Blackheads can appear on the face, back, and chest areas as dark, yellow or black bumps. They are follicles that are plugged up with sloughed-off cells and sebum, which is an oily and waxy substance secreted by the skin. Blackheads are often caused by overactive sebaceous glands and clogged hair follicles. Blackheads are unsightly and a beauty nuisance, but should not be cause for concern, as they do not cause any ill health effects. They can be treated with a variety of at-home remedies instead of going to a dermatologist for treatment or spending large amounts of money on commercial products.
Step 1
Make a scrub of 4 tbsp. salt, 1 tsp. honey, and the juice from half a lemon. It should be the consistency of a thick paste. Scrub your face with this mixture for 5 minutes, using your fingers, and rinse and pat dry. Exfoliation is a good way to dislodge blackheads from the skin, and the honey is soothing, while the lemon acts as an astringent.
Step 2
Mix 1 tbsp. lime juice and 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon into a paste. Apply paste to areas with blackheads, leaving on for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Cinnamon reduces swelling and inflammation caused by blackheads, and lime juice gently exfoliates and tones skin.
Step 3
Steam your face by boiling water and pouring it into your bathroom sink. Put your face over the sink with a towel draped over your head to keep the steam in. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes and then either wash your face with soap and water or use an exfoliation scrub. The steam opens up your pores, allowing for easier exfoliation or removal of blackheads.
Step 4
Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste, and apply to affected blackhead areas. Gently rub your skin for several minutes and wash off with warm water. The baking soda is a good exfoliation remedy, removing blackheads.
Step 5
Make a solution of equal parts Epsom salts, iodine and warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to blackheads. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Exfoliate with a face scrub immediately to remove the blackheads loosened by the Epsom salt solution.
Step 6
Place a mixture of 2 tbsp. oatmeal powder and 1 tbsp. rose water to the affected area on the skin. This mixture can be applied to the entire face to prevent future blackheads. Leave on for 20 minutes and wash off with warm water. The oatmeal powder helps loosen blackheads, and the rose water acts as an astringent.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply a good moisturizer after exfoliating or cleansing your skin to prevent excess dryness.
- If you develop irritation or have an allergic reaction to one of the home remedy treatments, stop use immediately. Do not over scrub your face, as it will cause dryness and irritation.
Things You'll Need
- Salt
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Ground cinnamon
- Water
- Baking soda
- Epsom salts
- Iodine
- Oatmeal powder
- Rose water
Member Comments