What’s that on your face? Yes, those black little things which refuse to be scrubbed off? Annoying, aren’t they?

Blackheads and whiteheads pop up on your face when there is an excessive buildup of sebum. This buildup is natural, and cannot be predicted or stopped. You will notice them on your nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead, especially if you’re prone to acne. These irritating occurrences are unavoidable, because our pores do not close completely, nor can we reduce their size. We can only minimize the amount of dirt that clogs them up, and as a result also reduce the occurrence of all types of acne.

Fortunately there are plenty of commercial products as well as natural remedies that help remove these blemishes from your face. Here are some of the ways on how to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads:

Go the commercial way

1. Astringents

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Astringents are antiseptic in nature and go deeper into your skin than any other face cleansing or acne removal product. The most popular one in the market is the Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Astringent. It goes deep into your skin to get rid of blackheads and also prevents any new ones from forming.

2. Pore strips

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Using pore strips is a popular method when it comes to removing blackheads. They are very effective, but some people may find it tedious and painful. When used properly, they are as good as a professional facial.

3. Scrubs

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Starting a daily face care regimen will help you prevent all forms of acne. Instead of sticking to just one scrub, use a few different products to keep your face clean and unclogged. There are a large number of scrubs you could try, like Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub, Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Scrub, and Garnier Pure Active Blackheads Uprooting Scrub. Gently massage your whole face with the scrub of your choice and wash it off with cold water. You should be using a scrub daily if you have oily skin and tend to get blackheads frequently.

Go the natural way

1. Oatmeal scrub

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An oatmeal scrub can be made by mixing together 1/3 cup of oatmeal, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of honey. Massage this mixture gently to the affected areas, or apply it to your whole face so that you don’t miss out on any spot. Wash this off with warm water after five minutes. You could use this daily until all your blackheads are gone. This will also help keep your pores clear of debris, preventing any blackheads and whiteheads in the future.

2. Milk scrub

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Applying milk on your face is an effective method for removing these annoying blemishes. Just mix two tablespoons of milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey, and apply this on your face. You should let the mixture dry on your face before you wash it off with water.

You could also mix two tablespoons of milk with a pinch of salt and massage this mixture on your face, washing it off when it dries. Do this twice a day. The milk treatment will make your skin glow.

3. Steaming

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Facial steaming is another popular method to remove whiteheads and blackheads from your skin. Taking a steam once a day will effectively open up your pores and declog them.

4. Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, which helps cleanse your skin. Applying tomatoes will also remove a tan as a bonus. Blend a tomato in a blender and apply the mashed up mixture all over your face. It may burn a little, but do be patient. Wash it off once it dries up. A few applications will clear your skin of blackheads and whiteheads, leaving you with glowing skin.

5. Clay masks

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It’s well known that applying clay or multani mitti on your skin will leave it glowing, soft, and very clean. Clay will exfoliate your skin, getting rid of the dirt and dead cells that are formed on its surface. Mix clay and water to make a paste and apply it on your face. Let it dry before you wash it off. Regular use will both remove current whiteheads and will prevent any new ones from forming.

Three simple steps to cleaner skin

A clean face will prevent blackheads and whiteheads from forming; and a regular cleaning regimen will make your face happily blemish-free. Don’t forget to stick to these habits:

1. Wash your face every day

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You bathe daily, so why ignore your face? If soap does not suit you, use something milder like a face wash. But make sure you’re gentle, and avoid trying to pluck out any blemishes you have.

2. Scrub thrice a week

Scrubbing to get rid of dead cells is a step you should not forget, even if you don’t really need to do so every day. Use a scrub that suits your skin, be it a commercial or a natural one.

3. Keep hydrated and moisturized

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Drink lots of water so that you’re hydrated and your skin is not dry. If you have dry skin, keep it moisturized with lotion or body butter. If you have oily skin, use a grease-free moisturizer.

Follow these steps religiously and say goodbye to annoying and irksome blackheads and whiteheads.

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