Alternative Treatment For Blackheads

Blackheads, also referred to as open comedones, are a type of acne which develops when the pores become blocked but remain open, in contrast to whiteheads where the pore seals over and fills with puss, according to Medical News Today. Blackheads are caused by over-active sebaceous glands producing too much sebum oil, an oil used to hydrate the skin. The oils congeal with dead skin and dirt to form a plug. Alternative remedies exist which can improve blackhead appearance.

Tea Tree Oil

The Melaleuca Alternifolia tree in Australia produces tea tree oil. It can be found in extract form in many skin care cosmetics. The essential element, and source of much of its believed benefits is the compound terpinen-4-ol. The Mayo Clinic states that it can cleanse the skin and pores of dead cells, dirt, oils and also kill bacteria due to antimicrobial properties.

Supporting Evidence

According to the University of Maryland, in a study of 119 with mild-to-moderate acne, tea tree oil was compared against commercial products containing benzoyl peroxide, a common over-the-counter acne cure. The findings showed that tea tree oil, in 5 percent gel strength, was just as effective as its commercial rival and, in fact, had less side effects.

Manual Removal

Tea tree oil can be combined with a manual extraction. "Readers Digest: 1001 Home Remedies'' recommends soaking a dishcloth in hot water and then applying to the blackhead area. Leave this on for 10 minutes to allow the pores to open and blackheads to loosen. Place the loop end of a blackhead remover tool over a clogged pore and press down, squeezing out the plug. Tea tree oil can be used to disinfect the pores and kill any remaining bacteria.

Considerations

The study cited by University of Maryland in support of tea tree oils effectiveness for acne is positive but, as the Mayo Clinic notes, there is not enough clinical evidence in general to confirm tea tree oil as an effective acne treatment, or for any other skin conditions that it has been linked to. Consult your doctor before attempting to use tea tree oil for your blackheads as it can cause mild skin irritation.

Alternatives

Benzoyl peroxide is available in both over-the-counter and prescription strength. According to the Acne website, benzoyl peroxide is effective at clearing away mild to moderate outbreaks of acne, which includes blackheads, by cleansing the pores of the clogging dirt, oil and bacteria. It also regulates oil production in the sebaceous glands, thereby preventing future outbreaks.