If you’re looking for a more natural remedy to treat your blackheads, I don’t blame you at all. I tend to grab those first myself as over the shelf products will more often than not aggravate my sensitive skin issues. No matter your reasons, there are many resources that will naturally treat blackheads and help aid in their removal.
The types of remedies you will find will often have different properties depending on what specifically you’re trying to treat. With blackheads, it’s not just the blackhead removal itself you have to deal with. You also might have slight inflammation, open or large pores, red irritate skin, or even scarring issues. Which treatment you choose depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, and on your natural skin type.
For Antiseptics
Antiseptic, or antibacterial, treatments will be something that helps clear the bacteria in your pores that causes some blackheads. If a treatment is antiseptic, it will help clear the complexion for you by preventing those blemish causing bacteria from forming. Something that is antibacterial has very similar properties and will help you reduce your blackheads, though in a different way. An antibacterial works by actually killing the bacteria that might be in the blackheads.
Baking Soda
Examples of this will be the baking soda masks that were mentioned previously. That is one of the reasons baking soda is a commonly used home remedy is for its antiseptic qualities that help clear out pores of the acne causing bacteria.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an example of an antibacterial, but has the added benefit of being anti-inflammatory as well. You would want to mix this one with something like honey to apply it (usually for such strong spices as this it would be 1 tsp cinnamon to 1 tablespoon honey, which you would use as you would any other mask).
Honey
Honey is another very good example of an antiseptic, it’s also used in many mask treatments (such as with the cinnamon). It is also an antibacterial, so it covers both sides. Honey is a good option for all skin types, which is always a rare thing to find. If your skin tends to dry out easily, or other treatments dry it out, honey will help your skin be more naturally moisturized without feeling oily.
For Astringents
If part of your problem is your pores, you’ll need something to help you close your pores. With blackheads, oily skin can over time cause pores to appear larger. If you’re trying to clear blackheads in a particular area, astringents can also help you not only clear the debris and oil away but will temporarily close the pores to prevent further blackheads. It’s especially helpful if you’re trying to recover from deep blackheads.
Egg White
The most basic of astringent ingredients out there is egg white. Using egg white as a mask can help tighten the pores in areas you have blackheads. If you’re trying to clear your skin, it will help prevent future problems.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a classic example of an astringent, one closer to what people think of when they hear the word. You can use it as a toner. After you wash your face, you would apply it to a cotton ball and swipe it gently over the areas causing concern. It has antibacterial properties, which means it will kill those blemish causing bacteria. It will also reduce excess oil that may be clogging up your pores, which will directly reduce blackheads. You can actually mix other beneficial ingredients in with this one to customize a treatment. An example of this would be a salicylic toner. Mint has high salicylic content, it helps remove excess dead skin cells, and reduces inflammation. So if you add 3 tablespoons of mint, 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 8 ounces mineral water you would have a ready-made toner to apply every night after you’ve cleansed your face. Remember that salicylic acid was one of the treatments often used to help clear blackheads. If you do use this one, just remember to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight bottle, because it’s only going to last you 6 days. If you have sensitive skin at all, you’ll need to wash this one off after a few hours rather than just leave it on overnight as the mint can be quite strong for some people.
Sugar Scrub
Finally, there is the sugar scrub. It’s often recommended to help scrub away that excess dead skin debris and oil built up as part of a regular skin care routine. But the sugar itself is actually a natural astringent. It not only cleans your pores, but will then help tighten them afterward. A typical scrub would include a half cup sugar, with a tablespoon each of olive oil and honey added in. The olive oil has the added benefit of helping the skin to heal from any damage there might be.
For Anti-Inflammatory
Sometimes the worse sort of blackhead are the ones that have become inflamed and red. Some remedies can help reduce the redness and swelling, but can also treat the blackhead itself. There are a few options available in this category.
Oatmeal
The most obvious one would be oatmeal. It soothes irritation, and if you use it as a scrub it can help you remove excess dead skin that might be causing those blackheads. It absorbs oil too, which is always a good thing when it comes to controlling blackheads.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an odd one, but it has very good anti-inflammatory properties. It can stain anything it touches though, so be careful how you use it. Putting it on your skin is a bit weird, and if you let it sit too long it’ll turn your skin yellow too. It has awesome benefits if you use it just right though. Normally it’s mixed 2 teaspoons at a time with either honey or even 2 tablespoons of mint juice if you can find it. It would be applies as a mask. You can leave it for 20 minutes at a time, but definitely no longer than that. Test this one on your skin first before you apply it to your entire face, as you can never be sure.
Cucumber
Cucumber is also an excellent all around ingredient for fighting blackheads. It’s a very mild one to use for all skin types. It will reduce swelling, it will help clear out clogged pores, and it’s also an astringent so it’ll close them for you too. There’s not really any one way to use this one. You can blend it into a mash and mix it with yogurt, then apply it ask a regular mask. Mixing it with honey and oatmeal after mashing is another option. Mashing and mixing it with tomato juice to use as a mask will have the added benefit of breaking down excess oil in those clogged pores.
Which is the right one?
Honestly, I don’t think there really is any one right treatment. I think it depends on your skin, and what works for you. Sometimes it’s a combination of different remedies that will work. You might find combining some, or altering which ones you use at different times works. With time, and patience, you can find one what works for you.
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