15 Effective Home Remedies For Blackheads

Blackhead is a clogged hair follicle in the skin. The skin debris combines with oil to block the follicle. Blackheads are usually small bumps that form due to excess skin oil production and dirt. It is called blackheads because they contain oxidized melanin, the pigment made by skin cells called melanocytes and also dues to open pores that attract dirt from outside. There are many OTC medicines which treat these dark acne lesions (blackheads) but they come with many side effects like dry and irritated skin, redness etc. We should opt all natural route to treat and prevent from blackheads. There are many home remedies for blackheads that are inexpensive and they all are the ingredients from the kitchen and also easy to use. Some best of them are explained here but before going to home remedies for blackheads, we should know what are the causes of blackheads.

Causes of Blackheads

• Blackheads form as a result of excess sebum produced at the pores of hairs.
• If your skin isn’t cleaned properly, dead skin cells can clog the skin pores and leads to oil buildup.
• Using oil-based cosmetics or moisturizers, they can also stimulate blackhead development.
• Dirt, pollution in your work environment can also promote breakouts.
• Undergoing hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production especially during teenage.
• The buildup of bacteria or microbes causing acne or blackheads.

15 Effective Home Remedies For Blackheads

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which kill the skin damaging microbes and maintains the skin’s pH. It removes dead skin cells and absorbs excess oil from face and unclogs the skin pore.

Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water and apply on your face or on affected area. Gently massage your face for 2-3 minutes and wash it off. Baking soda is one of the effective home remedies for blackhead.  Repeat it 2-3 times in a week and get a glowing, smooth and clear skin.

2. Cinnamon Powder

Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder with 2 tablespoons of honey and apply to the cleansed face or affected area. Give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes and rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat it for twice a week.

Cinnamon and honey have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which fight acne and pimples. Both ingredients are good for oily skin as it regulates the oil production on the face and cleanse skin pores and exfoliates the dead skin cells.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar undergoes two fermentation processes where it produces enzymes and life giving nutrients that make apple cider vinegar the powerhouse it is. The Malic acid of apple works as an exfoliant, helping to rid the skin of dead skin cells and acne.

Mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 1 part of distilled water and apply this mixture to the affected are with the help of cotton. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and rinse with normal water. Repeat it daily for the desired result.

4. Activated Charcoal

The activated charcoal absorbs all the impurities and clears your blackheads very quickly. It pulls the unwanted excess oils from your skin, leaving it smooth.

Mix 1/2-1 tablespoon of activated charcoal with some drops of water and apply to the affected area. Give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes and rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat it for 2-3 times a week.

5. Lemon

Cut lemon into slices and rub it on blackhead prone area for 5 minutes. Alternatively, for sensitive skin, one can mix some water with lemon juice and apply to cleansed face. You can also add 1 tablespoon of honey for proving moisture and smoothness to your skin. Keep for 10 minutes and rinse it off with normal water. Repeat 3-4 times a week for fast result.

Antibacterial and Antimicrobial properties of lemon fight bacteria-causing acne and blackheads. It shrinks and constricts excess oil and dirt from the pores and reduces the appearance of dark spots and other types of sun damage. It acts as a chemical exfoliant which removes the dead cells.

6. Sugar Scrub

Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that penetrates the skin and breaks down the bonds of dead skin cells, encouraging cell turnover and generating fresh skin layer. Sugar when combined with a moisturizing agent like honey, you’ll not only remove the gunk from your skin but also hydrate your skin in the process.

Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 tablespoon of raw honey and apply to the affected area. Give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes and rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat it for 2-3 times a week.

7. Oatmeal

Mix 2 tablespoon of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar powder and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply to the affected area and give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes. Rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat it for 2-3 times a week.

Oats acts as a mild cleanser because of the saponin content. It reduces itching and regulates inflammation. The gritty nature of oats makes it an excellent scrub for all skin types especially sensitive skin that cannot tolerate the usual exfoliators. Brown sugar exfoliates your skin, clearing away dry and dead skin cells. This helps create a smoother skin and lends a youthful glow. Brown sugar also has anti-bacterial properties and glycolic acid that keeps your skin radiant and healthy. Coconut deeply sinks into your skin and get relief from the dry and itchy skin.

8. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric is very effective in treating and preventing blackheads and acne. It removes excess oil and opens clogged pores which cause acne and blackheads.  Its anti-inflammatory property reduces the inflammation and anti-bacterial property kills blackheads causing bacteria.

Mix 1 tablespoon turmeric with some milk and 1 tablespoon of honey and make a smooth paste. Apply to the affected area and give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes. Rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat it for daily or 2-3 times a week. This mask will also give you skin lightening effect and a natural glow.

9. Orange Peel Scrub

To keep pimples and blackheads away, use orange peel mask. It also cleans your pores of the dirt and oil and prevents blackheads as well. Orange peel or orange essential oil scrub will shred away skin dead cells and also helps in lightening dark spots on your skin and contain vitamin C, which promotes collagen production (necessary for the creation of new skin cells), is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to inhibit skin darkening due to UV exposure.

Mix 1 tablespoon of orange peel powder or fresh orange peel paste with 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Apply to the affected area and give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes. Rinse it off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat it for 2-3 times a week.

10. Egg white

Egg whites have astringent properties that help shrink pores by tightening the skin. It is high in collagen and vitamin A which is essential in the development of products that are able to treat large pores, blackheads, and acne.

Mix 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and whisk well to make it foamy in texture and apply to the cleansed skin. Keep it for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off. Repeat it 2-3 times a week.

11. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and kills the acne and blackheads causing bacteria. It helps in moisturizing your skin, keeps the skin hydrated, rejuvenated and glowing. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants which keep skin pores clean and removes dark spots.

Mix 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and apply to cleansed face or on affected area. Keep it for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off. Repeat it 2-3 times a week.

12. Epsom Salt Scrub

Epsom salt exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities. It absorbs excess oil and dehydrates bacteria that grow in clogged pores and cause pimples and blackheads. It also contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, and zinc which are essential for achieving a clear skin.

Add 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt in a cup of warm water and mix well until the Epsom salt dissolves in the water. Using a cotton ball, apply the solution to the skin and leave it on for few minutes. Repeat daily until you achieve the results. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with olive or coconut oil and give a gentle massage to the affected area. This process will effectively remove the dead skin deposits in the open pores and helps to get rid of blackheads.

13. Mint and Chickpea Flour

Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh mint leaves paste or juice with 1 tablespoon of chickpea or gram flour and yogurt. Make a smooth paste and apply to the cleansed face. Give a gentle massage of 3-5 minutes and rinse it off after 20-30 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times in a week for the desired result.

Mint has an anti-acne element which dries up the acne & cleans up the pores. External application of crushed mint leaves can lighten the acne scar/blemish. The vitamin A element helps in controlling the excessive oil that the skin produces which results in acne. It tones up the skin & removes the blackheads instantly. Gram flour helps to soak excess oil and dirt from the skin and yogurt helps in achieving a radiant skin.

14. Clay

Blackheads are produced due to an excess of sebum, which causes blocks within the hair follicles on the skin. Oily skin with too much sebum encourages the production of bacteria which irritates the skin. Clay soaks up excess oil from skin and shrinks the size of your skin pores can help tremendously with keeping your face clean and blackheads at bay.

Make a mask from clay using enough water and clay to make a paste along with a little lime juice. Apply to the cleansed skin and rinse it off when the clay completely dries up. Repeat twice a week.

15. Tea Tree Oil

Anti-microbial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil kill harmful microbes and protect skin pores from getting infected. It is one of the best home remedies for blackheads. It cleanses pores and regulates the skin oil production which ultimately inhibits the formation of blackheads.

Apply few drops of tea tree oil on affected area with the help of cotton. Keep it for 15 minutes and wash it off. Alternatively, Mix tea tree oil with baking soda and honey. Apply to the skin and give a gentle massage to the affected area for 3-5 minutes. Repeat 3-4 times a week for the desired result.

Go ahead and try these remedies and do let me know your experiences in the comments section below. Also spread the word by sharing this post to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest by clicking the share button.

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