All of us have woken up to those bad days when we notice that our face is covered with blackheads and we don’t know how to deal with it. Blackheads are those unsightly small bumps that occur on the surface of your skin due to clogged hair follicles. The surface of these bumps looks dark or black and hence, they are aptly known as your “black-headed nightmare.” It is basically a type of acne that usually appears on the face or nose but can also appear on the back, arms, chest and shoulders.
Causes of Blackheads
There are many reasons for the frequent outbreak of blackheads, like excessive oil being secreted by the skin, irritation of the hair follicles, sometimes reactions to certain drugs, genetic influences and even stress can be major causes. But irrespective of what the cause is, when we are plagued with them, getting rid of blackheads is the only concern that occupies our mind.
Squeezing blackheads may seem like the easiest way to get rid of them, but it is best you refrain from doing so. Squeezing can lead to scarring as well as inflamed skin. So here are a few ways in which you can get rid of blackheads and prevent them all together by using simple ingredients lying around your home.
15 Top Home Remedies To Remove Blackheads
These simple home ingredients will serve as effective remedies that are effective in treating blackheads.
- Baking Soda Mask
Baking soda works not just for acne but for blackheads as well. It helps remove impurities like dirt and debris from the skin.
You will need:
- 2 tsp baking soda
- Mineral water
How to use:
This is a mask that is easy to make. Mix the mineral water with the baking soda to form a paste of a thick composition. Apply the paste on to the affected skin area and massage gently. Leave it to dry. Then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this remedy once or twice a week for best results.
[ Read: How To Use Essential Oils For Blackheads ]
- Oatmeal and Yogurt Scrub
This combination of oatmeal and yogurt is great for keeping your skin free from blackheads.
You will need:
- 2 tsp Oatmeal
- 3 tsp Plain Yogurt
- Little Lemon Juice
- Small amount of Olive Oil
How to use:
Mix two tsp. of oatmeal with the yogurt. Add lemon juice and olive oil to it. Scrub it on to your skin. Leave it for about ten minutes and then rinse your face with water. Repeat this regularly for clear skin.
- Egg and Honey Mixture
This is a fast and effective blackhead removal paste that will leave your face looking clean and glowing
You will need:
- Egg whites
- Honey
How to use:
Mix the whites of the raw egg along with the honey. Keep adding honey until you get a nice thick paste. Apply this paste onto your face, making sure you cover all the areas where blackheads are visible. Leave the paste on your face for about 30 minutes or until your face begins to feel stiff. Then rinse the paste off using warm water.
[ Read: How To Treat Chin Blackheads ]
- Sugar and Honey Face Pack
This pack will peel the dead skin off your face, allowing the blackheads to be removed easily.
You will need:
- 2 tsp Sugar
- Honey
How to use:
Mix the sugar with some honey in order to get a natural face scrub. The quantity of the honey will depend on the thickness you wish to achieve. Wash the face and then gently use this honey-sugar scrub all over the face. The scrub will remove dead skin, allowing your blackheads to surface. This will then make it easier to remove them.
- Cinnamon and Lime Paste
Cinnamon has properties that will not just remove your blackheads but will also prevent them from appearing so frequently.
You will need:
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of turmeric powder (optional)
How to use:
Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder with the lemon juice. You may add a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply it to your face and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. Then rinse it off. Alternatively, you can mix the cinnamon powder with honey to form the paste. But this should be applied and left overnight. In the morning, wash it off with normal water. Try this for around 10 days to get the best results.
- Lemon and Sugar Face Pack
The antiseptic properties of lemon make it suitable for all skin types.
You will need:
- 1 juiced lemon
- 1 tsp of brown or white sugar
How to use:
Squeeze small amounts of lemon juice on to brown or white sugar until you get yourself a thick mixture. Then apply this mixture to your face and keep for some time. The sugar and lemon will balance each other out and create a facial scrubs that will remove blackheads and other blemishes, leaving you looking young and beautiful.
- Epsom Salt
This is an effective and natural way of treating blackheads that will produce results.
You will need:
- 1 tsp Epsom salt
- Few drops of Iodine
- Little hot water
How to use:
Mix the Epsom salt along with the iodine in a little hot water until the salt dissolves completely. Leave the mixture to cool to room temperature. Then, with the help of a cotton ball, apply it to the blackhead- infected area. Allow the mixture to dry. Then wash it off with a clean wash cloth.
- Honey and Cinnamon Scrub
This combination will not only clean your blackheads but will cleanse your face, making you look fresh again.
You will need:
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey
How to use:
Mix the cinnamon together with the honey in order to get a paste. Apply this on to your skin and leave it for 5 minutes. Use lukewarm water to wash it off.
- Oatmeal – Tomato Scrub
This blend of ingredients works well to remove blackheads.
You will need:
- 1 tsp honey
- 4 tomatoes juiced
- 2 tsp oatmeal
How to use:
Juice the tomatoes and mix it along with the honey to the oatmeal in order to get a thick paste. Add oatmeal till you get the right composition. Scrub it on to your skin and leave for some time. Wash after 10 minutes. Do this regularly for clear skin.
- Turmeric Scrub
Turmeric can not only be used to treat minor blazes, but is used to get rid of blackheads too.
You will need:
- 2 tsp of turmeric powder
- 2 tsp of mint juice
How to use:
Make a paste by mixing the mint juice, along with the turmeric powder. Apply it directly to the blackhead infected area and leave it to dry. Once dried, you can wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Lemon and Honey Scrub
Lemon is an essential ingredient in removing blackheads due to its antiseptic and antioxidant properties. The nutrients and vitamins in lemon juice are beneficial to all skin types.
You will need:
- 1/2 lemon
- Few drops of honey
- Pinch of sugar
How to use:
Take the lemon half and put a few drops of honey on it. Gently rub the lemon to your face, making sure you cover the blackhead prone areas. Rinse your face after 10 minutes. You can repeat this procedure once or twice a week.
[ Read: How To Get Rid of Nose Blackheads ]
- Cornmeal Scrub
Cornmeal is effective in cleaning the dirt from your pores. Thus, it serves as a good cleanser as well as a blackhead remover.
You will need:
- 1 tsp cornmeal
- A regular facial cleanser
How to use:
Use steam to open the pores on your face. Then powder the cornmeal and mix it with your customary facial cleanser. Apply the mixture to the affected area and rub gently in a round movement. After a few minutes, use cold water to rinse your face as this will close your pores.
- Yogurt and Orange Peel Mask
This works as an excellent remedy for blackheads. You also will feel fresh and rejuvenated after using this home remedy to remove blackheads.
You will need:
- 1 tsp of yogurt
- 1 tsp of powdered orange peel
How to use:
Mix the yogurt with the powdered orange peel and massage it for 5 minutes on to your face in a circular motion. Wash off the paste after 15 minutes and you will find a clear face looking back at you.
- Cucumber Scrub
This is a very simple remedy that requires just one major ingredient.
You will need:
- Cucumber
How to use:
All you need to do is grate a cucumber or make a paste of it. Then apply this cooling mask on to your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water. This will not just clear blackheads but will rejuvenate and hydrate your face as well. It will also prevent your skin from becoming oily.
- Rice Scrub
This scrub will exfoliate the skin and get rid of all your blackheads, giving you clear skin all over again.
You will need:
- Few grains of rice
- 4-5 drops of rose water
How to use:
Grind the rice grains into a powder. Next, add a little rose water to it. Apply this mixture to your face and massage it in, by rubbing gently in a circular motion. After a few minutes, wash it off with cold water. The rice powder exfoliates the skin, while the rosewater cools, it thereby preventing irritation and leaving you refreshed. Use this scrub whenever you wash your face.
These are some blackhead remedies that are affordable, effective and safe to use on the skin. They will help you to rid yourself of blackheads easily and naturally. So do not worry anymore when plagued with blackheads as these home remedies will leave you with a clean, clear face once again.
[ Read: How To Get Rid of Whiteheads ]
Blackheads Prevention
Several actions can be taken to help prevent blackhead formation. The use of proper cleansers and appropriate medications does wonders. Here are some preventative blackhead tips
- Avoid using skin care products that are too greasy, thick, or creamy.
- Use as gentle of acne cleaner as possible. It should be as water soluble as possible.
- Using bar soap is not recommended because it can leave behind pore-clotting residue.
- Avoid usage of excessive moisturizing creams.
- Use a regular exfoliation routine that has a 1% to 2% BHA, Salicylic Acid, or up to 8% Alpha hydroxyl acid active ingredient in it.
- Use the appropriate retinoid (form of Vitamin A) as recommended by dermatologists.
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