# SOMETHING THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ; SKIN CARE TIPS ★ [CLEANSING]

What’s the most important step in taking care of your skin? 

Of course the answer would be cleansing. Cleansing is the most essential part of taking care of your skin so make sure you know how to cleanse your face properly instead of only washing it with water. If that what you've been doing until now (washing only with water), you've been doing it wrong! Here I'll be sharing few tips regarding cleansing your face that I've made few researches on and based on my own experiences. 

1. Cleansing your face

I bet most of us already know cleansing is important but have you been cleansing your face properly and know what is double/triple cleanse and other cleansing techniques out there? 

Double/Triple cleanse - Use cleansing cream/cleansing oil if you wear make-up and if you have oily/combination skin, go for cleansing cream instead of cleansing oil. cleansing creams moisturize your skin while gently melting off the make-up. However, most cleansing creams won’t melt off all your make-up completely so you still need to use a Make-up Remover especially if you’re wearing heavy make-ups (such as mascara, eyeliner, lip tint etc). Then follow up your cleansing routine with washing your face with your usual facial cleanser. Choosing the right facial cleanser is important too. Find the most suitable cleanser base on your skin type and make sure it doesn’t leave you the tight & squeaky clean feeling as if you feel it that way, it means the cleanser is stripping your natural oil which mean it’s not good. If it’s stripping your natural oil, it will make our largest organ (skin lol) trying to repair itself by replacing the oil stripped away. This leaves us in a cycle of being tight and dry followed by the inevitable oil slick. Each time we strip the oil away, our skin over-compensates for the lack of moisture by creating more oil, that’s why getting on the idea that oily skin doesn’t need to use moisturizer/emulsion is wrong. Moisturizers/emulsions are important despite any skin types. On top of the drying effects, some cleansers are highly-scented too. Fragrance is one of the top skin irritants and strangely enough, even the so-called “unscented” products usually contain fragrance, so see for yourself, do check the labels. If the cleanser starts breaking you off, stop using it and switch to a new cleanser. 

{ How To Choose A Cleanser } It's better to choose a facial Cleanser that does “not” include alcohol, fragrance or parabens. Looking toward the natural as nature provides an assortment of herbs and essential oils might be better too. These elements can protect your complexion from winter harshness or even the summer sun. Look for a daily facial cleanser that will thoroughly cleanse your face without drying or damaging delicate facial skin. Preferably with active, natural ingredients such as witch hazel, lichen, limonoid glucosides, bio-flavanoids and oxygenated water as well as floral water along with sun ripened grain vinegar to soften the skin and lemon essential oil to aid the skin illuminate (if you're not allergic to any of the ingredients listed). Don't forget to consider your skin type too.When choosing your cleanser it is also important to see how fast your cleanser rinses away without leaving any soapy residue on the skin which may attract dirt. Also your cleanser should not rob you off your moisture (feels squeaky clean & tight after cleansing) but should make your skin feel faintly taut right after you use it. This slight tightness will tell you the cleanser has removed the surface oils that collect dirt. But if the tautness lasts more than 10 to 15 minutes (this mean it get rids of your natural oil), switch to a gentler, milder cleanser. 

{ The Right Way To Use A Cleanser } Gently is the right way. Do not stretch, drag or pull your skin. With the cleanser in your hand, let your fingers glide over your skin, or use light patting movements with the pads of your fingers. Upwards and outwards movements have frequently been suggested as the right way to apply all kinds of cream to the face - this is thought to prevent or delay the eventual loss of muscle tone and the reultant sagging of the skin. Leave the cleanser on for a minute or two so as to loosen dirt and make-up. Then gently remove it either with a cotton wool or with a tissue paper, again using upward and outward strokes. Wipe over the face again with a damp cotton wool ball, and if it does not come away clean, repeat the cleaning process. Finally rinse with water. The cotton wool or tissue paper part is not really necessarily but if you can do it, why not? 

Not necessary but if you can ;

1. Try get a net sponge (I’m not sure what it’s called, I think it’s net sponge). When cleansing face, you’ll need to be as gentle as possible. Foam is the most gentle way to cleanse your face. Why your cleansing foam namely cleansing ‘foam’ ? It’s because you need to foam it. Albeit, you still can foam your cleanser without using sponge, just put your cleanser on your palm then rub your hands together until foam is created. Anyway, this is how the sponge I’m talking about looks like ; 

Actually any sponges will do the work but I like this type better as imo it absorb the product less. Btw, use this sponge only to create foam! not use it to scrub your face D: 

2. Add Konjac Sponge/clarisonic something (any type of sponge that are meant to be use for your face) as the last step for your cleansing routine. I prefer Konjac Sponge as imo it’s more gentle & delicate on eye area.

3. Use more than 1 type of facial cleanser. For example, for oily/combination skin, at daytime use a Foam type of a  cleanser and at night time use a Bubble type of cleanser or at daytime use a cleanser that is meant for oily skin but at night use a moisturizing cleanser 

4. Yes, after use cleanser, you’ll need to wash your face with water. But usually most of us only take like few seconds to wash face with water. If following Suzy Miss A’s way, last step of her cleansing routine is wash her face with water for around 4 minutes.  Here’s Suzy’s cleansing routine ;

Honestly speaking now that I think of it again 10 minutes of cleansing face is a bit too much and it can actually make your skin becomes dry. Imo, 2 minutes of using cleansing oil/makeup remover (when you’re using makeups) or until your makeups are gone are enough then follow by a foam cleanser and wash throughly using water until your face is clean is enough. There’s no need to wash with water until 4 minutes.

TIPS ~ ☆ After finish all your cleansing routine, don’t towel dry your face because it’ll absorb the moisture too much. Instead use your clean hand to tap/pat the excess water until your face dry. If you’re in hurry and don’t have the time to tap or pat all that, you can use cotton pad to dry your face as it won’t absorb too much moisture like towel does. Downwards motion is preferred when using cotton pad to dry your skin. 

There are many types of cleanser available out there too. If you’re still new to the whole skin care things, you’ll need to know about this. Different types of cleansers have been developed for people with different skin types. Active cleansers are more suitable for oily skins to prevent breakouts. But they may overdry and irritate dry skin, this may make the skin appear and feel worse. Very dry skin may require a creamy lotion-type cleanser. These are normally too gentle to be effective on oily or even normal skin, but dry skin requires much less cleansing power. It may be a good idea to select a cleanser that is alcohol-free for use on dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin. Some cleansers may incorporate fragrance or essential oils. However, for some people, these cleansers may irritate the skin and often provoke allergic responses. People with such sensitivity should find cleansers that are pH-balanced cosmetic balanced, contain fewer irritants, suit many variating skin types, and do not make the skin feel dehydrated directly after cleansing. Tight, uncomfortable skin is often dehydrated and may appear shiny after cleansing, even when no sebum is present. This is due to the taughtening and 'stripping’ effect some cleaners can have on the skin. One should discontinue use of a cleanser that upsets the balance of the skin; cleansers should work with the skin not against it. Finding the right cleanser can involve some trial-and-error.

Cleansing Foam

Cleansing foam are available for all skin type and the most important thing you need in your cleansing routine. The texture is creamy and you’ll be able to foam it easily. Little amount of product should be sufficient for your need. Usually cleansing foam available in this kind of tube.

Cleansers from this line were my favorite cleansers (I'm not sure if they're discontinued by Etude House now).  I have tried #1, #3 and #5. This was recommendation foam type of cleanser by me. This Happy Cleansing line from Etude House offered 5 different types suitable for your need.

• I think they're now replaced by Etude House Every Month Cleansing Foam which offers impressively 12 types of cleanser! 

• Cleansing Cream

Just like its name, it’s a cream type. Usually it will feel oily on your skin and some feel sticky on skin. You can either use a tissue or your hand to use this cleansing cream. For people with oily skin or combination, should go for cleansing cream instead of cleansing oil. This is to remove lighter to medium make-up.  For cleansing cream, I would recommend this one. It contains mineral-rich Brazilian black sugar that will leaves your skin moist after washing and also gently removes the dense make-up. Before I forget, you should have a dry face & hands before using cleansing cream. 

Cleansing Water

This is for those who doesn’t like the oily feeling on their face. Just like its name, the texture is watery. So far I’ve only owned one Cleansing Water and it works OMG SUPER well on removing make-up! Another bonus is you don’t need to wash your face with water again after using this cleansing water! But, for those who already get used with double/triple cleansing won’t consider it as bonus if you get what I mean. This is to remove medium to heavy make-up. If you want to try cleansing water, give this etude’s baby a try :D It’s natural, pure, organic and most importantly 7 FREE! Suitable for sensitive skin too!

• Cleansing Tissue

Another easy way to remove your make-up is by using a cleansing tissue. If you’re in a rush and want hassle-free way of removing make-up, this one definitely for you. So far I’ve no favorite cleansing tissue yet so I can’t really recommend one. If you haven’t seen one, here’s how the cleansing tissue looks like. This is to remove medium to heavy make-up.

• Cleansing Gel

I don’t really want to recommend use a cleansing gel as I find it’s not really effective and you’ll need large amount of product as well as a really dry face and hands. Easy said, it’s hard to remove your make-up by using cleansing gel. Usually they comes in pump type or in a tube. This is to remove lighter make-up. 

• Cleansing Milk

Cleansing milk leaves your skin’s natural oils untouched. So the all-important protective properties of your skin are preserved, and your skin stays balanced. Another big plus for cleansing milk is that it’s easy to use. No need to bother with cotton wool pads. Simply dampen your face with tepid water, massage a little cleansing milk into your skin, then rinse off. You can do this over a wash basin or in the bath or shower, as long as the water isn’t too hot. As cleansing milk is a water-in-oil emulsion, it rinses off really easily, taking all that grease and grime with it. The con for cleansing milk is some need a lot of amount of the product to remove makeup completely, it may stings your eyes but not really that bad and may make your vision blurry and white when it got into your eyes. Product showed is Etude House Milky You Cleansing Milk and I've reviewed it here before. 

• Cleansing Oil 

Basically it almost work the same like cleansing cream but the texture is different. One of the reasons it’s named cleansing oil because the texture is oily. If you’re not fond of oil on your face, go for cleansing water or a water-based make-up remover. Cleansing Oil is to remove medium to heavy make-up. Cleansing Oil comes in different types as well to cater your need. 

• Cleansing Powder

I'll say cleansing powder is a little bit rare and harder to find than most cleansers. I've tried only one cleansing powder which is Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Powder Wash from Etude House so I honestly can't say much about it. It cleanses quite well and it doesn't bubble much as cleansing foam does but it on the cleansing purpose, it almost up to par with cleansing foam. 

• Bubble Foam / Mousse type

Good for all skin type and also sensitive skin (do check ingredients list first tho). The most gentle way to cleanse your face! I like bubble foam/mousse type of cleanser the most. Not only because they’re gentle on skin, they’re able to deep cleanse your face too.

• Soap

I find soaps are too mainstream. enough said, lol. Imho, if you can pick, better go for a cleansing foam rather than a soap. 

• ETC

STEP by STEP >> 

1. Cleansing Cream/Cleansing Oil/Cleansing Water/Cleansing Milk/Cleansing Gel/ETC (Make-up Remover (if use any make-up))
2. Facial Cleanser
3. Water
4. Pat it dry / use cotton pad ( Don’t use towel as it absorbs the moisture too much )

Other tips ~ ✿

• Start cleansing from behind the ears and the jawline, and once the cleanser is warmed up, move towards the center of your face.
• Breakouts can be treated naturally by washing affected areas with salted lukewarm water to sanitize the area and prevent it from worsening.
• You can try wash your face using milk, this is one of Song Hye Go’s secret.
• To make her face smaller, Song Hye Go massages her face with ice cubes.
• Change your bedsheet / pillow sheet often. If you want to be a hardcore, put a facial towel on your pillow & sleep on it. Change it everyday. 
• Brush your teeth bro. Good hygiene always important. 
• Other than cleansing, there’s exfoliating. Exfoliating is important too, I will talk bout it more later.
• Other than exfoliating, there’s massaging. I’ll talk more bout it later too. 

# SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ; BLACKHEADS

I promised to Anon-ssi not long ago that I would post a tips on how to get rid of blackheads so here’s a post for you guys about blackheads! Prepare your eyes and soul because this gonna be looooong. *^* 

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. In medical terms, blackheads are known as open comedones. Despite their name, some blackheads can be yellowish in color. A blackhead is the outcome of the accumulation of excess sebum (oil) accompanied by dead skin cells in the sebaceous glands’ ducts, which in turn clogs the skin pores and invites bacteria to take over them. When this deposit of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria is exposed to oxygen, it reacts and turns black, acquiring the form of a blackhead. When bacteria is added to these comedones, the condition can lead to pimple, which is also known as a papule or pustule.

If Blackheads are known as open comedones, Whiteheads are known as closed comedones. Closed comedones are follicles that are filled with the same material as open comedones, but have only a microscopic opening to the skin surface thus the material is not oxidized (because the air cannot reach the follicle) and remains white. The differences are whether it’s oxidized or not and the names.

The duct is clogged by the dead cells thus the sebum starts to accumulate which lead to whitehead or blackhead formation. 

Causes of Blackheads

1. The overproduction of oil is the main cause of the emergence of blackheads. This is likely to occur in a high proportion of humans during puberty. Spikes in hormone production can result in the high levels of DHT(dihydrotestosterone), a hormone which triggers overactivity in the oil glands, resulting in clogged pores.

2.  Skincare products also contribute to the development of blackheads. On coming into contact with the body’s natural oil, they further the accumulation of oil and consequently block the skin pores. 

3. Make up which is not cleaned properly. Improperly cleaned skin makes it more likely that dead skin cells build up within the pores. The pore openings can become clogged, which accelerates the build up of oil inside - thus causing blackheads to form. 

4. In some cases, blackheads can emerge if moisturizers, sun screens, make up, or foundations are overused.

The main important question is, how to get rid of BLACKHEADS?

Actually, it’s facile to get rid of blackheads but the hard thing is to keep our skin clear from blackheads. There are numerous methods available out there to get rid of blackheads. But the main key is to PRACTICE A GOOD HYGIENE. Even if you do all methods suggested but never keep a good hygiene, it won’t work. So remember, be as sanitary as you can. If you’re already familiar with how to get rid of blackheads, try guess what tools are used in Method 1, Method 2 etc. Have fun with guessing and congrats if you get them right! Before I forget, the first important step to get rid of blackheads is  ; 

That’s right, open your pores people. Open doesn’t literally means “open”. It literally just a term, the pores do not in fact open or close. It has nothing to do with changing the size of your pores. It’s simply an effective way of cleaning them out, and getting rid of excess debris and makeup.  Before doing any methods I will suggest after this, open your pores first and foremost. How to open your pores? It’s quite effortless and can be done at home. No need to rush to beauty saloon or whatever to get this done. One of the easiest ways is bt putting your face over a sink or a bowl filled with steaming-hot water (be sure to be careful not to let your skin come in touch with the water!) and remain in this position for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to unclog your dirty pores and do away with blackheads. The other simple way is by cover your face with a wash cloth soaked in hot water. This can be done by soaking the wash cloth in the hot water or simply wet the wash cloth and then put it in microwave (but honestly I don’t recommend this method and I prefer the first method I suggested because it’s more hygienic and much more easier to do the first one than second one). The last most easiest way is by taking a warm shower.  

# METHOD 1 : Fast removal, quite hurt, need effort & quite harsh.

This is recommend to those who in need to get rid of their blackheads fast. You can use this method if you suddenly have a sudden date with your namchin/ namja-chingu (남친) / Kare (彼) - (Korean & Japanese words for boyfriend) and really need to get rid of your blackheads fast BUT THIS METHOD ACTUALLY IS NOT REALLY RECOMMENDED BY ME ;^; It takes more effort than the other methods and it’s quite harsh also hurt a little tiny bit but it’s the most fastest way among all. Can you guess yet what is used for this method? It’s blackhead extractor! It’s more commonly known as Comedone Spoon Extractor. A comedone extractor is a tool usually made from steel that you can position against your skin and use to pull blackheads from their roots. There’s two types of Comedone Extractor, one is called Comedone “Loop” Extractor and the other one is Comedone “Spoon” Extractor. The differences between these two are the size of the spoon and the size of your blackheads. A Comedone Loop Extractor works similar to the Spoon Extractor and is positioned around one blackhead at a time for the extraction process. It’s more suggested to buy a Comedone Spoon Extractor if you have large-sized or multiple blackheads while buy a Comedone Loop Extractor if you have a small-sized or smaller amount of blackheads. But worry not, there are Comedone Spoon Extractor and Comedone Loop Extractor in just one tool, so you don’t have to spend extra money if you want to get both sizes. This method actually is an alternative to using your fingers to squeeze the blackheads out and this method actually better than using your own fingers as it’s slightly easier to get the blackheads out by using this tool rather than using your fingers. It’s not recommendable because by using extractors or your fingers may permanently scar your skin if you do not apply gentle pressure to the tool during the extraction process and some of you may notice your skin will start flaking/peeling after 1-3 days of the extraction process. How the extractor looks like? It looks like this :

This is how the extractor looks like and this one is from Etude House. I believe you can try find the extractor on your local pharmacy or you can get it from Etude House stores as well. I get mine from Etude House and honestly it’s just like using your fingers but better and easier also much more effective on getting the blackheads out. There’s a limit on how many or how much blackheads you can get rid of by using fingers but by using the extractor, it is almost like no limit to it. It’s more hygienic too as it’s easier to clean the extractor from all the gunk. So if you’ve no problem using your fingers to pick on your blackheads before, I believe you can opt for the extractor the next time. If it’s your first time using the extractor, be careful not to put much pressure and try on one spot first and see how your skin will react. If nothing happens, it’s fine to continue using it. If the next 1-3 days you notice there’s flakiness/peeling on your skin, try avoid using the extractor especially if you have any occasion on the next 1-3 days after the extraction process since nothing could stop the peeling and you don’t want other people to see the peeling, yes? no? The peeling occurs because you were being harsh to your skin so again I’m telling you it’s better try to avoid using this method especially if you’re experiencing peeling effect after the extraction process but still if you’re stubborn about it, it’s actually fine if you just do the extraction like once in a month but make sure you don’t have any occasion on the next 1-3 days as well. How to use the extractor? Always start with opening your pores then continue using the extractor. Apply a little pressure just like how you squeeze the blackheads by using your fingers and clean the extractor after using at one spot continue using at another spot then clean it back as well. Always clean the extractor after using on each different spots. When finish using, clean your nose and finish up with closing your pores by using a serum that is specialized to close the pores. Last extra step that you can do or you can simply ignore is by tightening your pores again. After the serum dries, you can use ice or put a wet towel that you put on the fridge on your face to close the pores again. You would be able to see fast result and your nose would be free from most of the blackheads for more than weeks and you can keep your nose clear for a longer time if you practice a better hygiene or follow up this method by using method 2. I write too long, forgive me if there’s a repetitive in my sentence. I believe I’ve mentioned before (as far as I’ve remembered), but again, this method not really I recommended especially if cause peeling effect to your skin ; unless if you’re in a real hurry. Please try use other methods available and avoid using this method.

# METHOD 2 : Quite Fast, doesn't hurt, effortless & on a safer side.

Can you guess what is the second method? It’s considerably fast, totally painless, can be say effortless and definitely safer. What it is? It’s the Pore Strip or usually it’s called Nose Pack. It takes 10-20 minutes usually for you to see the effect as you have to let the pack dries first before you can peel it. How to use? Don’t forget the first step is to open your pores (here again I’m reminding you for the third time XD). Basically they are usually a black strip which you apply the one with glue side to your wet nose, let it sit on your nose for around 10-20 minutes (depends on which Pore Strip/Nose Pack you use) or leave it to dry and then pull off. The strip tightens as it dries latching onto the blackheads and dirt on your skin which is then pulled off as you remove the strip. Pretty simple really. This method definitely better than the first method but I won’t recommend you use it many times on 1 week either. Just make sure there’s a gap during using it. But the good usually of course has its cons too. It might be painless, safer, effortless and considerably fast but not really all of the blackheads are removed by using this method. Usually it will only ‘pick’ the blackheads which already sticking out (which is why it’s important to do the first step - open your pores (lol sorry for reminding you again) ) so it might take awhile for all the blackheads to be removed by using this method. Make sure to finish this method by closing your pores (finish up with a pore serum). There are many pore strip/nose pack available out there and you can find them in your local drugstore if you’re looking for the cheap one. If you ask about my favorites, it would be this Skinfood Egg White Pack :

Not only for nose, you can use it on your forehead and jaw too. For forehead and jaw, the strips are triangle. 

My another favorite is from Skinfood too, namely Skinfood Black Bean Nose Pack :

This one only for the nose but imo this one is better for the nose than the Egg White one from Skinfood. I heard the Biore’s one is good too however I still haven’t has the chance to try it yet.

So the cons for using this kind of strip/pack is it won’t pick all your blackheads (you still will have blackheads left on your nose), sometime it doesn’t fit certain nose sizes and it’s not really long lasting (the blackheads will come back) but actually it all depends on your hygiene and how often you use your make-ups.

# METHOD 3 : Considerably fast, painless but need a little effort & 50/50

If you’ve made the right guesses for the first-two methods, omedetou (おめでとう) / chuka haeyo! (축하해요) - ( Japanese & Korean words for congratulations! ). I’m sorry that if I like to include Japanese or Korean words sometime, it’s just I want to share basic important words I know with my readers. If you guys don’t like it, please tell me so and I would remove my Korean & Japanese class lol. Alright, so method no 3 is considerably fast as it takes time, it’s painless and need lil effort. 50/50? Lol it’s 50/50 as to 50 it’ll work and 50 it won’t work. Every time I heard or see or read the word “50/50”, it’ll reminds me the crying scenario I had with the doctor //oh the flashback.. lol. Anyway this 50/50 actually quite similar to Method 2 it’s just it’s in liquid form. Yes, it’s Nose Pack. It’s liquidy and you’ll have to apply the nose pack by yourself on the required area then let it dry then peel it off. This actually quite tough to do as it can be messy sometime and when you use too much of the pack, you might end up having a tough time to wait it dry.  Actually you can even do this at your home but only if you have a PVA glue. For me, I’ve tried using the PVA glue and honestly the glue not really strong enough to pick my blackheads so yeah useless for me but you still can give a try.  As for the 50/50 *oh le flash back again*, it’s depends on which brand you use. For example,The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Black Head Clay Nose Pack (such a long name -.-) and Daiso Nose Pack. They’re both categorized on the peeling pack. I’m not sure TFS one working or not but from the review I’ve read, the Daiso one are working well. I am using the other pack from Daiso and it works really well so pretty sure the nose pack also good too (lol my way of thinking). So yeah 50/50 (work/not) mostly depends on the brand.

The other type is the 'melting’ type which it’ll require you to apply on nose as well as wait but not until it dry just wait for 15mins or usually 20mins max. Basically just use it like a mask, after that 15mins/20mins, remove the rest of the pack by washing with warm water then finish off with using cold water to close the pores back. This is 50/50 too but honestly so far with the one I’ve tried for this type, it’s not really working well. Melting type example, The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Heating Gel Mask ;

I would say this one works better on whiteheads rather than blackheads and perhaps only for the smaller blackheads.

So the cons for using these kind of packs are it won’t pick all your blackheads (you’ll still have blackheads left on your nose). But the good thing using these kind of packs are it fit all nose sizes.

# METHOD 4 : Time consuming, require effort & need to be more diligent

Method 4 is the most challenging. It’s time consuming, require effort and you’ll be need to be more assiduous. After certain period of your hard work, you can see the result. Even the result might be not too significant, it’s still there and the result actually more long-lasting than the other methods but still you need to practice a good hygiene. This can be considered as the last method experienced by myself. The last method is by using Pore Serum. You can use them everyday after Toner without doing any other methods to actually get rid of your blackheads. Remember that you want to close your pores so there won’t be any new blackheads. If the pores are left open, the formation of blackheads might occur. Example of pore serum is Etude House Wonder Pore Corrector ;

I’m currently using this corrector and it’s time consuming to see the result. You can see the result only at least after two weeks of using. With the help of this corrector in all honesty I can see differences on my nose and it definitely last longer.

# METHOD 5 : Once/twice in a week, fun to do & actually is a big help.

One of the way to prevent formation of Blackheads s by exfoliating. It’s because by exfoliating you can actually draw out impurities from beneath the top layers of your epidermis. It also helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores so your toning, hydrating and protecting products (skincare products) work more effectively. Exfoliate also help stimulate blood circulation, add in extra nutrients leaving your skin feeling smoother and much softer. However it’s advised to exfoliate onlyy once in a week and better not to do more that once in a week especially if it’s a heavy exfoliation because it can harm and make the skin drier. Exfoliating actually is a fun thing to do, don’t you agree? It’s actually a big help too. My products recommendations for exfoliating are : Skinfood Black Sugar Strawberry Wash Off Mask (picture below) / Skinfood Black Sugar Wash Off Mask / Skinfood Rice Wash Off Mask / Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub / Cure Natural Aqua Gel. 

/ Do it natural way by using ;-

1. Sugar / Black Sugar 

Mix it with honey, which contains powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and a little lemon for clarifying purposes, and you have a wonderfully nourishing and effective face scrub. Combine 1 teaspoon sugar with ½ teaspoon honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and mix well. If the mixture is a little loose, add a bit more sugar.

2. Baking Powder / Baking Soda

The grains in baking soda are just the right size to act as a gentle exfoliant, and many claim that it has helped clear up acne. Mix in a teaspoon of baking soda to your facial cleanser to make it an exfoliating cleanser. Or make a paste of just baking soda and water, gently rub it onto your skin and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off.

 3. Rice 

Extract of rice is useful in increasing the production of collagen that functions in maintaining skin elasticity. Chemical structure of the rice is known contributing to the regeneration and growth of skin cells that have been damaged or dead. Furthermore it cointains oryzanol substances that can help renew the skin pigment and useful to counteract ultraviolet too. The benefits doesn’t end there, rice contains vitamin E too. Vitamin E are beneficial nourish the skin so it looks younger. Lastly, Ferulic acid in rice useful as an antioxidant and can protect skin from free radicals. To use as an exfoliator, ground coarsely the rice then mix with a little water.

4. Oatmeal

Ground oatmeal not only serves as a wonderful exfoliant, but it also absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated. It has been known to soothe and heal everything from acne to sunburn to dry, flaky skin. Given its gentle nature, it is also ideal for those with sensitive skin. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal with ¼ teaspoon of salt, which boosts the face treatment’s exfoliating properties, and 1 teaspoon of water or olive oil to make it into a paste or just simply mix it with a little water. Gently rub it onto you skin in circular motions, let sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse. The best part using oatmeal is that you can do it everyday as it’s very gentle :D

5. Coffee

Coffee is another fantastic natural exfoliant. It contains caffeic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects and can boost collagen production. Just as coffee stimulates our body in the morning, it can serve as a skin stimulant as well. To make the scrub, combine 1 tablespoon of ground coffee with 1 tablespoon of water or olive oil. To make this inexpensive face scrub even more economical, save the wet coffee grounds from your brewed morning coffee and use those. If you use olive oil, skip applying a moisturizer afterward, as olive oil will leave your skin super-moisturized.

My Own Methods 

Actually there are more methods available out there to get rid of your blackheads but the methods I share above are the one I’ve experienced/tested by myself. But still, don’t worry as I’ll still share some other methods I’ve found on the internet after this. So just like the pure blue big title, my own method. I’ll be talking about the ways I remove my blackheads now. The methods I do to get rid of my blackheads actually are method 1, method 2, method 3, method 4 and method 5. Yes, I’m doing all the methods I’ve suggested all together. It might sounds like too much works need to be done but when you actually do it, you won’t even feel like it’s hard to do because it’s actually the backwards. You’ll actually enjoy yourself doing all the steps because it actually give you a self-satisfaction. Just imagine those tiny, dark spots that have been lingering on your nose suddenly gone and your nose become clean and clear, don’t you feel satisfy at all?

So here’s my regime to get rid of blackheads *this is only for nose 

Day 1 : Clean nose - open pores (steam) - extractor - serum
Day 2 : just serum
Day 3 : Clean nose - open pores (steam) - nose strip (/pack) - serum
Day 4 : just serum
Day 5 : Exfoliate - just serum 

and the cycle repeats. For extractor I only use once in awhile (probably 2 times in a month) and for the nose strip, I rarely use it too (approximately 2 times a month sometime when I forget, I don’t use it at all, serum and proper cleansing helps a lot). Really, it’s not hard to remove blackheads but what hard is to keep your nose free from it after you’ve removed it that’s why after you’re 'free’ from blackheads, you need to try your best to keep clean from it. Practice better hygiene and don’t stop using the serum. Most of us can’t run from the blackheads so from time to time, you eventually will still get it so don’t be so depress about it. Remember the main key to have a nice skin is by practicing a good hygiene!

Other methods .. 

These methods are what I found over the net and honestly I don’t know whether it will work or not and is it safe or not. If you want to try these methods below please consult with your doctor first and do more researches on it. 

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect and may also decrease the chemical reaction that changes the lining of the hair follicle. This may help reduce the plugging that causes comedones. Benzoyl peroxide may be used for a mild case of comedones or to help prevent formation of others.

2. Take Over the Counter Medications

If you are dealing with intractable acne, you may find a good solution in over-the-counter medications. Tretinoin(Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is the mainstay of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads.  It is one of those often recommended medicines that are efficient in opening the clogged pores. Moreover, it is a vitamin A derivative that accelerates the removal of dead skin cells. It helps expel the plugged material returning the pore to normal. In case your blackheads are accompanied by bacteria, a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erythromycin can do miracles to eliminate your black spots.

3. Hormonal treatments 

Contraceptives have often been used for the treatment of blackheads and acne, often with good results.

4. UV exposure 

Exposing the skin to sunlight or ultra-violet light encourages it to peel, which helps unblock pores. Sunbathing or using sunbeds may help. However, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Exposing skin to sunlight, if overdone, also raises the risk of burning and developing skin cancer.

5. Medications 

Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid, used mainly in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Many patients with blackheads have had good results. In the USA adapalene is available under brand name Differin, in three preparations - 0.1% cream, 0.1% gel, and 0.3% gel. Since 2010, it has also been available in the USA under the generic name Teva, (0.1% gel). Only the 0.1% cream and 0.1% gel forms are available in Europe.

Or if all the suggested methods are hard, you can always do it naturally.

1. Apply aloe vera pulp (take alow leaf and cut two green layers) on your face and allow to dry for 10 mins. then wash your face. (NOTE: use fresh aloe vera leaf)

2. Toothbrush And Toothpaste. Apply an inch-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush and wet the affected area. Gently with your toothbrush, scrub the affected area for a small amount of time. Make sure you do not apply too close to the eyes, as the vapours from menthol toothpastes can irritate the eyes. If you have nose blackheads, apply an even smaller amount of toothpaste, and keep well clear from eyes. This method has also been known to work on spots, but is not guaranteed. Always sterilize the toothbrush with boiling-hot water after using this method. Repeat daily until the affected areas are clear.

3. Make a lotion with equal parts of lime juice, almond oil and glycerin. Apply your lotion to your face. It will not only cure blackheads but the discoloring spots on the face too.

4. Warm a small amount of honey and apply on the trouble area. Wash off after 10-15 minutes. (NOTE: Be sure the honey is not too hot if you decide to try that method. It can-and will-burn you to the point of a bloody blister.)

5. Beat an egg white. Be sure not to get the yolk and white mixed up! Apply egg white to the face with fingers. Put 2 ply tissue paper on affected area until dry. This should take about a half an hour, but may take longer. You will know it is dried when the paper gets stiff. Peel off slowly then rinse face with warm water and pat it dry.

6. Olive or almond oil Trick. Rinse your face with warm water to open your pores. Generously saturate a section of washcloth with olive or almond oil. Place a dab of toothpaste (not the gel kind) on the oily washcloth then gently and thoroughly rub the toothpaste over the affected area with the oily cloth. Do it twice if you have a lot of blackheads. Massage it into your whole face if you like. Add more oil or toothpaste as necessary. Wait about 5 minutes then rinse your face thoroughly with hot water and a clean washcloth.

7. Mix equal proportions of salt and lime juice. Apply it to the affected area. Leave it alone while it dries then wash it off. (NOTE: Avoid getting any substances in or around the eye, [lime juice, glue etc …] but if this does occur, wash eye out with water immediately.)

8. Cut a tomato into various shapes and sizes so that it can cover the curves around your nose/face. Wash your face with warm water and pat dry. Place the tomato pieces where your blackheads are and leave for 15 minutes. When time is up, rinse off with warm water. (NOTE: Do not put moisturizer on right away.)

9. Apply cleansing milk to your face. Massage the cleansing milk gently into your skin gently for 5 minutes. This method works best if you do it directly before bed. Apply Vaseline on the infected area and leave it on the whole night. After getting up, squeeze the blackheads. They will come out easily. Wash your face with cold water.

10. Take one table spoon of milk and one table spoon of flavorless gelatin then mix them. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 10 seconds. Apply the mixture to the affected area in the shape of a pore strip. Use a makeup brush, or even a paint brush. Allow it to dry on the affected area. This should take about 10 minutes, but may take longer or shorter. Remove the strips. When you pull the strips off, you will also be removing the blackheads.

11. Toothpaste & salt. Wet your face. Make sure that your face is not too wet before applying the mixture, because this will cause it not to stick. You can also steam your face; this will help with the results. In a bowl or plate, mix about a teaspoon of toothpaste with half a teaspoon of ordinary table salt. Apply to the affected area of your face. If the mixture is too thick or dry add a few drop of water for smoother application. Leave for no more than 5 minutes. Remove the paste if it starts to itch. Scrub the mixture off your face with warm water. Splash your face with cold water. This will help close your pores. It will sting, so dab your face with a towel straight after. Repeat no more than 2 or 3 times a week (NOTE: your skin will feel dry afterwards, but you should wait at least 3 to 5 hours (or over night if you apply before bed) before putting on face moisturizer.)

• Changing your pillowcase regularly helps prevent future breakouts.
• To keep oil away from your face use blotting papers or oil absorbing sheets, Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets (or CVS oil absorbing sheets) are cheap and effective and can be purchased at any drug store.
• Wash your face daily, avoiding soap. Use an exfoliator scrub or just plain water splashes.
• Always use oil-free moisturizer because you don’t want to clog your pores even more.
• Keep your hair clean. If you have a clean face, grease from hair can slowly run down your face and clog up spots, so try and take a shower everyday, and wash your hair thoroughly.
• Sometimes a pore minimizer can help reduce blackhead breakouts.
• Keep your nails clean. This will prevent dirt and bacteria being transferred from your hands to your face, especially if you’re squeezing spots or blackheads.
• Try not to touch your face excessively to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands to your face.
• Put cold water on your face after you use a treatment so your pores shrink back down and don’t pick up as much dirt.
• Keep checking your progress, and stay on track. If you keep cleansing, your blackheads are guaranteed to disappear!
• Wash your face at least once a day, but try to wash it twice a day if possible - morning and night. Pimples and blackhead disappear within 4 or 5 days.
• Bangs may irritate the skin, so try to tie them up or have them trimmed.

Sources, citations, credits, photo credits : 

1. http://www.howtogetridofblackheads.org

2. http://www.cosmeticsdiary.com/get-rid-of-blackhead.htm

3. http://www.makeup-care.info/beauty/homemade-beauty-recipes/blackheads-home-remedies.htm

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackhead

5. http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Blackheads

6. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71615.php

7. http://howtogetridofstuffs.info/tag/blackheads/

8. http://adventuresafterhours.com/2012/05/review-skinfood-black-bean-nose-pack.html

P/S : Forgive me if there are wrong facts, typos, horrible grammars etc, I’ll read it again and if I noticed the mistakes, I’ll correct it again. Thank you for reading and good luck combating with your blackheads! Don’t make blackheads let you feels down! Nothing to be worry about as most of us have blackheads! Cheeeer up! ^w^

Disclaimers

Regarding reviews, product recommendations & tips for your skin

1. It's my pleasure to assist people with their skin problems and recommend them products that might help their skin gets better but I AM NOT A SKIN EXPERT OR BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST so please be aware that the products I recommend might work for you or might actually not work for you tho I'll try my best to assist and recommend products according to your skin type and through my experiences with the products. I highly encourage for you to make your own researches on the products too before purchasing them. 

2. Products that I am reviewing may cause different reactions and results in every person skin. If the products do wonder on my skin, it doesn't mean they will do wonder on your skin too. We might share the same skin type but we still don't share the same skin. 

3. The tips for skin that I'm sharing with you guys are informations that I got through my own researches and are tested on my own skin (unless stated otherwise). It might work for your skin and it might not. 

4. All products mentioned in this blog were purchased using my own pocket money, unless stated otherwise. I was not paid or compensated by any companies nor have any affiliation with any of the brands mentioned in here, unless stated otherwise. All thoughts expressed in this blog are my own opinions and thoughts upon the products. Even if some of the products are sponsored or I've any affiliation with any of the brands/company, my reviews are still my honest opinions and thoughts. 

5. I don't mind getting the same questions again and again but I appreciate it a lot if you guys can check my Q&A section first or my tips section before actually placing a same question. By doing this, you can help me save time to answer other questions I get faster.