When a clogged pore remains open its soft oily plug oxidizes in the air and it becomes a blackhead, a type of acne. When the sebaceous glands under the skin produce too much sebum oil and the oil mixes with residue of skin debris and dirt a plug may form. The alternative to a blackhead is a pimple, notes Medical News Today.
Although popular social opinion views poor lifestyle habits being the leading cause of acne, evidence states that it is in fact largely due to hormonal changes.
Step 1
Dab a cotton ball in tea tree oil. Apply to the blackhead area generously. Massage in the oil in circular motions. Leave for several minutes and then rinse off. Tea tree oil contains antibacterial ingredients that will cleanse the surface of the skin of oil, dirt and general bacteria.
Step 2
Steam your face for several minutes. This can be done with a bowl of hot water and a towel or simply by taking a warm shower or bath. The steaming will help loosen the blackheads within the pores.
Step 3
Mix equal parts baking soda and water until it forms a paste of sticky pliable texture. Apply to the blackhead area and massage in gently for several minutes. The exfoliating granules of the baking soda will cleanse deep into the pores and remove the blackhead plugs.
Step 4
Apply a natural unprocessed honey such as manuka honey--available in health food stores--to a dressing and then place the dressing on the blackhead-prone area. Leave on overnight if possible and rinse off with cold water in morning. Manuka honey is full of antimicrobial agents and rejuvenating enzymes that will help the body's natural healing process to rebuild any damaged skin tissue.
Step 5
Moisturize using olive oil. This will compliment collagen in the healing process and help the skin regain its suppleness, a quality often lost after acne breakouts and acne scarring.
Tips and Warnings
- Lemon juice can be used as a cheaper alternative to tea tree oil as a cleanser. However, if lemon juice is used, it is recommended to use a moisturizer with an SPF rather than olive oil because lemon juice is shown to increase the skin's photo sensitivity. Lemon juice can also be mixed with honey to form a honey mask. Do not warm the honey before application as this will remove many of its benefits.
- Credible medical sources such as the Mayo Clinic concede that more medical evidence must be presented to support the claims of effectiveness for home remedies. A consultation with a medical professional before starting home treatment is advisable. The health care professional may recommend the use of over-the-counter topical solutions for mild cases of acne and prescription medicines or clinical treatment for more severe cases.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton balls
- Tea tree oil
- Bowl
- Towel
- Baking soda
- Honey
- Dressing
- Olive oil
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