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If you aren’t familiar with blackheads, consider yourself lucky. But for us mere mortals out there, the war against blackheads is constant and without any permanent solution in sight. Well, lucky for you, that’s going to change really soon. But first, let’s talk about what causes these pesky dots to appear on your face.
What are Blackheads and Why Do You Get Them?
Simply put, think of blackheads as a form of acne. We all experience clogged pores owing to a combination of dead skin cells, excess oil and bacteria. The real (black) magic happens when this debris gets pushed onto the skin’s surface, gets oxidised when it comes in contact with air and rapidly turns black. That’s also why our nose, the oiliest part of our body, observes the maximum presence of blackheads. So if you have oily or combination skin, you are more prone to blackheads than the rest of the skin types.
Top Home Remedies to Remove Blackheads
At-home blackhead treatments are some of the easiest, most efficient and economical ways to tackle the problem. Plus, since the DIYS are concocted with natural ingredients, these get the job done without having any pain or negative effects on your skin.
1. Baking Soda
Benefits:
In addition to possessing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it’s also helpful for exfoliating dead skin cells and extra sebum.
How To Use:
Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda with 2 tbsp of water to form a smooth paste. Apply this on the concerned areas and keep it on for 15–20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
Frequency Of Use:
You can use this every day for the best results.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Egg And Honey Mask
Benefits:
Egg white helps in tightening pores and hair follicles that produce sebum, and subsequently in removing blackheads. Honey nourishes and hydrates skin.
How To Use:
Blackhead removal at home can be made easy with this one. Mix one egg white with 1 tbsp of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Frequency Of Use:
Once or twice a week.
Nykaa Recommends:
3. Cinnamon Powder And Lemon Juice
Benefits:
Cinnamon powder helps tighten pores and improve blood circulation. Lemon on the other hand, has antibacterial properties that aid in fighting blackheads, acne as well as whiteheads.
How To Use:
Mix 2 tbsp of cinnamon powder with 2 tbsp of lemon juice to make a smooth paste. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Frequency Of Use:
Three or four times a week
Nykaa Recommends:
4. Green Tea
Benefits:
Green Tea is rich in antioxidants that keep excess oil at bay, remove impurities, reduce inflammation, and help clear blackheads.
How To Use:
Mix a tbsp of dry green leaves with water to make a smooth paste. Apply this on the affected areas for 15–20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Frequency Of Use:
Once or twice every week
Nykaa Recommends:
5. Turmeric And Coconut Oil
Benefits:
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Coconut Oil soothes and hydrates skin; a match made in heaven.
How To Use:
This is one of the best home remedies for blackheads out there. Mix one tsp of turmeric with coconut oil to form a smooth paste. Dab the paste on the concerned areas and let it work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Frequency Of Use:
Three or four times in a week
Nykaa Recommends:
6. Brown Sugar & Shea Butter
Benefits:
Brown sugar has fine particles that act as a gentle scrub to remove blackheads, dead cells, dirt, and impurities, while shea butter will hydrate the skin.
How To Use:
Combine a teaspoon of brown sugar with shea butter – start with small amounts of shea butter until you have a scrub-like texture. Gently massage it on the skin for 5 minutes, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then wipe away with a damp towel.
Frequency Of Use:
Once or twice a week
Nykaa Recommends:
7. Yoghurt and Oatmeal
Benefits:
Rich in lactic acid, yoghurt helps deeply cleanse the skin, while oatmeal has exfoliating properties that help you achieve a silky smooth feel.
How To Use:
Soak the oatmeal in yoghurt until soft and add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your face and neck and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and dab the skin dry.
Frequency Of Use:
Once or twice a week.
Nykaa Recommends:
8. Cucumber & Gelatin
Benefits:
Cucumber has cooling properties to calm inflammation and hydrate the skin. Gelatin is known to improve skin elasticity and remove dead skin cells.
How To Use:
Juice a cucumber and mix 2 tablespoons with 2 teaspoons of gelatin powder. Gently apply it to the skin and let it dry completely. You can simply peel off the mask once with dries and wash away any residue with cold water.
Frequency Of Use:
Once a week.
Nykaa Recommends:
How To Remove Blackheads With Dermatologist-Recommended Products
So now that you know how to remove blackheads at home, let’s move on to more severe and persistent cases of blackheads that might require some extra nudge. Here are some top blackhead treatments and products to look out for while waging the war against blackheads.
1. Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid for blackheads is one of the most foolproof treatments out there. This is owing to the presence of AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids) and BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy-Acids) that remove excess oil, exfoliate, and chemically disintegrate the top layer of the skin, thereby unblocking the pores. The best way to use these for blackhead treatment? Scrubs such as Neutrogena Deepclean Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub With Salicylic Acid pack a double punch of physical as well as chemical exfoliation. However, it’s best to use scrubs only three times per week for oily and combination skin and just once per week for sensitive and dry skin. Alternatively, you can also use cleansers such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser, which are much gentler on your skin. Follow this up with potent serums such as the Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Green Tea Seed Serum that help in blackhead clearing and also prevent spotting and pigmentation.
2. Chemical Peel
If you are looking for an efficient blackhead removal treatment, then chemical peels are your best bet. Employing powerful exfoliating and emollient acids such as alpha & beta hydroxy acids, and lactic, glycolic or salicylic Acid, they slough dead cells, eliminate blackheads, and improve fine lines, acne and discolouration amongst other things. However, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to tailor the peel to your skin concern. You can also opt for at-home peels such as The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Derma Co 30% Aha + 2% Bha Peeling Solution, which can also be used for blackhead clearing.
3. Charcoal And Clay Masks
Charcoal for blackheads? Yes, please! Charcoal and clay masks are must-haves for oily and acne-prone skin – all thanks to their innate ability to draw out oil, dead skin and other trapped impurities. Try Charcoal Mask Peel Off Face Mask Cream Blackhead Remover, which deeply penetrates into the skin and breaks down toxic deposits. For best results, use this once a week.
4. Facial Cleansing Brush
Electronic skin care devices are surely worth the hype as a blackhead removal treatment. We recommend the Bronson Professional 5 In 1 Body And Face Compact Beauty Care Massage And Exfoliation Tool that gently removes dead skin cells, as well as unclogs pores of 99.5% of dirt and oil, and 98.5% of makeup residue. We say hell yeah!
5. Retinoid Creams
One of the best medicines for blackheads is a potent retinol formula. This is also recommended for more stubborn cases of blackheads that refuse to go away. How? Well, for starters, retinoids can help unclog pores as well as speed up the skin regeneration process. A study by Science Direct explains how topical application of retinoids improves cell differentiation and increases follicular epithelial turnover. We suggest starting off by opting for a low dose of retinol, such as the Nykaa SKINRX 2% Advanced Retinol Anti-Aging Night Face Serum For Wrinkles & Fine Lines, which is ideal for use on skin that has not built tolerance to retinol products.
6. Extraction Facial
If you are on the lookout for an effective blackhead removal treatment, then a blackhead extraction facial might just be what the dermatologist ordered. The procedure entails facial steaming, a double cleanse, followed by the application of glycolic peel (to unclog pores) such as Recode Glycolic Acid 5% Toner and then extracting blackheads with a special blackhead tool. Once this is done, a soothing serum is applied to calm and hydrate the skin. However, it’s best to avoid extraction procedures at home since they can lead to scarring and infections if not done properly.
DIY Remedies To Prevent Blackheads on Nose
Wash Your Face Twice A Day
Face washing is crucial in blackhead prevention; most of the oil formation occurs at the nose. An early gentle run in the morning takes away the buildup of overnight deposits, while a night wash cleans away pollution, sweat, and excessive sebum. A mild cleanser should always be used; one needs no scrubs, just use it gently and consistently.
Using Pore Strips
While not an actual cure, it is definitely an enjoyable temporary solution. They stick onto blackheads on the nose and rip them away. Use infrequently, about once a week, since excessive use may cause irritation. Try ones infused with charcoal or tea tree oil for an extra cleansing boost.
Use Oil-Free Sunscreen
Oil-based formulas will clog pores when you're prone to blackheads. Choose a nice, light, oil-free sunblock that will allow your skin to breathe. Gel-based or mattifying options offer a layer of protection without causing breakouts.
Exfoliate Your Face
Regular exfoliation is good for the removal of dead cells that lodge in the pores and culminate in blackheads. Really nice chemical exfoliants—like ones with lactic or glycolic acid- gentle against the skin- are what you should opt for instead of abrasive scrubs that can lead to microtears. Just twice a week is enough; more than that will just damage your skin barrier.
Using Clay Mask
This serves to eliminate impurities once a week. With bentonite and kaolin being the most ably suited to drawing out oil and tightening pores, your clay can be just about anything, really. Apply a thin layer, leave on for about 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. It is a luxury worth having.
Apply Salicylic Acid Serum
This BHA is the magic wand that fights blackheads. Salicylic acid works in the pores, breaking down the crud that leads to clogging. Apply a serum concentration of 1 or 2% after cleansing. Fully absorb it by the skin before applying any other product. The outcome is a simple and quick refined nose.
Conclusion
Blackheads are essentially a sign of clogged pores and indicate that your skin needs exfoliation and a deep cleanse. There are several natural ingredients that you can use to manage, reduce, and eventually eliminate the appearance of blackheads. While exfoliating is key, it is essential to ensure that you are not going overboard, as it may irritate the skin and lead to more issues. Similarly, metal blackhead removers and the constant use of scrubs can cause redness. Using masks and products once or twice a week will be ideal to manage your blackheads.
FAQs on How To Remove Blackheads At Home
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Can you steam out blackheads?
Steaming is an effective technique for removing blackheads at home as it helps open up the pores and makes the process easier. Follow these steps to remove blackheads at home by steaming:
- Step 1: Take a vessel and fill it up with water.
- Step 2: Place it on a stove and bring it to a boil.
- Step 3: Keep it aside for a couple of minutes and let it cool.
- Step 4: Keep the bowl on a steady surface and place your face 6 inches away from it.
- Step 5: Take a towel and drape it over your head in a way that the steam does not escape.
- Step 6: Stay like this for 5 minutes. If you feel too hot, take the towel off.
- Step 7: Use a blackhead extractor to remove blackheads.
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How can I remove blackheads from my nose at home?
You can use the following products to remove blackheads from your nose at home:
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Do blackheads leave holes?
Blackheads themselves don’t leave holes, but the appearance of enlarged pores can persist once the blackhead is removed. What may look like a “hole” is actually an open pore that was stretched by a buildup of oil and debris. With consistent skincare, especially ingredients like niacinamide and retinoids pores can appear more refined over time. Avoid forceful extraction, as aggressive squeezing can cause trauma to the skin, potentially leading to scarring or permanently enlarged pores.
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Can diet influence the formation of blackheads?
Diet can play a role in the formation of blackheads for some individuals. High-glycaemic foods like white bread, sugary snacks, and fizzy drinks can spike insulin levels, which may increase oil production and contribute to clogged pores. Dairy, particularly skim milk, has also been linked to acne in certain cases. While everyone's skin responds differently, adopting a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can support clearer skin from within.
