Blackheads are a type of acne characterized by the appearance of enlarged pores that are brown or black in color. The discoloration is caused by sebum, oils and other impurities becoming trapped within the skin. These trapped oils and impurities turn brown as they oxidize. Often, blackheads will not respond well to standard acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, because most are designed to kill off acne-causing bacteria, not pull out trapped impurities from the pores. To eliminate blackheads, you can use a few natural blackhead treatments.
Step 1
Flush out impurities from your pores with a non-comedogenic oil, such as castor oil. Spread 1 tbsp. of castor oil onto your skin. Massage it in, using deep, circular finger movements. After three to four minutes, fill a bowl with boiling water. Cover your head with a towel, and lean 12 to 18 inches over the bowl. Steam your skin for five minutes, and wipe off the excess oil with a wet washcloth. Repeat two times per day.
Step 2
Exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and impurities that have been flushed out of your pores. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. baking soda and 1 tbsp. raw, ground oats. Spread the mixture onto your wet skin. Massage it in gently for three minutes. Rinse off your skin well with water. Repeat twice per day after applying the castor oil.
Step 3
Apply a lemon juice compress to increase skin cell turnover. Soak five cotton pads in concentrated lemon juice. Drape them onto the blackhead area. Allow the pads to remain on your skin for five minutes, and remove them to let the skin air dry. Repeat twice per day after exfoliating the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Castor oil is naturally purgative, as well as non-comedogenic, and can be used on the skin to pull out impurities without causing the pores to become clogged. Castor oil binds to the trapped sebum and oils inside the skin and enables it to be flushed out when steam is applied. When using castor oil to flush out blackheads, it is helpful to massage the oil in deeply, which will help the oil reach the blockages inside the pores. Exfoliating the skin helps remove dead skin and impurities that can clog the pores, or prevent them from emptying properly. It is important to use a natural exfoliant that will slough off impurities, without damaging or irritating the skin. A few beneficial exfoliants include raw, ground oats, honey and baking soda. Lemon juice contains high amounts of Vitamin C, which helps the skin slough off dead skin cells that can become trapped inside the pores. Vitamin C also encourages the healthy development of new skin cells. This increased skin cell turnover keeps the pores clean and clear.
Things You'll Need
- Castor oil
- Bowl
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Water
- Baking soda
- Honey
- Oats
- Small bowl
- Lemon juice
- 5 cotton pads
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