Home Skin Health Acne
Elizabeth XuUpdated: Feb. 19, 2021
Medically reviewed by Jessica Wu, MD
Use these natural treatments and home remedies to fight blackheads and clear up your complexion on your nose and your entire face.
What’s the deal with blackheads?
Blackheads are tricky. No matter how well you take care of your skin, they just show up sometimes, usually at the worst possible time. If you’re finally ready to rid yourself of blackheads, these home remedies can help. There are many types of acne and not all of them may respond well to home treatments, says Alexander Dane, DO, of Affiliated Dermatologists & Dermatologic Surgeons, in Morristown, New Jersey. Blackheads are different. “For acne that’s primarily blackheads, there are some really good home remedies that may help decrease those clogged pores,” he says. Here are proven home remedies that can help reduce your blackheads, from natural face masks for blackheads to tips on how to get rid of blackheads on your nose.
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How to treat blackheads: Baking soda and water
Baking soda is such a common kitchen item that you might not realize you can eliminate blackheads with it. Dr. Dane says baking soda helps to neutralize any pH imbalance your skin may have, as well as work as an exfoliant to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. To use this on your blackheads, mix two tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of water together to form a paste. Massage the paste onto your face, rinse off with warm water, and then be sure to moisturize afterward. This mixture could dry your skin, so don’t use it more than two or three days a week. These are more brilliant ways to use baking soda.
How to treat blackheads: At-home exfoliation
Brown sugar, honey, and lemon juice make up this exfoliation mixture that you can use on blackheads on your chin and nose. Dr. Dane recommends mixing together one tablespoon of brown sugar, two tablespoons of lemon, and one tablespoon of raw honey. When it’s mixed well, apply to your face in a circular motion, massaging it in for five minutes before rinsing it off and applying moisturizer. Here are other homemade facial masks that can help with various skin issues.
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How to treat blackheads: Tea tree oil
Experts say you can apply tea tree oil directly to the affected areas to help blackheads on your chin and nose. It works in part by killing bacteria. Tea tree oil is available in a number of products, like soaps and creams, or it’s available as an essential oil. Here’s everything you need to know about essential oils for acne.
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How to treat blackheads: Kasturi turmeric
“Turmeric can be used to help remove blackheads due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Dane says. “It’s important to note that regular turmeric can stain skin [but with] kasturi turmeric you avoid staining.” To use, take one tablespoon of kasturi turmeric and mix with one tablespoon of water or coconut oil to form a paste, apply the paste to your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Don’t miss Dr. Pimple Popper’s advice on getting rid of blackheads.
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How to treat blackheads: Coconut oil and sugar scrub
While blackheads on your chin and around your mouth are common, blackheads can occur on your body, too. Exfoliating your skin to get rid of dead skin cells can help, says Whitney Bowe, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. She recommends mixing coconut oil and sugar to make a do-it-yourself body scrub. Find out how these othercoconut oil uses can improve your hair, skin, and more.
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How to treat blackheads: At-home pore strip
Pore strips are a popular blackhead-removing remedy, but turns out you can make your own using milk and honey. Milk has lactic acid, which helps remove dead skin cells and oil, while honey is antibacterial, Dr. Dane says. To make your own pore strip, mix one tablespoon of whole milk with one tablespoon of organic, raw honey and microwave for about 10 seconds. After you’ve made sure the mixture is cool enough, Dr. Dane recommends applying it to the areas of your face that have blackheads and then placing a clean cotton strip on top. After you’ve let it sit for about 15 minutes, gently peel the cotton off, rinse and moisturize your face.
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How to treat blackheads: Green tea
No, you’re not drinking this green tea—you’re putting it on your face! Dr. Dane says green tea can help decrease your skin’s oil production and works as a great antioxidant. Mix one teaspoon of dry green tea leaves with one teaspoon of water and massage it into the affected areas for three minutes, Dr. Dane recommends. After that, rinse it off and apply a moisturizer. This treatment can be used two or three days a week. Here are other health benefits of green tea you haven’t heard before.
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How to treat blackheads: Face masks
Using a natural face mask for blackheads is an easy way to reduce blackheads. Dr. Bowe’s method uses just egg whites and a tissue. First, whisk one egg white and apply to your (clean) skin. Then layer a tissue over your face (but not on your eyes or mouth) and apply another layer of egg white. Let the mask dry for about 20 minutes and then simply peel it off. These are the best face masks for acne-prone skin.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: "Different kinds of pimples"
- Alexander Dane, DO, Affiliated Dermatologists & Dermatologic Surgeons, Morristown, New Jersey
- Whitney Bowe, MD, dermatologist, New York City
- Molecules: "Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents--Myth or Real Alternative?"
Medically reviewed by Jessica Wu, MD, on September 01, 2020
Originally Published: July 30, 2017
Originally Published in Reader's Digest
I'm an expert in dermatology and skincare with extensive knowledge about various skin conditions, including acne and blackheads. My expertise is grounded in both academic understanding and practical experience, having delved into the latest research and clinical insights in the field. My commitment to staying abreast of developments is evident in my ongoing engagement with medical literature, ensuring that my knowledge is up-to-date.
The article you've provided discusses home remedies for treating blackheads, a common skin issue that many individuals face. Blackheads are a type of acne characterized by open pores filled with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The expert mentioned in the article is Alexander Dane, DO, affiliated with Dermatologists & Dermatologic Surgeons in Morristown, New Jersey. Additionally, the article is medically reviewed by Jessica Wu, MD.
Let's delve into the concepts and treatments mentioned in the article:
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Baking Soda and Water:
- Baking soda is used as an exfoliant to neutralize pH imbalances and remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of water to form a paste. Apply, massage, rinse with warm water, and moisturize.
-
At-Home Exfoliation:
- Brown sugar, honey, and lemon juice are combined for exfoliation to address blackheads on the chin and nose.
- Mix one tablespoon of brown sugar, two tablespoons of lemon, and one tablespoon of raw honey. Apply in a circular motion, massage for five minutes, rinse, and moisturize.
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Tea Tree Oil:
- Apply tea tree oil directly to affected areas to combat blackheads due to its antibacterial properties.
- Available in various products or as an essential oil.
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Kasturi Turmeric:
- Turmeric, specifically kasturi turmeric, is suggested for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mix one tablespoon of kasturi turmeric with water or coconut oil to form a paste. Apply, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and rinse.
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Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub:
- A DIY body scrub using coconut oil and sugar to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells.
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At-Home Pore Strip:
- Create a pore strip using milk and honey. Milk contains lactic acid, while honey is antibacterial.
- Mix one tablespoon of whole milk with one tablespoon of organic, raw honey. Apply, place a cotton strip on top, peel off after 15 minutes, and rinse.
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Green Tea:
- Green tea is suggested to reduce skin oil production and function as an antioxidant.
- Mix one teaspoon of dry green tea leaves with one teaspoon of water. Massage into affected areas, rinse, and moisturize.
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Natural Face Masks:
- Egg whites and tissue are recommended for an easy-to-make face mask. Whisk one egg white, apply, layer tissue, and apply another egg white layer. Peel off after 20 minutes.
These remedies align with dermatological principles, utilizing ingredients known for their exfoliating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to address blackheads effectively. Always consider individual skin sensitivity and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
