Blackheads
are a combination of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that produce firm to
hard plugs within hair follicles. Blackheads are open to the skin's surface and
become darkened at the surface by exposure to oxygen (oxidation). They are
called open comedones. When bacteria is added to these comedones, the condition
can lead to acne. Blackheads are promoted by excessive cellular exfoliation,
which quickly clog or block the follicles. Some skin specialists believe
individuals with frequent and multiple comedones (blackheads and/or whiteheads)
produce sebum that is drier than normal and conducive to forming firm plugs.
Sebum contributes to skin oils and people with dry sebum may have dry skin, but
people with oily skin can also produce dry sebum which promotes plugs
Symptom of
blackheads is tiny black bumps on the skin, mostly on the nose and
forehead. Unlike pimples, blackheads are not painful.
Remedies
for Removing Blackheads
Here are
some effective home remedies to get blackheads out. Take a look.
- Oatmeal Scrub
Mix
sufficient quantity of oatmeal into 1 teaspoon of honey and juice of 4
tomatoes. Gently scrub this paste on your skin. Rinse it off after 10 minutes.
Repeat the process every other day until the blackheads are totally removed.
- Green Tea
Make a paste
of one teaspoon of dried green tea leaves in a little water. Now, rub it on
your skin. Green tea removes oil from the skin as well as helps in unclogging
the pores.
- Lemon
Lemon juice
is one of the best home remedy for blackheads as it effectively removes oil
from the skin while also removing facial blackheads and acne. Make a scrub by
mixing some salt, lime juice, honey and yoghurt. Gently rub this mixture on the
skin. It will naturally remove blackheads by exfoliating your skin.
- Witch Hazel
Soak a
cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it on the blackhead affected area. It
removes excess oil from the skin and is an effective remedy to get rid of
blackheads on nose.
- Baking Soda
Mix 2
teaspoons of baking soda in mineral water to make a paste. Gently massage this
paste on the affected skin. Let it dry for some time, and then, wash it with
lukewarm water. Repeat it for one or two times every week until the blackheads
totally subsides. It is the good home remedy to get rid of blackheads fast.
- Epsom Salt
Epsom salt
is really helpful in removing blackheads on the face. Mix a teaspoon of Epsom
salt with few drops of iodine in hot water. Let it dissolve completely. Then,
allow it to cool for some time. Now, apply it on the affected skin with a
cotton ball. After it dries well, remove gently.
- Fenugreek
Crush some
fenugreek leaves and add water to it to prepare a thick paste. Now, apply it on
the blackheads affected area, and let it dry for around 10 minutes. Wash it off
with warm water. Repeat the remedy every day till the blackheads are totally
gone.
- Cinnamon
Make a thick
paste by mixing 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder in some honey. Apply this mixture
and let it be on your skin overnight. Wash it with normal water, the next
morning. Repeat it daily for a continuous period of 10 days.
- Toothpaste
Toothpaste
works well to clear blackheads. You just need to apply a thin layer of
toothpaste on the blackheads affected skin. Rub with a toothbrush, gently. You
might feel a sense of irritation as you apply it on your skin, but it is
normal. You need to apply it every alternate day in order to completely remove
the blackheads on your skin.
- Potatoes
Grate a raw
potato and rub it over the affected skin. After 15 minutes, wash it
thoroughly. Repeat the process on the daily basis to see the effects.
- Rice
Soak some
rice in milk for 4-5 hours, and then, grind them to make a paste. Apply it on
your skin as a scrub.
- Tomatoes
Mash a
peeled tomato, and apply it on your skin. Leave it for a night. Wash your skin
with warm water, the next morning. Tomatoes have antiseptic properties, which
dry up the blackheads.
- Cornmeal
Mix some
powdered cornmeal in your daily facial cleanser. Take steam before applying it
so that it opens the pores. Now, gently rub it in a circular motion. Wash it
with cold water after some time.
- Honey
Honey helps
in tightening the pores while giving the skin a natural glow. Apply honey on
your face and rinse it after 10 minutes.
- Coriander
Make a paste
of fresh coriander leaves and turmeric powder in water. Apply this paste as a
mask on the area, affected with blackheads.
- Turmeric
Take 2 tbsp
of mint juice. Add some turmeric powder to it. Mix well and employ on the
affected area. After it gets dried, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Other option
is to mix turmeric powder, red sandalwood and milk. Apply it and wash off with
water after 10 minutes.
- Sugar
Take a tbsp
of sugar. Add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Rub it in a circular motion on
your cheeks, nose and face. This remedy removes dead cells, giving you a
glowing skin.
- Gram Flour (Besan)
Prepare a
scrub by mixing besan and crushed almonds. Apply it. It is an effective natural
remedy for curing blackheads on nose.
- Orange Peel
Grind orange
peels to form its powder. To it, add water and mix well. Use the paste to scrub
the affected area. It is a great way to remove blackheads at home.
- Aloe Vera
Use aloe
vera juice on your nose, cheeks, chin and face. The soothing properties of aloe
vera will heal the blackheads naturally.
- Tea Tree Oil
The
antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it an effective remedy for
alleviating blackheads.
- Warm Compress
Soak a clean
cloth or towel in warm water. Place it on the blackheads for 12-15 minutes. It
will open the unclogged pores, thereby clearing blackheads.
- Steam
Boil some
water in a vessel. Now, cover your head with a towel. Sit in such a way that
your face is directed towards the vessel. Else, take a steam bath. It will take
out dirt from the pores, making your skin blackheads-free.
- Rose Water
Use rose
water to cleanse your skin. Daily use of rose water prevents blackheads from
appearing.
- Egg
Whip an egg
white. Add a teaspoon of honey in it. Apply it on your facial blackheads. Rinse
off after 25-30 minutes. It will give you clear and radiant skin.
Avoid
Blackheads by
- Wash your face two times a day with a
gentle oil-control cleanser or an acne-cleanser.
- Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks.
- Use oil-free make-up, foundation,
lotion and facial cleanser.
- Remove make-up before going to bed.
- Decrease intake of oily foods, such
as chocolates, fried foods, and junk food.
- Include beta-carotene containing food
in your diet.
- Don’t squeeze blackheads as it may
cause scars.