.00 RRP
£74.70
A single active added to your essential routine — the retinal night cream, introduced gradually. Smooth Serum is an alternative for those who prefer not to use vitamin A: choose one or the other, never both.
- 1
Ultimate A+£83.00£74.7050mlRetinal supports surface renewal and is ESK's choice for skin prone to congestion — a stronger, longer-term option than acids alone.
You save £8.30 with ReGen's 10% discount · free UK delivery over £60
Morning protocol
- 1
Hydroxy Cleanser — Cleanse with the salicylic and AHA wash to clear surface oil.
- 2
B Calm — Apply the salicylic and niacinamide moisturiser to keep pore linings clear.
- 3
Zinc Shade — Protect with the matte mineral SPF.
Evening protocol
- 1
Hydroxy Cleanser — Remove the day's oil and sunscreen.
- 2
Ultimate A+ — Advanced evening swap: replaces your B Calm on the nights you use it. Frequency follows the product's official instructions, your individual tolerance and practitioner guidance.
- 3
B Calm — Essential nights: moisturise with B Calm when not using the night cream.
How often to use
- ·Hydroxy Cleanser morning and evening; B Calm and Zinc Shade daily.
- ·Run the essential routine alone for two to four weeks before adding any active.
- ·Introduce Ultimate A+ slowly — there is no automatic step-up to nightly use. Frequency follows the product's official instructions, your individual tolerance and practitioner guidance.
- ·Prefer to avoid vitamin A? Smooth Serum can be used instead — on its own nights, two to three nights a week to start, never alongside the retinal cream.
Precautions
- ·Resist squeezing and pore strips — trauma to the pore makes blackheads return angrier.
- ·Your cleanser and B Calm already contain exfoliating acids, so this routine adds retinal only — never a second exfoliating serum alongside it. Anything further needs practitioner approval.
- ·Retinal products (Ultimate A+) must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- ·Wear SPF daily while using exfoliating acids.
- ·Persistent, widespread comedones or scarring deserve a professional assessment — book a consultation.
General skincare guidance built from the official ESK product information — not medical advice. If you are being treated in clinic, follow the aftercare your practitioner gave you rather than changing your routine, and book a consultation before combining this guide with clinical treatment.