According to "Braun-Falco's Dermatology," blackheads occur when an overabundance of sebum, the body's natural oil, is produced and clogs the pores. When baking soda is applied to blackheads, the pH of the skin is neutralized, thereby triggering the body to produce less sebum and clear up the existing blackheads. According to "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice," baking soda is a relatively mild treatment for blackheads and can safely be used daily. Consult a dermatologist if you have not achieved your desired results after 12 weeks of treatment.
Step 1
Mix 1/2 tsp. baking soda with 1/2 tsp. warm water to form a paste.
Step 2
Splash warm water on your face. According to "Handbook of Dermatology: A Practical Manual," warm water will dilate the pores, allowing the baking soda to reach and kill the bacteria in the pores that cause blackheads.
Step 3
Apply a dab of the baking soda paste to a cosmetic sponge. Use the cosmetic sponge to apply the baking soda to the parts of your face with blackheads.
Step 4
Allow the baking soda paste to rest on your skin for one to two minutes, which according to "Braun-Falco's Dermatology," is the minimum amount of time required for the baking soda to kill bacteria.
Step 5
Rinse off the baking soda paste with warm water. Wipe away any remaining baking soda paste with a clean towel.
Step 6
Splash cool water on your face. According to, "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice," this constricts the pores, preventing further blackheads.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Water
- Towel
- Cosmetic sponge
References
- "Braun-Falco's Dermatology"; Walter H.C. Burgdorf, Gerd Plewig, Helmut Heinrich Wolff, and Michael Landthaler; 2008
- "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice"; Leslie Baumann; 2009
- "Handbook of Dermatology: A Practical Manual"; Margaret W. Mann, David R. Berk, Daniel L. Popkin, and Susan J. Bayliss; 2009
