by Acne isn’t just red or pink spots. You may also have blackheads, a common form of acne, which are pesky dark-colored spots. They appear on the nose and other parts of the face, back or chest. Ousting them is quite tempting but it won’t help. You can also visit a clinic or salon to remove blackheads. But there are also natural ways. You can always try home remedies to get rid of blackheads. So, it’s time to check your kitchen cabinets and look for ingredients to remove blackheads naturally.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are scientifically known as open comedones, which are a type of acne lesion that commonly appears on the skin, says Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairman, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies. It forms when a hair follicle expands and becomes clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. The reason blackheads are dark in color is because when pores are open on the surface of the skin, the clogged material is exposed to air. This causes it to oxidize and turn a dark color.
Home remedies to remove blackheads
You can try over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid, which is a powerful ingredient for removing blackheads. Otherwise, you can try these home remedies for blackheads:
1. Multani mitti and orange zest
Mix multani mitti and orange peel well, use it to gently rub the affected area. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Rub gently then wash your face with water. Multani mitti is known for its oil-absorbing properties, which makes it effective in controlling excess oil on the skin, says Dr. Kochhar. Orange peel contains vitamin C and citric acid, which can brighten skin, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
2. Baking soda with water
Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Gently massage the paste onto damp skin. While doing so, focus on the areas with blackheads. Leave the scrub on for a few minutes, then use lukewarm water to rinse your face.
3. Sugar and lemon juice
Mix a tablespoon of caster sugar with the juice of half a lemon. Mix the sugar and lemon to form a grainy paste. Massage it gently onto your skin and leave it on for five to 10 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. The sugar granules help exfoliate, while the lemon juice can help brighten the skin.
4. Papaya, milk powder, lemon juice and rice flour
Mix the papaya, milk powder, lemon juice and rice flour until you have a paste. Apply it to your face, rub gently then leave on for 5 to 10 minutes and finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Papaya contains natural enzymes like papain, which can help break down and dissolve dead skin cells and excess oil. This enzymatic action can further help eliminate blackheads, says the expert.
5. Honey and Cinnamon Scrub
Mix a tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and wait until all the ingredients mix well. Apply it to your face and rub gently then leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing your face. Although honey has natural antibacterial properties, cinnamon can help improve blood circulation to the skin.
You can also try clay masks to remove oils as well as toxins from the skin. This in turn will help unclog pores and gradually remove blackheads.
