Blackheads are the type of acne which appear as small dark spots on your skin, especially around your nose. They appear on your skin when hair follicles are clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells.. Unlike whiteheads, Blackheads are open comdeones, and mostly painless and non-inflammatory in nature. Since they are open, melanin in your body is oxidized and therefore the color of these acne i.e. black. There are various synthetic treatment options available in the market, however you can also get rid of Blackheads naturally too. Read on to understand how.
Blackheads are not much different than whiteheads, except for their color and the non-inflammatory nature. Both are comdeones type of acne and can be treated with a similar approach. However, firstly, let’s try to understnad what blackheads are and how they are formed.
What Is The Cause Of Blackheads?
Normal amount of oil on our skin is okay however, sebum overly produced by our sebaceous glands present under the skin can result into oily skin which can further clog the hair follicles leading to the formation of acne of any type.
If these bumps on your skin have open ends and are inflamed, whiteheads is the result however, if these bumps are painless, non-inflammatory and black on the ends, most likely you have blackheads. These blackheads can appear on anyone’s skin but, people with oily skin are more prone to them.
How Do You Get Rid Of Blackheads?
It’s possible to treat or get rid of blackheads. There are various treatment options available out there, from natural ingredients like green tea, egg white and sugar scrub etc. to synthetic options like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids etc. We’ll discuss each option in detail.
1. OTC Treatment
Salicylic acid:
Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, soluble in oil which penetrate the skin and exfoliate the inner walls of the pores and break down oil and dead skin cells before they clog the pores and Look for Salicylic Acid when you go out on the search of an anti-acne product. It helps in removing the excess sebum and gives you clear and a oil free skin.
Glycolic Acid:
This is one of the alpha hydroxy acids which works by removing the top layer of your skin. It is an effective exfoliator found in sugar cane. While adding a anti acne product to your skin, look for this ingredient and make sure that you use the lowest concentration possible and gradually increase as your skin build tolerance.
Retinoids:
Apart from AHAs and BHAs, retinoids are also good at helping you get rid of blackheads. These are a group of compounds, either derived from Vitamin A or mimic the functions of Vitamin A. Retinoids help by promoting cell turnover, collagen synthesis while reducing wrinkles and fine lines. etc. Regardless of its benefits, make sure you begin with the lowest concentration possible and gradually increase as you build tolerance.
2. Natural Treatment
Tea Tree Oil
If you don’t want to use synthetic ingredients, this is good choice however, it may not be as effective as those ingredients. Furthermore, Tea Tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help with inflammatory acne, but apart from this, it may also help in sebum regulation.
Studies just that 5% tea tree oil can be effective in treating mild to moderate acne. However, it’s not recommended to use it directly on the skin as essential oils are highly concentration and not suitable for skin. Therefore, apply as briefed below.
How To Apply?
- Dilute tea tree oil by adding only 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 10-12 drops of a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and mix it well.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry.
- Using a cotton swab or clean fingertips, apply the diluted tea tree oil to areas with blackheads.
- Leve it for about 20-30 minuses.
- Wash it off with a gentle cleanser.
- Repeat this once daily, preferably before bedtime.
Eucalyptus Oil
Apart from anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is also an astringent where which can help tighten the skin while removing the excess oil from the pores, preventing them from becoming clogged.
How To Apply?
- Dilute Eucalyptus oil with 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil with 8-10 drops of a carrier oil such as almond oil or olive oil.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture to areas with blackheads.
- Leave it on and let it absorb for about 20-30 minutes.
- Use this treatment once daily, preferably in the evening.
Lemon Juice
Lemon is well known for its exfoliating properties which can help remove the dead skin cells and provide the clear skin. It’s safe to apply on the skin however, for the people with a sensitive skin it may cause redness or irritation, therefore do a patch test first and see if it suits your skin.
How To Apply?
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl.
- If you have sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with a bit of water.
- Cleanse Your Face and pat dry.
- Apply the Lemon Juice with a cotton ball at affected areas.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash it off with a lukewarm water.
- Moisturize your skin with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Apply Lemon and Honey Mask
Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and also a natural astringent that helps tighten pores and reduce oil production. It contains citric acid which helps exfoliate the skin while removing dead skin cells, on the other hand, honey is a humectant which helps retain the moisture and keep your skin moist and healthy.
How To Apply?
- Mix lemon juice and hone in a bowl.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanse and let it dry naturally.
- Apply the mixture evenly on your face.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is good at balancing the pH of your skin and controlling the excess sebum which helps you get rid of an oily skin and ultimately minimizing the changes of getting acne.
How To Apply?
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry naturally.
- Soak a cotton ball in the diluted vinegar solution.
- Apply the soaked cotton ball on oily areas.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Apply Bentonite Clay Mask
Clay can help absorbing the excess oil and impurities off your skin, making it look oil free and fresh. Kaoline Clay and Bentonite Clay are one of the best options out there.
As mask of one of these, or both, can help reduce the appearance of open pores.
How To Apply?
- Make a smooth paste by mixing clay with rose water.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry naturally.
- Apply the clay mask evenly to your face.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes or until the mask dries completely.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
4. Prevention Tips
- Use a gentle cleanser to keep your skin clean and free of impurities.
- Avoid touching your face to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
- Use produces which are non-comedogenic in nature.
- Consciously choose what you apply on your skin.
- Exfoliate regularly, specially before bed.
- Keep your skin moist.
- Don’t sleep with make up on.
- Avoid squeezing or picking blackheads.
Conclusion
It may seem hard but it’s possible to get rid of blackheads or any type of acne. All you have to do is be patient with your skincare routine and be selective of what you apply on your skin. Apart from the ingredients suggested above, natural or synthetic even the home remedies, all are effective but to a certain extent. You should consult a dermatologist if OTC or home remedies does not help much.
