1. Witch Hazel. Witch hazel is a natural toner that helps to balance oil production in the skin. Eliminate blackheads by soaking a cotton ball in witch hazel and gently cleanse affected areas. You can do this once or twice a day. This method is good for acne as well.

2. Epsom Salt and Iodine. This is a common, yet powerful way of getting rid of blackheads. Make a solution by mixing 1 tsp of Epsom salt and 3 drops of iodine in ½ cup boiling water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it on the blackheads. This will loosen the blackheads by opening the pores, and you can use a gentle scrub to completely remove them.

3. Rosewater & Oatmeal. Creating a mask with these two ingredients will rid blackheads and prevent future breakouts as well. Mix ground oatmeal powder with rose water and apply to blackhead areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.

4. Fenugreek. Fenugreek is one of the most powerful and natural anti-blackhead herbs. Eradicate blackheads by making a paste out of crushed fenugreek leaves and water. Apply to affected areas on the face for at least 10 minute, then rinse with warm water. You can get rid of blackheads within weeks by using this paste every night before bed.

5. Coriander (cilantro) leaves. You can also use coriander as a blackhead-fighting night pack. Mix 1 tsp. of coriander leaves with 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder. Apply the mixture to your face prior to going to bed. When you wake up in the morning, wash it off with cold water. You will notice that your blackheads will not only be reduced, but your entire complexion will improve.

6. Fuller’s earth, glycerin soap and almond powder. Create a ratio of 1:2:4, fuller’s earth, glycerin soap, and almond powder in warm water to make a smooth paste and apply to blackheads. Keep the mask on for 10-20 minutes then wash off with warm water. You should notice a reduction in blackheads within one week.

The six methods above with help you get rid of blackheads naturally within a fairly short amount of time. Please note that every individual is different, so the remedies above may not work for everyone.

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To win the war against blackheads, you need a solid blackhead removal gameplan. And this gameplan is to ultimately keep your skin as clean and clear of oil/debris as much as possible.  Finding the right skin care regimen can be particularly challenging as you find the right products that work for you by trial and error.  Here are four basic steps that anyone can take to fight blackheads, regardless of skin type.

#1 Steam it up!

It has been mentioned before how important steam is for opening and deep cleansing of the pores.  Take advantage of warm moisture by taking a hot shower, or invest in a portable facial steamer.  Alternatively, you can create a warm compress with a washcloth and place over the face.  Steaming is gentle enough to do daily.

#2 Exfoliate

You must stay on top of removing dead skin cells to alleviate your blackhead issues.  Choose a micro-bead exfoliation product that is gentle and won’t cause damage or irritation to your skin.  You can also use oatmeal or baking soda as a natural exfoliant.  Be as gentle as possible, lightly scrubbing in a circular fashion.

Alternatively, you can use products with low potency salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which exfoliate deep into the pores.  Do not exfoliate more than 2-3 times a week.

#3 Cleanse

Cleansing is important for preventing and removing oil build-up.  You need to cleanse your skin twice a day, in the evening and in the morning.  Cleansing in the morning ensures that you remove excess oil produce while you were sleep; cleansing in the evening gets rid of the oil and pollutants accumulated during the day.  You should you a mild soap-and alcohol free cleanser to prevent exacerbation of your condition.  Clay-based cleansers are especially recommended for oily skin types since they are effective at drawing out the oil from your skin. You can use a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide as well.

After cleansing, you may want to use an astringent to kill bacteria.

#4 Close Your Pores

After cleansing your skin, you will want to close your pores which were opened from steaming.  This can easily be done by using cold water as your final rinse.  You should also follow up with a toner that will also help to close and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

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