How To Remove Blackheads At Home Naturally

Dr. Amit Guna

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Amit Guna

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

7 min read

Synopsis

Blackheads are non-inflamed blocked pores known as comedones. These are gaps in a hair follicle that gets impassable with dead skin cells, oil, and germs, and when exposed to the outside air, oxidise and turn black, giving our nose its final appearance.  

Key Takeaways

  • Dirt and oil block your pores and turn black when exposed to air, causing blackheads
  • Include a mix of Salicylic Acid cleansers, pore strips, and moderate exfoliation into skincare routine to prevent it
  • Blackheads can get removed by an aesthetician or dermatologist but should not be extracted at home to avoid infection

​What Causes Blackheads?

Pore-clogging gives rise to blackheads which form due to the skin's natural oil production, the build-up of dead skin cells, and environmental exposure to dirt and debris. Blackheads are common in the T-Zone, which comprises your forehead, nose, and chin. The skin in this area contains more oil glands than the rest of your face and body, which is why blackheads occur so frequently on your nose.

Each pore has a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland, which generates sebum, which moisturises the skin naturally. Although your skin produces this oil naturally to keep itself hydrated, too much of it might lead to a blackhead breakout.

People frequently mix up the definitions of blackheads and whiteheads, and while there is a fine line between them, their treatment might differ. Whiteheads are closed comedones, which means they have a thin layer of skin that stops them from oxidising and hence remain white, nude, or flesh-coloured rather than black. Here below, we will look at how to remove blackheads.

Additional read: Carbuncle Causes and Signshow to Remove Blackheads

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads

1. Cleaning the Face with Salicylic Acid

Look for OTC (Over-the-counter) products that include salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the main component for treating blackheads and whiteheads since it dissolves the substances that block pores.

2. Exfoliate Gently with AHAs and BHAs

For blackheads, exfoliating skin routinely can help remove extra dead skin cells that can cause clogged pores. Therefore, alpha and beta hydroxy acids should be your go-to option rather than harsh scrubs (AHAs and BHAs). The most prevalent AHA is glycolic acid, whereas salicylic acid is a well-known BHA.

They act by eliminating your skin's top layer. In theory, this can reduce the look of wrinkles and age spots while also cleaning pores and softening your skin.

BHAs are more readily accessible in the market and more economical as well.

3. Get a Skin Brush

A skin brush can give exfoliating advantages by removing dead skin cells, like AHAs and BHAs. However, dermatologists advise using skin brushes sparingly with a moderate cleaning solution and avoiding them entirely if you have sensitive skin.

4. Consider Using Topical Retinoids

Retinoids may help treat stubborn acne by unclogging pores. This technique can also aid other OTC medications to be more effective by improving their ability to penetrate the follicle.

5. Use a Clay Mask

Clay masks assist in unclogging pores by drawing oils and impurities out of the skin. As a result, clay masks are must-haves for oily skin. Another element that breaks down the dead skin cells that form blackheads is sulfur, which is present in a few clay masks.

Dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, body acne, fungus, tinea versicolor, bacteria, blackheads, whiteheads, skin blemishes, blocked pores, and oil production are all treated with this sulfur mask-based treatment.

Whichever mask you pick, you may apply it once a week in addition to your weekly or biweekly exfoliating treatment.

ways to Remove Blackheads

6. Apply a Charcoal Mask

Like clay masks, charcoal masks draw out oil and other impurities from deep into the skin.

7. Consider a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels have been highly popular for anti-ageing benefits, such as reducing age spots and fine wrinkles. In principle, the procedure should result in smoother, more refreshed-looking skin. In addition, chemical peels may be able to remove dead skin cells and decrease enlarged pores. This treatment may be beneficial if you are seeking anti-ageing advantages.

8. Make Sure that you are Applying Non-comedogenic Items

If you don't use non-comedogenic makeup and face products, even the best cleanser, mask, and exfoliator will be ineffective. Dermatologists advise beginning a blackhead removal routine with non-comedogenic solutions.

9. Do Not Sleep with your Makeup On

After a hard day, the last thing you want to do is remove your makeup. However, sleeping with makeup on invites additional blackheads. Even non-comedogenic cosmetics can clog your pores if left on overnight. Those with oily skin can try using a foamy cleanser. You can also use makeup removers to provide additional cleaning power before washing your face.

10. Avoid Pore Strips and Other Home Extraction Methods

You've earlier learned that picking, itching, and popping acne is not advised. Nonetheless, it might be tempting to remove annoying blackheads. Masks, pore strips, and extraction techniques that promise clean pores are increasingly popular these days.

11. Benzoyl Peroxide

In connection with over-the-counter (OTC) acne spot treatments, benzoyl peroxide is likely to be included in many. Benzoyl peroxide reduces inflammation and is a primary indicator of inflammatory acne, including cysts and blackheads. It can help remove underlying microorganisms from a pimple. Blackheads, on the other hand, are not considered inflammatory. They are also not caused by bacteria. As a result, treatments, including benzoyl peroxide, will be less effective in some cases.

12. Consult with your Dermatologist about Professional Extraction

Any new acne regimen, even for blackheads, might take 6 to 12 weeks to see results. Consult a dermatologist if you continue to have enlarged pores on your cheeks and subsequent blackheads. They may suggest various products or professional-grade treatments, including chemical peels and microdermabrasion, to assist you in removing those bothersome blackheads,skin tags, or other acne problems. Managing and avoiding blackheads, like other things affecting your body's natural functions, requires consistency and healthy habits.

Additional read: Razor Bumps Treatment Options 

How to Remove Blackheads at Home

Blackheads can be minimised and even eliminated using the right ingredients. Here are some ways that answer 'how to remove blackheads' naturally or 'how to remove blackheads at home.'

Baking soda

Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the concerned region. For a few minutes, gently scrub the skin with your fingertips, then rinse with water. It needs to get repeated at least twice a week.

Clay

Clay's oil-absorbing properties make it great for removing excess grease and pollutants from the skin. When applied regularly, masks composed of fuller earth and kaolin clay can help clean up the pores. It will gradually remove blackheads and smooth the skin.

Steaming

Steaming your face is an efficient approach to soften stubborn blackheads and finally do away with them. Steam causes the face to sweat, which aids in the removal of toxins from the body. It also softens the pores, making it simpler to work on and eliminating tough blackheads.

Lemon, salt, and honey

Lemon's astringent properties will reduce oil, while the grains of salt will work as a non-abrasive scrub for your skin. Honey can moisturise your skin and help keep germs at bay. Make a paste of these three ingredients and apply it to the blackheads. After five minutes, softly scrub for a minute in circular movements and wait for another five minutes. Remove with warm water. Do this thrice a week.

Egg-white mask

Egg white which is famous for its skin-tightening properties, is a good component for blackhead eradication. When applied directly onto the skin or as a mask, egg whites help shrink pores and force blackheads out. Egg whites also help improve skin texture and remove extra oil from the skin due to their high nutrient composition.

Tomato

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. [1] They have oil-absorbing and pore-shrinking properties. This remedy is advisable for people with oily skin as tomato pulp effectively clears the extra oil and grease. Cut a couple of round slices from a tomato. Rub a bit of it on your skin, especially in blackhead-infested regions. Alternatively, you can apply tomato pulp to your skin and wash it off once it dries.

Additional read: Coffee Benefits For Skin

In this article, we saw how to remove blackheads. Unfortunately, it might take time to treat and prevent blackheads. However, with the help of the right skin care program, you can help avoid them while gently cleaning the dirt out of your pores.

Bajaj Finserv Health now offers online doctor consultations to help solve any skin-related or health-related queries from the comfort of your home.

Published on 7 Nov 2022Last updated on 12 Apr 2023
  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9605204/#:~:text=Tomatoes%20and%20tomato%20products%20are,well%20as%20several%20minor%20carotenoids.

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

Dr. Amit Guna

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Amit Guna

, Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT) , MPT - Orthopedic Physiotherapy 3

Dr Amit Guna Is A Consultant Physiotherapist, Yoga Educator , Fitness Trainer, Health Psychologist. Based In Vadodara. He Has Excellent Communication And Patient Handling Skills In Neurological As Well As Orthopedic Cases.

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