Home Remedies for Blackheads

Blackheads pose a serious problem to people of diverse age group. It is an issue that becomes most prominent during the teenage and adolescent years. So we have come up with some home remedies for blackheads.

They are also referred to as open comedones and are small yellow or black bumps that form when there is a clog in the opening of hair follicles due to a combination of built-up of dirt, extra sebum and dead skin cells.The bumps appear to be dark not because of dirt accumulation rather as a result of oxidization. This happens due to the exposure of clogged pores to the air.

Here are some home remedies that help in keeping blackheads under check-

1. Baking Soda

Known to be an effective treatment for blackheads as well as acne, baking soda helps in clearing the skin of impurities such as debris and dirt.

Using it is very easy, just follow the steps listed below-

1. Take two teaspoons of baking soda and mix it with mineral water to form a paste.
2. Apply this paste generously on the area prone to blackheads and massage gently. Leave it till it dries and then rinse it off with warm water.
3. This remedy is to be repeated once or twice a week.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be effectively used to remove and prevent blackheads.

• Take cinnamon powder and lemon juice in equal proportions and mix them with a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply it like a mask on your face, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
• Alternatively, you can also mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and honey to form a thick paste. Apply it on your face before going to bed and leave it on overnight. Wash your face well with normal water in the morning. For visible results, follow this remedy daily for about 10 days.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal and yogurt form a great combination for keeping your skin free of blackheads.

1. Mix one teaspoon honey with the juice of four tomatoes in a bowl of sufficient oatmeal to make a paste.
2. Scrub your skin with it and wash it off after 10 minutes.
3. Repeat regularly for clear skin.

4. Lemon Juice

Handy in treating acne, lemon juice can help in removing blackheads as well. The nutrients and vitamins that are present in lemon juice are good for all skin types.

• Mix a few drops of honey with juice of half a lemon. For exfoliation, you can also add a little brown sugar. Gently rub the lemon on your face, especially on the blackhead prone areas. Let it stay for 10 minutes.
• Fresh lemon juice can also be mixed with milk or rosewater to create a facial cleanser.

5. Green Tea

Green tea can also be used to treat blackheads.

1. Mix one teaspoon of dry green tea leaves with a little water to make a paste.
2. Gently scrub the paste over the affected area for two to three minutes. This scrub deep cleans oily skin and helps unclog pores.
3. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

6. Honey

The amazing balancing quality present in honey is good not only for oily skin, but also for blackheads. Honey hydrates the skin as well as tightens the skin pores, making it look clearer.

1. Apply some pure honey directly on your face and leave it on for around 10 minutes.
2. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Repeat for best results.

7. Turmeric

Known for having antiseptic properties, turmeric works well for minor burns as well as can be used to treat blackheads.

• Make a paste of some turmeric powder and two tablespoons of mint juice. Apply it to the affected areas and let it dry for a few minutes.
• Wash the area with lukewarm water.

8. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another natural way of getting rid of blackheads.

1. One teaspoon of Epsom salt, a few drops of iodine and a little hot water when mixed together can work wonders.
2. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it till the mixture dries.
3. Using a clean washcloth clean your skin.

9. Cornmeal

Cornmeal acts as an exfoliator as well as an abrasive to clean out dirt blocking the pores in your skin.

All that is required is mixing cornmeal with milk or water to form a paste and to be applied on the skin. The affected area has to be scrubbed gently with it.

10. Fenugreek

One of the natural remedies most easily available is fenugreek.

1. Make a thick paste by grinding fresh fenugreek leaves with a little water.
2. Apply it on your skin and let it dry. Rinse it with water and repeat daily for best effects.

These remedies are helpful in eliminating blackheads.However, most of them need to be used regularly for long-term results.