Honey and Cinnamon: Mix honey and cinnamon to form a paste, then apply it to your nose. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing. Honey has antibacterial properties, while cinnamon helps improve circulation and may assist in removing blackheads.
Blackheads are small bumps that appear due to pores becoming clogged with oil and dead skin but cinnamon and honey can help in combating this because of anti-bacterial qualities, says an expert.
Use Products With Salicylic Acid
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant.
There are two ways to safely and instantly remove blackheads: pore strips or professional extractions. Using a cleanser with Salicylic Acid is a slower but still effective way to get rid of blackheads by gently exfoliating the surface of the skin.
Salicylic acid
It breaks down dead skin cells and extra oil before they can clog your pores. When you go to the pharmacy, check the ingredient labels carefully. You'll find products with salicylic acid that range in strength from 0.5% to 5%. The acid can be harsh on some people's skin.
To extract blackheads, you need to properly squeeze the skin with your fingers or use a tool to remove material that's clogging a pore. A professional esthetician can remove blemishes, including blackheads, during a facial treatment, or you can do it yourself at home. Be sure to also follow proper steps for aftercare.
Applying toothpaste on blackheads: Yes, there's an idea circulating the web that you can use toothpaste to extract your nose blackheads. Don't buy it! Toothpaste can cause dryness and irritation, causing more skincare troubles than it's worth.
Slugging, or slathering your face with Vaseline, isn't a great way to treat acne. In fact, it can make acne worse for some individuals. You can use Vaseline as a remedy for other skin problems like skin injuries, chafing, or dry skin.
Removing them can make the pore more prominent and appear like a tiny hole. However, the hole would exist even before the blackhead.
A significant cinnamon benefit for skin is its ability to lighten scars and dark spots. Regular use can fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation, helping you achieve an even skin tone. Cinnamon boosts collagen production, aiding in the repair and regeneration of damaged skin.
Turmeric & Honey Mask
When combined with honey, it creates a potent mask that not only combats blackheads but also brightens and rejuvenates the skin. Mix a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric powder to form a paste, apply it to your face, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
How long should I keep cinnamon on my face? You can keep it for either 15-20 minutes or overnight.
To help blackheads disappear by morning, Dr. Bank recommends a two step process: Use a pore strip first and follow by applying a salicylic acid gel before bed. If you have blackheads on your cheeks, be gentle.
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels are also an effective treatment for blackheads. A superficial chemical peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This solution will cause the top layer of skin to peel off, taking the blackheads with it.
When constantly battling blackheads, online blogs may tell you that hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to treating acne, but this is wrong. This common household item exacerbates irritation and worsens acne scars.
Making a paste with lemon juice and baking soda is quite effective for nixing blackheads. Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply the paste to the blackheads area and allow it to dry completely. Once it's dry, rinse it away with warm water.
Key Takeaways. Blackheads result from clogged pores, often due to factors like hormones, hygiene, and dead skin cell buildup. At times, your skin naturally exfoliates to deal with blackheads, but untreated ones may transform into pimples.
The best blackhead products, at a glance:
Best Exfoliator: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $35. Best Drugstore: La Roche Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum, $40. Best Mask: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, $52.