What can I do to get rid of blackheads?

Try using a bioré nose/chin strip. Peeling them off is weirdly satisfying and it's the only product that has been able to make a difference to my blackheads! I think you can get deep cleansing ones too.

all you need is warm water and soap. give it a good scrub few times a day and you'll be fine

ever heard of castile soap?

It doesn't go on your face, facial skin is much thinner and much more delicate than other skin, putting soap on it dismantles the acid mantle and strips the natural oils, meaning your skin will over produce oils to compensate, giving you really annoying dry yet oily skin at the same time. Don't do it.

yeah no **** soap gets rid of the beneficial bacteria on the skin. but to get rid of black heads you use castile soap and warm water

This is what I have been doing since I got the consciousness about taking care of my appearance and started getting blackheads:

1) Keep a check on your eating habits, do you consume sodium rich, processed foods? If you do, minimise it to the bare minimum. Opt for fresh vegetables and fruits, organic are the best and don't discard the peels, use them as a scrub over your face. I know it seems awkward but man, there is a life without all those beauty products sold in the stores, I live that kind of life and never had problems. So the peels or the pulp can be used raw or you can dry them up and crush them to make a powder, a natural scrub.


2) Do you work out? Walk around in fresh air? I do, and not only does it keep my blood circulation running but as soon as I shower after my sports routine, with cold water, not hot since the latter will open your pores more than before (in work out) for the time being to squeeze the the blackheads out but it will also cause dirt to clog up later on. Don't scrub yourself raw, it makes the skin sensitive to breakouts and later on in life, premature wrinkles.
So cold water will eventually wash away the exposed dirt, and mind it's only after sweating not on a normal lazy day.

3) Don't use those nose strips , they not only peel less blackheads but also dry up your nose and reduce the natural oils, sensitivity of the pores increase and you will regret it, blackheads will appear more since the oils from the sebaceous glands will accumulate.

4) People who are telling you that "Boiling" water will help, are wrong. It's helpful for a limited time, later, your skin is more likely to sag and get faster oil accumulation resulting in more black heads and acne since the hot water reduces skin elasticity and water potential. Cold water is the best, I take cold showers, people think I am mad but I am also the one who does not sink to desperate measures.
Luke warm water works too.

5) My mom uses cleansers too, instead of scrubs you can buy cleansing milk and massage it on your face, squeeze the blackheads with gentle tips or a tissue, your hands should be clean, and later wash your face with Cold Water.

6) Don't touch your face often, avoid excessive use of cosmetics, wash your face thoroughly before sleeping and keep yourself clean, you will be happy.

And yes, if you are harsh with your face, scrub a towel roughly, trust me, it's really horrible for the skin. Be gentle, pat dry it and use pure cotton towels.

And of course make sure you are eating well, getting your five a day etc. Drinking plenty of water help hydrate you too, and keeps you healthy all round, not just your skin.

Someone who knows

Got a really beauty conscious mother. But an All-natural one.