When the sebaceous glands on the skin produce excess sebum, bacteria and dust clog the pores and create blackheads. These annoying dots are usually found on the nose, chin and forehead but also in other body parts where sebum production is increased. The sebum normally protects the skin by preventing it to dry, however on the surface it sometimes remains trapped, clogs the pores and forms the blackheads.
When the blackheads are already formed you may find it hard to remove them without the help of a dermatologist. Luckily, we have prepared several natural remedies you can try at home to remove the blackheads and prevent their formation.
- Lemon and lime
Lemon juice is excellent remedy for blackheads because it shrinks the pores while cleansing the face from the dead skin cells and also disinfecting the skin.
Squeeze 1 lemon and apply the juice on your face in the evening. Leave it on overnight, and in the morning rinse with lukewarm water.
If your skin is sensitive or if the lemon is causing burning sensation, wash it off right away. Lemon
Lemon also makes the skin photosensitive, which means it is more prone to sunburns, so avoid exposing your face to direct sunlight when using this remedy.
Lemon and honey mixture also make an excellent exfoliation agent. If you skin is extremely oily you can also add a teaspoon of yogurt to the mixture. Apply the mixture on the face and gently massage for 10 minutes, and then rinse with water.
- Oatmeal
This remedy draws out a large amount of oil from the skin which makes it very effective against blackheads.
Prepare the oatmeal as you would do for consumption. Let it cool down and then add honey in it and mix well. Apply the mixture on a clean skin and leave it for 10 minutes to act. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Regularly performing this treatment will provide very fast results. You can also make a mixture of oatmeal and yogurt if you don’t prefer honey.
Take 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and mix them to create a mask. Then, apply the mask on the face and keep it for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. This mask should not be used more than two times a week.
- Black pepper and curd
This is another mask that is excellent for eliminating and preventing blackheads formation.
Take 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of curd and mix them well. Apply the mixture on the area with the blackheads and keep it until it dries out. Rinse with warm water.
- Egg whites
Egg whites are excellent for rejuvenating the skin and treating blackheads because they are rich in protein and they also absorb the excess sebum.
Separate the yolks from the eggs, and mix the egg whites until they are foamy. Apply them on the face, keep them on for about 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This treatment should not be repeated more than once a week because it could make the skin dry.
- Cucumbers
This vegetable has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that are very beneficial for acne too. Take a cucumber, peel it and blend it until you create a paste. Apply the paste on the face, keep it for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
This mixture will remove the blackheads as well as make your skin fresh and clean. For best results repeat 2-3 times weekly.
- Potatoes
Deep blackheads can be successfully removed with the help of the potato mask. Boil a potato, peel it and add a little water until the mixture is thick enough. Apply the mixture on the face and keep it for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Tomatoes
Oily skin can be neutralized using tomatoes because of the numerous nutrients they contain such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Cut a tomato and massage the face with it for about 5-10 minutes.
You can also prepare a mixture of tomatoes with honey and lemon juice. Apply the mixture on the face and leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Mint
This herb has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which make it great for fighting blackheads. Take a few mint leaves, chop them and rub them on the skin. Leave them on for about 5-10 minutes.
- Aloe Vera
This miraculous plant has numerous uses for example treatment of burns, dry skin and insect bites. It also has antibiotic and antibacterial properties that are excellent for blackhead removal and cleansing the skin. Apply aloe Vera gel directly on the skin but make sure you avoid the area around the eyes.
- Baking soda
Baking soda has detoxifying properties and it effectively cleans impurities from the pores thus removing blackheads.
Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 cups of boiled water. Put the baking soda in a bowl, pour the water over it and wait until it is completely dissolved.
Put a towel over the bowl in order to get the needed amount of baking soda from the steam. Then, cover your face with the towel and keep it for about 10 minutes, or until the towel dries out. Repeat the procedure several times.