Blackheads are a clear sign that your skin care routine isn't working. Blackheads are pores impacted with dirt, oils and dead skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your cleanser should effectively scrub away these items rather than allow them to take up residence in your pores. Baking soda's effects on your skin are threefold. First, it soothes skin, according to "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies for Women." Second, it draws impurities out, which helps loosen and dislodge blackheads. Finally, it's abrasive nature works to scrub away these impurities.
Step 1
Rinse out your wide mouth jar to make sure it's free of dirt and debris. Use a simple bleach solution of 1 tsp bleach per gallon of water to disinfect the jar if it was previously a food container. This helps eliminate excess bacteria.
Step 2
Fill the jar halfway with baking soda. Break up any clumps.
Step 3
Mix in 1 tbsp of water at a time until it develops into a thick paste.
Step 4
Add a few drops of acne-fighting essential oils if you also experience other types of breakouts. Tea tree oil helps clear and control acne, according to Brown University Health Education. Tea tree oil is strong, so only use one drop per 4 tbsp of baking soda.
Step 5
Scoop out a palm-full of your scrub. Spread it all over your face and neck and allow it to dry until it forms a crusty layer on your skin. Wet your hand with warm water. Work in small circles to gently scrub and exfoliate your skin with the baking soda. Rinse away with warm water.
Step 6
Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Use within two weeks, according to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, as the scrub contains no preservatives.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a warm wash cloth to steam open your pores before applying your scrub. To so do, wet a clean wash cloth and place it in the microwave for 30 second intervals until it's warm but not hot. Lay it on your face until it cools and repeat. If you find your scrub too harsh or if baking soda irritates your skin, a variety of kitchen items can be used as exfoliants. Brown sugar, sea salt and crushed nuts or seeds also make effective scrubs. If they're too thin when made with water, consider mixing in honey, carrier oils or castile soap to create a thicker scrub.
Things You'll Need
- Wide mouth jar
- Baking soda
- Bleach (optional)
- Tea tree oil (optional)
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