Blackheads are a very specific kind of dark acne lesion. There are various reasons why they may appear, including:
- Overproduction of sebum
- Heavy sweating
- Hormonal changes producing oils
- Certain drugs, like Androgens
Blackheads are easy to spot on the skin surface due to their dark colour, which is attributable to the oxidized melanin and dirt in them. Although squeezing them may give you all the satisfaction in the world, it can leave behind nasty scars or create even more blackheads. This doesn’t mean you can’t get rid of them, though! This article will give you 7 all-natural home remedies that are tried and tested to give you the best results in the shortest amount of time.
1.Baking Soda
Baking soda isn’t just kitchen ingredient. It also makes a great skin product! Believe it or not, baking soda works as a natural exfoliant and scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent blackheads, and it also neutralizes the pH of your skin, reducing the production of oil. Here are a few simple directions:
- In a small glass bowl, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste on the blackheads and allow it to dry
- Leave it for about 10 minutes
- Rinse properly with lukewarm water
Use this method once or twice a week for the best results.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid and vitamin C, which have excellent antioxidant properties that help get rid of not only blackheads but also the scarring they cause. Here are a few simple steps to use lemon for the best results:
- Squeeze about one teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass bowl.
- Dip a cotton ball or a Q-tip into the lemon juice and dab it on the affected area.
- Leave for 10 minutes and wash it off using cold water
Use this once a day for the best results.
3. Honey
Honey has both antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it perfectly suitable for destroying germs, pulling out dirt from clogged pores and even healing scars. Remove your blackheads with honey by:
- Heat about a tablespoon of pure honey in a small jar until it is warm.
- Dab some of the warm honey onto the blackheads
- Allow it to soak in for about 10 minutes.
- Remove with a warm, damp piece of cloth
You can even leave the honey overnight for even greater results and rinse it off in the morning. Repeat daily.
4.Oatmeal
Not only is oatmeal a nutrient-rich, healthy breakfast, but it’s also a very effective and a safe home remedy to rejuvenate your skin. It works as a gentle natural cleanser and exfoliant, and it offers strong antioxidants and some anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin. To use oatmeal for eliminating blackheads:
- Cook a small amount of oatmeal
- Let it cool.
- Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for about 10-20 minutes.
- Wash it off.
Apply this remedy at least once per day for maximum results.
5. Turmeric
Besides being one of the best medicinal spices, this ingredient is going to give you wonderful results in a short amount of time. Its antiseptic properties will definitely help your skin heal. To use turmeric to get rid of blackheads:
- Mix turmeric powder with rose water or coconut oil.
- Apply it to the affected area
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse it off properly.
Apply this remedy at least once per day for maximum results.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, known to balance the pH of the skin’s surface to prevent further blackhead and acne issues. To use this treatment:
- Pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball.
- Dab it on the affected area.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse it with lukewarm water.
Repeat this 2-3 times per week.
7. Sugar
Rather than adding massive amounts of sugar in your morning coffee, why not use it to make a rejuvenating and refreshing mask for your face? Sugar is a very efficient exfoliant and gives the best results when mixed with a carrier oil. To make and use a sugar scrub, follow these instructions carefully:
- Gather 1 cup of white or brown sugar and 4 tbsp of oil, preferably olive oil or jojoba oil.
- Mix the oil and sugar properly.
- Wet your face and massage the mixture onto your skin, gently rubbing in circular motions.
- Rinse with cool water and then moisturize.
Repeat this 2-3 times in a week.
These were some of my favourite home remedies to help keep skin healthy and pores clean. Just remember to eat healthy meals, drink lots of water, exfoliate and voila! You are good to go.