Ever wondered what those tiny black and white dots around your nose and chin are? They are Blackheads and Whiteheads caused due to build up of dirt, dead cells, and sebum in your pores. The only difference between the two is that Whiteheads are dead cells, pus and sebum trapped in closed pores while Blackheads are formed when dirt gets trapped in open pores which turn black due to oxidation on coming in contact with air.

Removal of Blackheads

For Blackhead removal, it is important to exfoliate and cleanse your skin with a pore cleansing scrub or face wash. Pore strips are also beneficial for removing Blackheads on the go. Using skin care products with active ingredients like Salicylic Acid is also said to be an effective way to deal with Blackheads. Using a clay face mask once a week to avoid excess oil secretion and Blackhead formation is a pro tip given by a lot of makeup artists.

Some DIY face masks that will help you combat Blackhead:

1. Charcoal Peel-Off Mask: Make a peel-off mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of activated Charcoal, ½ tablespoon Gelatin powder and 4-5 drops of Tea Tree oil with a few drops of water. Apply the blend on your face and peel it off after 15 minutes. Follow up with the application of a generous layer of  aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
   
   
2. Cinnamon Honey Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of Honey with 2 tablespoons of Cinnamon powder and apply this paste on your face. After 15 minutes, rinse it off with room temperature water.
   
   
3. Yogurt Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon Oatmeal with 1 tablespoon plain Yogurt, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil and 4-5 drops of Lemon juice. Apply this blend to your face for 15 minutes and rinse it off with cool water.

Removal of Whiteheads 

It is not advisable to pop Whiteheads as it may lead to bacterial infections. Instead, use a pore cleansing and oil controlling cleanser and exfoliator for your skin. Using skincare products infused with Apple Cider Vinegar can also help prevent the formation of whiteheads. It is always advisable to keep wipes handy in case you sweat a lot. 

Some DIY face masks that will help you combat Whiteheads:

1. Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask:  Make a blend of 1 tablespoon Baking Soda, ½ tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, and dilute it with water. Apply this blend to your face and rinse it off after 7-10 minutes.
   
   
2. Exfoliating Sugar and Honey Face Mask:  Make a scrub by mixing ½ a tablespoon of Oatmeal, ½ a tablespoon of granulated sugar, ½ a tablespoon of Honey, and 4-5 drops of Lemon Juice. Gently massage this scrub on your face for about 4-5 minutes and rinse it off with cool/room temperature water.
   
   
3. Neem and Turmeric Face Pack: Make a smooth paste of 10 Neem leaves with a tablespoon of Turmeric and apply it to your face. Rinse it off after 20 minutes with room temperature water.

 Some skin hacks to avoid Blackheads and Whiteheads:

1.  Use non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) products. Wash your face twice a day with a deep cleansing face wash.

2.  Apply a pore cleansing face mask once a week to remove excess oil after exfoliating your skin to avoid dead cell build up on the skin.

3. Drink lots of water to detoxify your body and skin.

4. Avoid touching your face frequently to prevent the transfer of dirt and germs to your face.

5. Tea tree oil is very beneficial in treating Blackheads and Whiteheads.

6.  Skin care products rich in Retinol help in removing excess oil from the face and thereby help in preventing Blackheads and Whiteheads.

7. Consult a dermatologist in case you’re facing severe concerns with your skin or allergic reactions to a beauty treatment.

In conclusion, always try to keep your face clean and never miss out on your daily and weekly skin care routine. Along with all these skin hacks, a good combination of healthy “ghar ka khana” and a consistent sleep cycle is very important to keep your skin healthy and glowing.