Blackheads are little bumps that form because of excess oil, dead cells, bacteria and dirt that has clogged in your pores and form when all of the clogged matter gets exposed to air, which can lead to embarrassment and a lower self-confidence. Left untreated, they can lead to full blow acne. Blackheads may seem impossible to keep away but they are not. Read these simple steps below to aid in getting rid of your blackhead problem.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads in 4 Steps

1. Wash Face Thoroughly

Washing face may seem pretty obvious and easy, but it is the best way to effectively get rid of blackheads. Oil buildup is a main factor in the formation of blackheads, and you need to eliminate the buildup as soon as you notice it there. Avoid soaps with harsh chemicals, oily bases, or perfumes, as these bring on acne and make blackheads worse. Make sure you are washing your face often with a mild cleanser. Hot steam is effective in opening pores. Adding tree tee oil to hot water and then taking a steam for about 5 minutes will do wonders.

2. Properly Squeeze

Popping or squeezing blackheads is the first thing that anyone wants to do and is the easiest way to get rid of them. But if you want to squeeze blackheads, follow correct methods. Before you jump into that, there are some things you should know. Before popping or squeezing, use a hot compress or take a steam before attempting to pop or squeeze. This will soften the blackheads. Use an extractor to remove the blackheads from your skin. Be careful not to push more than what is needed for removal. If you do not follow proper precautions before popping and squeezing blackheads, you can end up with an infection.

3. Apply Natural Remedies

Clay Mask. A popular home remedy for removing blackheads is the clay mask. You can use a clay mask on a daily basis, and the mask works by actually absorbing the excess oils from the clogged pores and helps prevent blackheads from forming. Follow the directions on the clay mask package. Make sure you leave the mask on for the designated amount of time, rinse off and pat your face dry.

Lemon Juice. A completely natural way to eliminate excess oil and a bacterial infection (if there is one present) is using lemon. Cut the lemon in half, and then squeeze the juice from it onto the blackheads. Leave the juice on the blackheads for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Yogurt. Apply yogurt directly to your face. Leave this on for approximately 30 minutes. Wash away with warm water. Another good trick is adding a pinch of pepper to the yogurt so that it adheres better to the face.

Honey. To get rid of blackheads fast, take a tablespoon of honey, a half teaspoon of salt, and 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Mix these ingredients together, and apply to your face. Leave on for an hour, and rinse off with warm water.

Baking Soda. Saturate a clean cloth with olive or almond oil and place a little bit of baking soda on top. Massage the blackheads on your face for about 4-5 minutes. You can do this twice daily, and it will help with the blackheads on your nose. Also, mixing baking soda and water together will form a paste that can be applied to the blackheads. Leave the paste on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off. If you have the means, you can wipe down your face with witch hazel extract which will shrink the pores.

Oatmeal. Take some oatmeal and mix with warm water. Allow to stand for several minutes before applying to the face. Leave this mixture on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

4. Try Blackhead Removal Products

Blackheads and dead skin can be removed from your face through a process of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Using a product with a low benzoyl peroxide count will be effective in renewing your skin by replacing the dead skin. Popular blackhead strips, also called pore strips, remove blackheads easily. You can put these on at bedtime, and take them off in the morning. You can also purchase chemical peels at spas and health stores. These are excellent methods for blackhead removal. Another blackhead removal product that is effective to use is an exfoliant or scrubber. Make sure you follow the directions on the product.

For how to get rid of blackheads with more home remedies, see:

How ot Prevent Blackheads

Reduce Makeup

If you wear makeup, make sure that you limit how much you are applying to your face. Too much can clog pores and worsen the situation causing more blackheads and even whiteheads. The condition can also worsen if you do not use quality makeup products.

Have a Healthy Diet

Proper hygiene and skin care are just the start to preventing and keeping blackheads away. Check your diet to make sure you are limiting the number of carbohydrates and fats, as this will help keep away blackheads. Also, get enough fruits and vegetables daily to provide your skin with necessary vitamins.

Purchase Good Products

Since the goal is to unclog the pores, do not apply creams that are very heavy or thick as this will lead to more clogging. You can effectively treat your skin using natural products. Focus on products that are plant based and have essential oils in them. You can always consult a dermatologist about what is good for your skin and what should be used as everyone varies.