– Blackheads and whiteheads are the mildest forms of acne. They are hair follicles that have been plugged by the natural skin oil sebum. In a blackhead, the sebum is mixed with dead skin cells and oxygen. It has an open top, which is why it looks black. In a whitehead, the follicle is also plugged and has formed a pustule, but the pore is still closed.

– Poking and prodding your blackheads with your fingers may seem like a good way to get rid of them, but the truth is just the opposite. You can push the inflammation deeper into your skin and cause a much larger pustule. Anyone can develop blackheads and the causes range from hormone status to heredity, but teenagers usually have the most obvious blackheads.

1- Exfoliate

• Exfoliating is a process that removes dead skin cells by gently scrubbing the face. This can be done on a regular basis but not every day. Once a week is the recommended number of times to exfoliate. There are many manufactured face scrub products on the market, but one of the best is ordinary baking soda. You can mix it with a face wash, vinegar, coconut or olive oil or just water and make a paste that you use to scrub your face. When it is done regularly, blackheads will not be able to form.

• Another natural exfoliate is sugar. You can use it just like baking soda and it will melt away. It can also be used with half a lemon. Put a little honey on the cut side of the lemon and sprinkle a little sugar on the honey. Use the lemon to scrub gently your face.

2- Salicylic Acid

• Salicylic acid is an ingredient in many over-the-counter topical acne medications. It helps unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover. For blackheads, a salicylic acid gel is a very good remedy. A product that you leave on your skin is the best option because the active ingredient continues to work as long as it is in contact with your skin. When you use a salicylic acid product many blackheads will disappear after a few weeks. The important thing is to use it regularly. If you are pregnant, have very dry skin or are taking certain medications, you should choose another blackhead treatment.

• Retinoid products may achieve the same results. However, they may not be ideal for people who have sensitive skin. Today, there are retinoid products that may be less aggravating for sensitive skin. If the retinoid produce dries your skin, you can use it with a moisturizer.

3- Natural Masks

• Masks are a great way to remove blackheads and there are several natural recipes that work well.

• Cinnamon powder and oat flour combined in equal amounts with a little warm water to make a paste. Cover your face and rub for a minute. Wash it off with cold water. You may feel a slight tingling from the cinnamon. This remedy should be used at the most twice a month.

• Activated charcoal and green clay combined with warm water will make a paste. Use
twice as much charcoal as clay.

• Using a brush or sponge apply the mixture to your face allowing it to remain until it completely dries, then rinse it off thoroughly with cold water. If you use this mixture once or twice a week your pores should stay clean.

• Coconut oil and coffee grounds in equal parts are mixed together. Slightly heat the coconut oil and mix it with the fresh coffee grounds. Immediately use the mixture to massage gently your face in circular motions. After scrubbing your face, let it remain for five minutes, then wash it off thoroughly using cold water. This can be repeated once a week. The remaining mixture can be put into the freezer for later use.

• Oatmeal, yogurt, honey and olive oil blended in a blender. Put ¼ cup of oatmeal, with the same amount each, about two teaspoons of honey, yogurt and olive oil. Scrub your face using the mixture in a circular motion for one to two minutes then wash your face with warm water. If your skin seems to be irritated don’t scrub leave it on your skin as a facial mask for five to seven minutes. This remedy can be done once or twice a week.

´´ While blackheads are not considered severe acne, they are unsightly and irritating. With a few natural remedies that contain ingredients to remove dead skin cells and break down the clogged follicles, you can get rid of your blackheads for good ´´.

• Dear readers, take care of your face daily so that it is radiant!
• See you next time!

• Anne-Vasthi