Struggling With Blackheads? Here Are 3 Ways To Get Rid Of Them Naturally At Home
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Pretty much all of us have suffered or continue to suffer with blackheads so you’re not alone!
It’s actually a form of acne and very common, although there is a much higher chance you’ll have them if you suffer from oily skin.
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Blackheads are a common skin concern for many individuals, especially those with oily skin.
These tiny blemishes, also known as open comedones, occur when pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria.
These impurities get pushed to the skin surface which then become oxidised when they react with the air, making them dark in colour.
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Like blackheads, whiteheads are also plugged up with dead skin cells, bacteria and excess oil too, but whiteheads are closed pores, meaning they do not come into contact with air.
They are small, firm and white or yellow in colour. If left untreated they usually turn into pimples.
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When we hear the word “blackheads” when tend to think of those tiny pin-head-like dots on our face - especially our nose, which is the oiliest part of our face and body, hence where people get them the most, but, it’s not just the face that has to deal with blackheads.
Blackheads can show up anywhere that secretes high levels of sebum including the neck, back, chest, thighs and armpits!
I know it’s tempting to pinch or push out the black plug but don’t do it! This can result in scarring and other damage to your skin.
There are a lot of blackhead removal products that can get the job done, but if you love trying out at-home remedies, give these three a try!
3 Ways To Get Rid Of Them Naturally At Home
1. Try A Turmeric, Cinnamon, Honey & Lemon Mask
Not just an ingredient in your favourite curry, turmeric is a plant from the ginger family native to Asia, famed for its numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.
Cinnamon adds a healing component but also does its part to keep pores clean and clear.
A study by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a “cinnamon stick extract exhibited significant antibacterial properties”.
Lemon will keep your skin glowing and even out your skin tone thanks to its high vitamin C content, while honey will keep your skin moisturised and reduce irritation.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Organic turmeric – 1 teaspoon
Organic cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Lemon – half
Raw honey – (enough to form a paste)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix turmeric with cinnamon in a bowl, then add honey and lemon to form a smooth paste.
Apply this powerful mixture onto your skin (avoiding the eye area) and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Tip: Always opt for organic turmeric if you can, while all turmeric contains the natural dye - curcumin, many generic ones usually contain artificial colourants.
2. Use A Baking Soda & Tea Tree Oil Mask
Baking soda usually comes up as the most popular ingredient in the DIY treatment of blackhead removal and for good reason, baking soda is an alkaline substance, so it helps maintain a balanced pH level.
In addition, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a great exfoliant, but be careful not to use it too often, baking sofa might be harsh on the skin if you do!
Add tea tree oil into the mix for its antimicrobial properties and its ability to dry out the blackheads, essentially unclogging them.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Tea tree oil – 2 drops
Water - 2 teaspoons
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix the baking soda, tea tree oil and water in a glass bowl.
Apply the mixture all over your face and leave to sit for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Washing off with lukewarm water.
3. Make A Pomegranate, Honey & Green Tea Face Mask
Pomegranate is lauded as a superfood for its numerous health benefits when consumed.
However, when applied topically, this nutrient-rich fruit works wonders for the skin.
Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote cell regeneration, making it effective in removing dead skin cells.
Yes! Split open your green tea bag! Researchers have found that the active ingredients in green tea can help to heal lesions, reduce redness and soothe irritation.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Organic green tea bag (There are pesticides in non-organic green tea that you do not want to put on your skin!)
Fresh pomegranate seeds - 2 teaspoons
Raw honey – (enough to form a paste)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Open one or two organic green tea bags and moisten with hot water in a bowl.
Put the fresh pomegranate seeds into a blender to form a smooth paste, add this paste to the green tea and combine with some honey.
Apply this mixture to your face and leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Tip: Don’t throw away the pomegranate peels! They can be dried out and ground into a fine powder and consumed as tea or mixed with water to make a paste that can be applied topically.
How To Prevent Blackheads
In addition to these DIY remedies, incorporating skincare products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide into your routine can help prevent blackheads by unclogging pores and reducing excess oil production.
Aloe vera is also a great natural ingredient to consider in preventing blackheads.
It moisturises the skin without clogging pores, reducing inflammation and redness, fighting acne-causing bacteria, and providing gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Want to try out some aloe vera-based masks? Click here.
Other Tips To Keep Blackheads At Bay
In addition to using skincare products and natural remedies, here are some other tips to help keep blackheads at bay:
Cleanse Twice Daily: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent them from building up in pores.
Use Non-comedogenic Products: Choose skincare and makeup products labelled as “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging pores and exacerbating blackheads.
Change Pillowcases Regularly: Wash your pillowcases and bedsheets regularly to remove oils, dirt, and bacteria that can transfer to your skin and contribute to blackhead formation.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching your face with dirty hands, as this can transfer bacteria and oil to your skin, leading to blackheads and other blemishes.
Use Oil-absorbing Products: Consider using oil-absorbing products, such as blotting papers or mattifying moisturisers, to help control excess oil throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and balanced, which can help prevent excessive oil production that can lead to blackheads.
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