Introduction
Acne is not just about red or pink spots. Blackheads, a common form of acne, are pesky dark-colored spots that can appear on the nose, face, back, or chest. While it may be tempting to squeeze them out, this won’t help. Instead of going to a clinic or salon, you can try natural home remedies to get rid of blackheads. Check your kitchen cabinets for ingredients that can help remove blackheads naturally.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, scientifically known as open comedones, are a type of acne lesion that commonly appears on the skin. Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar group of companies, explains that blackheads form when a hair follicle gets dilated and becomes clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. The dark color of blackheads is due to the exposure of the clogged material to air, causing it to oxidize and turn dark in color. Blackheads often appear on the nose, chest, and back.
Home Remedies to Remove Blackheads
You can try over-the-counter products with salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient for removing blackheads. Alternatively, you can use these home remedies:
1. Multani mitti and orange peel
Mix multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) and orange peel to create a scrub. Gently scrub the affected area and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse your face with water. Multani mitti absorbs excess oil, making it effective in controlling oil on the skin. Orange peel contains vitamin C and citric acid, which can brighten the skin, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
2. Baking soda with water
Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Gently massage the paste onto damp skin, focusing on areas with blackheads. Leave the scrub on for a few minutes, then rinse your face with warm water.
3. Sugar and lemon juice
Mix one tablespoon of granulated sugar with the juice of half a lemon. Combine them to form a gritty paste. Gently massage it onto your skin and leave it on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. The sugar granules help exfoliate the skin, while the lemon juice may help brighten it.
4. Papaya, milk powder, lemon juice, and rice flour
Mix papaya, milk powder, lemon juice, and rice flour to form a paste. Apply it to your face, gently scrub, and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. 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, aiding in clearing out blackheads.
5. Honey and cinnamon scrub
Mix one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder until well combined. Apply this mixture to your face, gently scrub, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. Honey has natural antibacterial properties, while cinnamon may improve blood circulation to the skin.
Additionally, using clay masks can draw out oils and toxins from the skin, helping unclog pores and gradually remove blackheads.
