At various stages of life, you may be plagued by numerous skin problems of mild to severe nature. Some of these can be pretty pestering and you cannot really ignore them or wait for healing over time naturally! One major instance of such skin menace is blackheads. Men and women of varying age groups suffer from this skin issue. While teenagers are more susceptible to this, adults can also develop blackheads. Here we have come up with 10 highly natural remedies to get rid of blackheads. But first you need to know the followings.
The nuances of blackheads:
Blackheads are formed when your skin produces excess amount of sebum and this eventually clogs the skin pores. The clogged skin pores also attract dirt and germs if left in the condition. This leads to the formation of tiny dark black spots these are commonly called blackheads. It is deemed to be the first phase of acne formation by dermatologists. Some people, especially those with combination or oily skin, are more susceptible to developing blackheads. Hormonal imbalance can also lead to excessive sebum secretion which leads to blackhead formation. However, lifestyle and hygiene issues and food choices also lead to occurrence and recurrence of blackheads, as it has been observed.
Treatment options for blackheads:
While some people may feel it is best to let blackheads dissolve naturally, this is not advisable. If you have oily and sensitive skin these could turn into pimple and acne leading to prolonged skin problems. While you will find a number of blackhead and acne treatment products in chemist shops and stores, they are not suitable for everyone facing those skin issues. People with sensitive skin may not benefit much from using commercial blackhead removal solutions like strips and ointments. Their skin problems can be aggravated in some cases after using those OTC products.
Therefore, it is more advisable to use home based natural remedies to get rid of blackheads. These remedies made with herbs and natural extracts will help eliminate the annoying blackheads and blemishes on the skin. Their usage usually does not lead to side effects in most cases. Below listed are top 10 effective natural remedies to get rid of blackheads:
10. Egg White
Health conscious people gorge on Egg whites, but it is also good for treating skin problems like blackheads. Using this egg white mask not only helps get rid of blackheads but also reduces the chances of recurrence.
You will need an egg, a few cotton balls and a clean piece of cloth or soft towel. Break the egg and separate the white from the yolk. Take the white into a small bowl and whip it with a spoon. Then cleanse your face and dip cotton balls in the egg white and apply on blackheads. Do this 2 to 3 times and allow the egg white to dry on the skin and you will feel the skin has become tighter. Then wash face with plenty of water and pat dry with a towel. You can try this 2 times a week for relief from blackheads.
9. Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial agent with skin healing properties and one of the top natural remedies to get rid of blackheads. You can use honey to fight blackheads effectively. Also, You can use raw or organic honey and use it to stave off blackheads. You may even mix a paste of raw cinnamon into the honey for best results. Take a spoonful of raw or organic honey in a bowl. Apply it on the blackheads and let dry. After some minutes the skin will feel sticky and tight. Wash skin with lukewarm water and then pat dry with a soft towel.
8. Lemon Juice
Lemon has natural acids and it also works well to clear excess oil on skin. You may use fresh lemon juice to get rid of blackheads. It works as an astringent and tightens skin pores. Take a ripe lemon. Make juice and then use a few small cotton balls to apply the juice on blackheads on the face. Let the juice dry on skin.
You may even apply it on blackhead affected spots before hitting the bed. Wake up in the morning and wash off face with plenty of water. It is also okay if you store the juice in refrigerator for repeated applications in next few days. If you have sensitive skin, it is better that you mix some honey with lemon juice to reduce the stinging sensation to an extent.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda can also be used to unclog your skin pores and bid adieu to pestering problem of blackheads. You will need to take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with water in a bowl. Ensure the paste is thick and then spread it on skin affected by blackheads. Let it get dry and then wash off with plenty of cool water. Ensure you do not use a lot of baking soda as doing so can lead to skin drying.
6. Oatmeal and Yogurt
You can use a mask made of oatmeal and yogurt to remove blackheads from skin. Oatmeal works as a nice natural exfoliating agent and yogurt offers nourishment to the skin. Both are proven to be one of the most effective natural remedies to get rid of blackheads. You need to take some oatmeal flakes and mix it with unflavored plain yogurt in a bowl. Ensure the paste is thick and creamy.
You may even want to add a small amount of lemon juice to this mixture. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for some time. When the skin feels quite tight, wash off with lots of water.
5. Tomato
Tomatoes are used aplenty in making various foods, including soups and salads. However, this plump red vegetable with its natural antiseptic properties can also be helpful in eradicating blackheads from skin. Take a large ripe tomato. Mash it well and then apply it on blackhead affected regions on the face. Leave it on for some time till the skin feels a little tight. Wash off skin with a lot of water. You can also mix a small amount of lemon juice with tomato juice.
4. Turmeric and Mint
Turmeric is used in almost all kitchens and is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of blackheads and many other skin problems. Mint helps in tightening the skin pores. Together these ingredients help you eliminate blackheads from the skin faster.
You make turmeric roots and make a paste using mixer grinder. You may also use organic turmeric powder if the roots cannot be obtained. Mix the paste or powder with a small amount of mint juice and mix to a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the blackhead affected spots. Let it sit on the skinfor some time and when the skin feels dry, use water to rinse off.
3. Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay has beneficial properties for human skin and this explains why it has been used since ages for skin problems. It helps soak excess oil from clogged skin pores and help get rid of skin issues like blackheads. You need to get some Bentonite clay and mix it with water or some apple cider vinegar. If you have dry skin using rose water or plain water is more advisable. Make a smooth and thick paste and then apply it on blackhead affected skin. Let it dry and you will experience skin tightening. Then wash off face with some lukewarm water. Pat dry the face using a towel.
2. Steaming
If you have a sensitive skin and feel skeptical about using any ingredient on blackhead affected skin, there is a safer remedy. You can resort to steaming. Steaming the blackhead affected skin helps widen skin pores and the accumulated sebum finds a way out.
Take a large bowl and pour some water into it. Heat the water and when it starts boiling, put off the flame. Now, place the bowl of steaming water on the floor. Sit on a stool and lean over the steam emitting from the water. Wrap a towel around the head and sit on the stool facing the boiling water. Ensure you do not keep the face close enough to the bowl to evade burning skin.
Then rinse skin well with water and dry gently using a soft towel. This can be done several times per week. Unknown to many, steaming is in fact one of the best natural remedies to get rid of blackheads.
1. Fenugreek Seeds
Using fenugreek seeds -another common ingredient in the kitchen can be useful when you want to erase blackheads from the face!You will need to take some fenugreek seeds and soak them in water for a few hours. Then make a paste and apply it on your face well. Let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Wash with plenty of lukewarm water and dry the face gently.
Steps to ensure Blackhead does not form:
- While the aforementioned natural remedies and help you get rid of skin menaces like blackheads, won’t it be better if they do not appear in the first place! Use the following tips to reduce the chance of blackhead formation- regardless of your age and skin type.
- It is quite important to cleanse your face regularly-both in summer and winter months. Use the apt type of cleansers to wash face and you may also use natural cleansing mask and packs made with ingredients like milk, lemon, orange juice, honey and yogurt etc.
- To ensure the sebum secreted by skin does not clog skin pores, it is also beneficial to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation can be done once a week and those with oily skin can do it twice. Try to choose the right type of exfoliating agent for your skin type.
- It is also necessary to keep a tab on what you are eating if the skin problem like blackhead needs to be kept away. Eating too much fried and oily foods can lead to excessive sebum secretion- leading to blackhead and acne.
10 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Blackheads:
- Fenugreek Seeds
- Steaming
- Bentonite Clay
- Turmeric and Mint
- Tomato
- Oatmeal and Yogurt
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Honey
- Egg White
These simple remedies will help you get rid of blackheads naturally and without drying up your skin. In fact many of these remedies will leave your skin glowing and fresh!
Written by: Subodh Jain