They say, 'Prevention is better than Cure'. This is especially true when it comes to skin problems, and more so when it comes to facial skin problems.
It is always best to prevent situations that can cause problems (blackheads in this case) because once you get them, you cannot just hide from the society until your problem is fixed.

So

how do you prevent blackheads

from occurring? Here I will list some of the best practices to prevent blackhead formation.

• Cut down on your consumption of oily foods. Too much oil in the skin can cause the pores to get clogged easier.
  Get used to eating more vegetables and avoiding oily junk foods. This will not only improve your skin but also lead to a overall healthier body and even avoid heart problems in the future.
• Wash your face more often during the day. You should be splashing water on your face at least two times daily to keep your skin clear of impurities.
• If you can, get in the habit of blotting your face with tissue paper through the day. Indispensable if you work on site or have to travel a lot during the day.
• Wear less make-up. Too much make-up can also cause long term skin problems.
  
  
  plus they make you look like a bimbo.
• Facial steam is REALLY underrated! There is nothing better than a warm steam to clear your head and replenish your skin.
• Make it a habit to use an astringent after cleansing your skin. An astringent is a product that contracts the skin. It helps close the pores and thus prevent several skin issues, including blackheads.
   
•  Coming to cleansers, be sure you check reviews or recommendations and pick one that is not too harsh on your skin. It can do more harm than good if your skin is too sensitive.
• Avoid lotions or creams that have high oil content like the plague.
• Exfoliate regularly. It is recommended that you exfoliate at least three times a week.
  Exfoliation helps remove accumulated dirt and dead cells, the same things that could clog your pores and cause blackheads.
• When looking for an Exfoliating Scrub, choose one that contains Salicylic acid. It will penetrate the pores and prevent blackheads from forming.
• An oil absorbing clay mask can do wonders to clean up your skin and leave your skin glowing (literally). Lot of natural clay masks are available in the market. Check your local beauty store.
• If clay is not your thing, a gelatin + tomato juice mask is a great option. This can absorb oil as effectively, is relatively easy to  prepare, and is completely natural.
• Change your pillowcase often. This may seem like something your mother would say, but hey guess what, she was right! There is a higher concentration of dead cells in one's pillow than he/she will ever admit.
• And finally, if you already suffer from blackheads, DON'T Squeeze them! You will be very much tempted (and yes, I know there is no greater satisfaction in the world), but resist the urge, for the sake of your face.
  If you must, use a proper tool to squeeze out the blackheads. When you try to do it with your fingers, the bacteria in your fingers will happily move from your fingers and nails and right into the open pores, doing more damage than good.

These are some of the most important things to worry about if you don't want to spend the rest of your life purchasing blackhead removal products.
Already got the blackheads? check out what I do, a simple 5-step method that I still use to keep my face blackhead-free : How to get rid of blackheads on nose

Did I miss out on any indispensable blackhead prevention tip? How do YOU prevent blackheads? Do you have any that might help someone? Feel free to mention in the comments!