Blackheads and acne blemishes occur when the skin's pores become clogged with dirt and oils. Blackheads are known as open comedones -- meaning the blackhead acts as a plug to the pore, but does not contain bacteria. When acne becomes inflamed, bacteria have invaded the pore, making it red and irritated. Treating these conditions does not have to require prescription medications. Natural remedies exist that can treat these skin conditions.
Step 1
Wash the skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser. You can use natural soaps, such as glycerin soap or a face wash, such as one that contains aloe vera -- a natural inflammation fighter. Washing the skin twice daily helps to remove excess dirt and oils from the skin that can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
Step 2
Apply a solution of 5 percent tea tree oil to any blackheads and pimples, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tea tree oil works similarly to an acne medication known as benzoyl peroxide and helps to add air to the pore, removing the pore's contents. This makes daily tea tree oil applications ideal for enhancing blackhead removal.
Step 3
Take a guggul supplement of 500 mg per day. This herb is a powerful acne fighter that can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because this supplement can have strong effects, pregnant or nursing women should not take it.
Step 4
Apply a honey mask two times a week to your skin, according to Care Fair. Honey is a natural blackhead fighter that can encourage the pore's contents to peel away. Slightly warm the honey before applying, then apply on and around any affected areas. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse away with warm water.
Step 5
Exfoliate the skin once per week with a paste made from 3 tbsp. baking soda and 3 tbsp. of water, according to Care Fair. Baking soda is ideal for blackhead treatment and using it as an exfoliant helps to loosen the contents inside a pore. You should only exfoliate once per week, however. Doing so more often can rob the skin of natural oils and actually lead to more acne breakouts.
Tips and Warnings
- When applying a blemish or blackhead fighter, apply both to the blemish itself and to the circular area around this blemish. Doing so helps to prevent future breakouts.
Things You'll Need
- Face wash/soap
- Tea tree oil
- Guggul supplement
- Honey
- Baking soda
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