Young Asian squeezing her nose against a plain pink background. Blackhead treatment concept

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Ugh, blackheads. Those tiny dark dots that show up uninvited on our noses, chins, and wherever else they feel like crashing the party. If you’re tired of battling these stubborn little squatters, you’re in the right place.

We’re about to get into some home remedies for blackheads that’ll have you saying “bye-bye” to those pesky pores without breaking the bank.

Let’s face it (pun totally intended), we’ve all been there – standing inches from the mirror, squinting at our skin, and wondering how something so small can be so annoying!

But before you go nuclear on your face with harsh treatments or spend your latte budget on fancy products, why not give these DIY solutions a go?

Blackheads and whiteheads are both types of acne, but they have some key differences:

Blackheads are open comedones. The pore is clogged but open at the surface, allowing the contents to oxidize and turn dark. This gives them their characteristic black appearance. Despite how they look, blackheads aren’t actually dirt – just oxidized oil and dead skin cells.

Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedones. The pore opening is covered by a thin layer of skin, preventing oxidation. This is why they appear white or flesh-coloured.

Both are caused by excess oil production, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. The main difference is whether the pore stays open (blackhead) or closes over (whitehead).

Treatment approaches can be similar for both, focusing on keeping pores clear and reducing oil production. However, it’s important not to try squeezing or popping either type, as this can lead to irritation and potential scarring.

Understanding the difference can help you choose the right skincare products and treatments for your specific skin concerns.

Yes, you can get blackheads in various places on your body, not just on your face. While the face, especially the nose and chin, are common areas for blackheads, they can appear anywhere you have pores and oil glands.

Common areas where blackheads might develop include:

  1. Face (nose, chin, forehead, cheeks)
  2. Neck
  3. Back
  4. Chest
  5. Shoulders
  6. Upper arms
  7. Behind the ears

Blackheads form when pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Any area with a higher concentration of oil glands is more prone to developing blackheads.

Factors that can contribute to blackhead formation in these areas include:

  • Sweating, especially if you don’t shower promptly after exercise
  • Tight clothing that traps sweat and oil against the skin
  • Hormonal changes
  • Certain skincare or body care products that might clog pores

To manage blackheads on your body, you can use similar strategies as you would for facial blackheads: regular cleansing, exfoliation, and using non-comedogenic products. However, it’s important to adjust your approach based on the specific area of your body, as skin sensitivity can vary.

RELATED: Let’s Talk Back Facials! The Secret To Silky Smooth Skin

Blackheads are a common skin concern caused by several factors, and understanding these can help you choose effective home remedies for blackheads:

Excess oil production: Your skin naturally produces oil (sebum), but overproduction can clog pores. Many home remedies for blackheads focus on oil control.

Dead skin cells: These can mix with oil and clog pores. Gentle exfoliation is a key component of many home remedies for blackheads.

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations can increase oil production. While home remedies for blackheads can’t change your hormones, they can help manage their effects on your skin.

Genetics: Some people are more prone to blackheads. Home remedies for blackheads can be particularly helpful for those with this predisposition.

Certain skincare products: Heavy products can contribute to blockages. Natural home remedies for blackheads often avoid these problematic ingredients.

Environmental factors: Humidity, pollution, and sweat play a role. Regular cleansing is a simple yet effective home remedy for blackheads.

Diet: Some studies suggest certain foods might contribute to acne. Dietary changes are sometimes included in home remedies for blackheads.

Improper skin cleansing: Not cleaning thoroughly can allow buildup. Many home remedies for blackheads start with improving cleansing routines.

When these factors combine to clog and oxidize an open pore, a blackhead forms.

Home remedies for blackheads typically aim to address one or more of these causes, using natural ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate, and balance oil production.

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There are a lot of blackhead removal products that can get the job done, but if you love trying out at-home remedies, give these three a try!

3 Ways To Get Rid Of Them Naturally At Home

1. Try A Turmeric, Cinnamon, Honey & Lemon Mask

Collage style illustration of turmeric, cinnamon, honey and lemon. home remedies for blackheads

Not just an ingredient in your favourite curry, turmeric is a plant from the ginger family native to Asia, famed for its numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

Cinnamon adds a healing component but also does its part to keep pores clean and clear.

A study by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a “cinnamon stick extract exhibited significant antibacterial properties”.

Lemon will keep your skin glowing and even out your skin tone thanks to its high vitamin C content, while honey will keep your skin moisturised and reduce irritation.

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Organic turmeric – 1 teaspoon

  • Organic cinnamon – 1 teaspoon

  • Lemon – half

  • Raw honey – (enough to form a paste)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mix turmeric with cinnamon in a bowl, then add honey and lemon to form a smooth paste.

  2. Apply this powerful mixture onto your skin (avoiding the eye area) and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

  3. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Tip: Always opt for organic turmeric if you can, while all turmeric contains the natural dye – curcumin, many generic ones usually contain artificial colourants.

2. Use A Baking Soda & Tea Tree Oil Mask

Collage style illustration of baking soda and tea tree oil

Baking soda usually comes up as the most popular ingredient in the DIY treatment of blackhead removal and for good reason, baking soda is an alkaline substance, so it helps maintain a balanced pH level.

In addition, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a great exfoliant, but be careful not to use it too often, baking soda might be harsh on the skin if you do!

Add tea tree oil into the mix for its antimicrobial properties and its ability to dry out the blackheads, essentially unclogging them.

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Baking soda – 1 teaspoon

  • Tea tree oil – 2 drops

  • Water – 2 teaspoons

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mix the baking soda, tea tree oil and water in a glass bowl.

  2. Apply the mixture all over your face and leave to sit for a maximum of 15 minutes.

  3. Washing off with lukewarm water.

3. Make A Pomegranate, Honey & Green Tea Face Mask

Collage illustration of pomegrante fruit, green tea and honey. home remedies for blackheads

Pomegranate is lauded as a superfood for its numerous health benefits when consumed.

However, when applied topically, this nutrient-rich fruit works wonders for the skin.

Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote cell regeneration, making it effective in removing dead skin cells.

Yes! Split open your green tea bag! Researchers have found that the active ingredients in green tea can help to heal lesions, reduce redness and soothe irritation.

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Organic green tea bag (There are pesticides in non-organic green tea that you do not want to put on your skin!)

  • Fresh pomegranate seeds – 2 teaspoons

  • Raw honey – (enough to form a paste)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Open one or two organic green tea bags and moisten with hot water in a bowl.

  2. Put the fresh pomegranate seeds into a blender to form a smooth paste, add this paste to the green tea and combine with some honey.

  3. Apply this mixture to your face and leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.

  4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Tip: Don’t throw away the pomegranate peels! They can be dried out and ground into a fine powder and consumed as tea or mixed with water to make a paste that can be applied topically.

How To Prevent Blackheads

In addition to these DIY remedies, incorporating skincare products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide into your routine can help prevent blackheads by unclogging pores and reducing excess oil production.

Aloe vera is also a great natural ingredient to consider when preventing blackheads.

It moisturises the skin without clogging pores, reducing inflammation and redness, fighting acne-causing bacteria, and providing gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Want to try out some aloe vera-based masks? Click here.

Other Tips To Keep Blackheads At Bay

In addition to using skincare products and natural remedies, here are some other tips to help keep blackheads at bay:

  • Cleanse Twice Daily: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.

  • Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent them from building up in pores.

  • Use Non-comedogenic Products: Choose skincare and makeup products labelled as “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging pores and exacerbating blackheads.

  • Change Pillowcases Regularly: Wash your pillowcases and bedsheets regularly to remove oils, dirt, and bacteria that can transfer to your skin and contribute to blackhead formation.

  • Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching your face with dirty hands, as this can transfer bacteria and oil to your skin, leading to blackheads and other blemishes.

  • Use Oil-absorbing Products: Consider using oil-absorbing products, such as blotting papers or mattifying moisturisers, to help control excess oil throughout the day.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and balanced, which can help prevent excessive oil production that can lead to blackheads.

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Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads Naturally At Home

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5 Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing these! I had been looking for black head remedies lately, and these are easy and simple.

  2. Turmeric, tea tree oil, and green tea are all time favourite natural ingredients in cosmetics for acne-prone skin. Your recipes are very helpful. Thank you!

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