Blackheads and whiteheads are different forms of acne. According to Medical News Today, they occur when the sebaceous glands produce excess amounts of sebum oil, which is the oil used to hydrate the skin. The pore clogs and then either seals over and becomes inflamed, creating a whitehead, or remains open and oxidizes in the air, creating a blackhead. Home remedies exist that can help clear mild to moderate acne outbreaks.
Manuka Honey
Unlike supermarket honey, which loses some of its properties during processing, manuka honey, from the flowers of the manuka tree in New Zealand, is reported to have antimicrobial effects and healing properties. According to DermNetNZ, manuka's features can help rejuvenate tissue and kill bacteria. Each batch of the manuka is put through a strict ratings scale named the Unique Manuka Factor. Some New Zealand medical professionals consider honey a 10+ on the scale as being medicinal quality.
Lemon and Rose Water
The website Granny Med recommends lemon juice mixed with rose water as a possible effective treatment for acne. Both lemon and rose water have antibacterial properties. Lemon is also a natural astringent while rose water is a mild skin toner, which can help balance the harshness of the acidic lemon. High in vitamin C, lemon helps the body make new skin by playing an integral part in the collagen-making process, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Application
Apply the honey in a thick layer to the blackhead or whitehead area, much like a face mask. Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. DermNetNZ notes that the manuka honey can also be applied to bandages or dressing and then applied.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a dish with the rose water. Dab a cotton ball in the mixture and apply generously. Leave on for several minutes before rinsing.
Considerations
Before applying manuka honey or lemon juice, consult your doctor because manuka and lemon can cause mild irritation and lemon is also known to increase skin sensitivity. Do not warm the honey before applying as this can damage many of its beneficial properties. Acne.org notes that home remedies can be unreliable and inconsistent in their treatment effects.
Alternatives
MedlinePlus recommends benzoyl peroxide, from the peroxide family, as an effective treatment for all types of acne. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many over-the-counter products for acne and works be penetrating deep into the pores where it will cleanse them of bacteria and reduce inflammation. The downside of benzoyl peroxide is that it can be drying, so Acne.org recommends using a moisturizer in tandem with benzoyl peroxide.
Member Comments