Dr. Sandra Lee, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of SLMD, is back with expert advice on how to treat large pores and acne. In this video, Dr. Lee goes in-depth about the best ingredients to manage enlarged pores and blackheads, including her favorite SLMD products.

Dr. Lee also explains how comedones (aka blackheads and whiteheads) turn into inflammatory acne pimples — and what you can do about it. Check it out — and visit the SLMD Skincare YouTube channel for more videos on how to treat and prevent acne breakouts.

Dr. Pimple Popper’s tips for treating large pores and acne

Put away the magnifying mirror

Truth bomb: nobody but you is looking that closely at your skin. Examining all of your perceived “flaws” can lead to an unhealthy relationship with your skin. Rather than obsessing over the size of your pores or that new pimple, empower yourself with the right regimen to treat your acne.

Incorporate salicylic acid

Enlarged pores that are clogged with trapped oil and dead skin are called comedones — better known as blackheads and whiteheads. The best way to treat them is to use salicylic acid every day. Dr. Lee loves her SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser.

Try a mini chemical peel at home

Regular use of alpha and beta hydroxy acids help keep skin free of pore-clogging dead cell buildup. Dr. Lee recommends her SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes, which are like a DIY mini chemical peel. Bonus: this combo of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids combat visible signs of aging, too.

Start using retinol nightly

A powerhouse ingredient proven to manage acne and tackle signs of premature aging, retinol is an essential in any acne regimen. This vitamin A derivative helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, and creates more-even looking skin. Try: SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum.

Know what type of acne you have

When non-inflammatory blackheads and whiteheads lead to inflammatory acne, it’s time to incorporate benzoyl peroxide or sulfur into your routine. These ingredients inhibit the C. acnes bacteria which causes a clogged pore to become a full-fledged pimple. For face acne, Dr. Lee recommends SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion and BP Acne Spot Treatment. For body acne, try her SLMD BP Body Wash.

Keep spot treatments handy

Even if you don’t have chronic acne, chances are, you’re going to get a pimple at some point. This is why Dr. Lee recommends keeping both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide-based spot treatments in your skincare arsenal. To treat blackheads and whiteheads, try her rollerball Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment. BP Acne Spot Treatment is ideal for inflammatory pimples. Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches absorb oil and pus and protect pimples as they heal.