With the use of a good homemade mask, consistency and some natural ingredients, it's possible to keep blackheads at bay.

What Are Blackheads?

When dirt, sebum and oil get trapped in the pores, this produces blackheads. From the surface, blackheads look like black dots in the skin. As the oil hits the air, it oxidizes and turns black. This is why they are referred to as blackheads. If someone takes a tissue to squeeze the skin surrounding the blackhead, it will come out of the pore. The blackhead is followed by the rest of the oil that's trapped within that particular pore. Since the oil in the pore didn't oxidize yet, it appears as a translucent, slightly yellow substance. When a person develops a lot of blackheads and doesn't remove them properly, the tiny dots may become noticeable.

Remove Blackheads Naturally

Blackheads are caused when the pores get clogged. Whether it's through an internal issue or an external one, it's not difficult to experience clogged pores. As the skin produces oil to moisturize the face, the excess oil can get trapped. It's important to create a routine to maintain this extra oil. Oily skin is an internal factor, but there are also external factors that can come into play. Improper hygiene and the circulation of bacteria are some of the causes behind the emergence of blackheads.

1. Develop a Cleansing Routine

It's essential for a person to develop a cleansing routine that's customized to their skin type. An individual who has naturally oily skin will need to purchase skin care products that work for oily skin. Furthermore, someone with oily skin needs to also be sure to moisturize. Without proper moisturization, the skin will overcompensate and produce even more oil. And more oil will usually lead to more blackheads. It's also important to stay consistent with a facial regimen. Use good quality cleaners, moisturizers, toners, and face masks. One may also consider using a facial brush instead of the hands to wash the face.

2. Always Wash Linens

A person can spend around six to eight hours on one surface when sleeping. That is enough time for germs and bacteria to wreak havoc. This is one of the reasons why it's not a good idea to sleep with makeup on and why it's best to develop hygienic practices when it pertains to getting ready for bed and cleaning linens. Change the bed linens at least once a week and try to use a natural laundry detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals. Also be sure to clean washcloths or facial brushes used to wash the face and the body.

3. Avoid Touching the Face

For many people, a common temptation involves touching the face. The hands come in contact with many surfaces and germs and a lot of bacteria and dirt can get stuck between the nails. If a person uses their fingernails to squeeze out a blackhead, they'll just continue to irritate the skin. As the skin becomes more irritated, it scars and produces more skin issues. Try to avoid resting the face on the palms as that is another opportunity for germs and dirt to fester as well.

4. Watch Cell Phone Usage

This might seem surprising to some people, but a cell phone can easily be one of the culprits of blackheads. As one presses their face to the screen and talks for hours, the germs from the cellphone can manifest blackheads on the face. Plus, a phone typically hangs out in the bottom of a work bag or purse. It falls on the floor and comes in contact with all types of surfaces. To resolve this issue, consider using earbuds or headphones to talk on the phone. For those who don't have either, use the speaker to talk on the phone and protect the skin.

5. Exfoliate the Skin

Exfoliation is an important process to include in the cleansing routine. When oil, sebum and dirt collect within and on top of the skin's surface, it's easy for dead skin cells to pile up. In most cases, dead skin cells aren't obvious to the naked eye.

To avoid this build up start by steaming the skin to open up the pores. Once the pores are open, use an exfoliating scrub on the skin. It's wise to rub the scrub into the skin using the hands instead of a brush and exfoliating scrubs are coarse enough already.

6. Drink Water

In order to maintain healthy skin, keep it hydrated. The skin is the largest organ in the body. However, when a person drinks water, the skin is the last organ to receive its benefits. This is why it's important to regularly drink lots of water because water flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the skin supple.

7. Consume Healthy Foods

While it's important to eat healthy fruits and vegetables for overall health, there are a few specific food items to place on the menu for optimal skin health. As a person ages, they naturally lose collagen in the skin. Boost the collagen production by consuming vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, kale and broccoli. Whole grains, sunflower seeds and almonds are excellent providers of elasticity for the skin. It's also best to consume foods that are rich in omega 3-fatty acids such as sardines, salmon and mackerel. Those who don't eat fish can get the same nutrients from chia seeds, walnuts and flaxseeds.

8. Use Topical Treatments

Blackhead removal might feel like a big job for someone with very oily skin. However, it is important to recognize the power of topical treatments. There are gentle topical treatments that use natural ingredients like essential oils and lactic acid. Even high-end spas use natural acids like citric acid in their chemical peels, microdermabrasion treatments and more.

Homemade Masks and Other Natural Treatments to Try

When a person is working on getting rid of blackheads, it's a good idea to try a few natural methods on a consistent basis. Because there are so many powerful natural ingredients a person can use, there is a wide variety of homemade masks a person can customize.

1. Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is a gentle yet powerful option to try. It does an excellent job of absorbing the oil from the skin. It gently pulls out the sebum and is a great option to try before bedtime. Many brands sell bentonite clay in powder form. It's up to the individual to decide how much liquid they'd like to use, but it's best to avoid using too much or it won't be as effective. Based on a person's skin type, they'll want to choose the right liquid. Those with oily skin can replace water with green tea and combine the clay for a custom treatment. People who struggle with discoloration might want to try tomato juice with their bentonite clay mixture.

2. Honey

Honey is also a known remedy for blackheads. For the best results, always use raw honey. Consider combining a tablespoon of raw organic honey with a teaspoon of rolled oats. Oats can work well to exfoliate the skin. Rub the mixture into the skin and leave it on for 20 minutes. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the mixture as it can get very sticky. If a person needs to use a steamer to loosen some of the honey, that will also allow the pores to absorb more of the restorative properties of this mask. A toner like witch hazel or apple cider vinegar can serve as a remover for the honey as well.

3. Turmeric and Honey Gel

Turmeric is one of the spices that's known to be great for inflammation and other skin issues. Those struggling with dry skin, rosacea and dark spots will also want to try turmeric. Prepare the skin by thoroughly washing it with warm water. Combine a tablespoon of honey with a half teaspoon of turmeric. It's important to note that turmeric is very pigmented and can leave a subtle stain. In order to prevent staining, add a few drops of milk to the mask. The milk will help absorb the pigment. Leave the mask on for a few minutes and do this practice a few nights each week.

4. Cumin Face Scrub

When most people think of cumin, they think of well-seasoned Mexican or Indian food. In this case, cumin also serves as an excellent exfoliant to prevent blackheads. To make an amazing cumin face scrub, follow this recipe.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine the ingredients.
  2. Thoroughly wash the face and leave it damp after washing.
  3. Gently rub the mixture into slightly damp skin.
  4. Rinse the scrub off with warm water.

Not only will it slough off dead skin cells and work to minimize the pores, but it will also do a thorough job of keeping the skin squeaky clean.