Those small unattractive bumps that appear on the skin and stick out like a sore thumb are blackheads. You don’t have to be ashamed about them because everyone gets them. Be that as it may, the very sight of them can repulse you, and getting rid of them can seem like a never-ending journey.
This may come as a shock to you, but the most common reason that blackheads appear is because of clogged hair follicles. The common thought is that dirt resides in your pores, but the pores are actually full of sebum, an oil that the skin naturally secretes. Pores appear black or dark and while blackheads typically appear on the face, they can also appear on the back, chest, arms, shoulders, neck, and back. If you want to naturally get rid of them, you need some home remedies that do the trick. Experiment with the following and see which ones are most successful.
Baking Soda And Water
These are two items that everyone should have in their kitchen. According to dermatologists, baking soda is an excellent item to eliminate blackheads. The reason for this is because it works to neutralize any pH imbalance that may exist on the skin. Not to mention, baking soda is an excellent exfoliant, so it helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Simply mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of filtered water to form a thick paste. Gently massage the mixture on the blackheads and rinse with warm water. Be sure to moisturize after because the mixture can dry out the skin. Only use this method two to three days per week.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can seemingly do no wrong! Just remember to purchase raw apple cider vinegar with “the mother” because that is the best type to get. Containing acetic acid, apple cider vinegar works to dissolve dead skin cells and remove other oils that can clog pores. Similar to baking soda, apple cider vinegar helps to balance the skin’s pH level and works to control sebum production. Pour a little apple cider vinegar on a clean cotton ball and gently apply it to the affected areas. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat two to three times daily.
Turmeric
From the ant-cancer and antibacterial benefits to the anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal benefits, turmeric is wonderful for the body. It’s a common home remedy for acne because it helps to reduce inflammation. The important thing to remember about turmeric is that it can stain your skin, so you cannot leave it on for longer than 10 minutes. To make an effective turmeric mask, mix one tablespoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Green Tea
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can help to reduce sebum production and inflammation on the skin. This means that it can aid with the removal of blackheads. Dermatologists agree that the best thing about applying green tea on the skin is that it works to prevent future damage to the skin. Steep two green tea bags in one cup of water for one hour. When it is lukewarm, apply the liquid to affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Do this once daily.
Lemon Juice And Sea Salt
Lemon juice does wonders for the skin because it contains citric acid, which has natural astringent properties. It works to both cleanse and tighten the pores, pushing blackheads to the surface. Sea salt is an excellent exfoliant, and contains minerals that nourish the skin. Since both sea salt and lemon juice are acidic in nature, they are beneficial for oily skin. Mix one tablespoon of sea salt with 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and one teaspoon of filtered water. Apply this mixture to the affected areas and leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing with warm water. Then splash cold water on the areas to close the pores.
