Is it ok to leave blackheads for months and even possibly years? I am scared of scarring.

It’s ok in the short term but as you age they can become very obvious and unsightly.

Visit an esthetician and ask them to show you how to gently do your problem areas with an extractor. (or maybe there are youtube videos) Just make sure when you do it yourself that you wash your face, hands and tools first. If you are female do your pore cleaning mid cycle. This would be about a week after your period stops. (as your period approaches and during menstruation you are more likely to break out after deep pore cleaning) Do this once a month and in a few months they will be gone. Most OTC acne products are not actually good and many make the problem worse. A non comedogenic oil works best as a moisturizer for people with problem skin. Personally I use vaseline but I have really sensitive skin.