Highly Effective Home Remedies for Blackheads

How to get rid of blackheads at home

Blackheads are tricky. No matter how well you take care of your skin, they just show up sometimes—usually at the worst possible time. If you’re finally ready to get rid of blackheads, these home remedies for blackheads can help. There are many types of acne and not all of them may respond well to home treatments, says Alexander Dane, DO, of Affiliated Dermatologists & Dermatologic Surgeons, PA in New Jersey. Blackheads are different. “For acne that’s primarily blackheads, there are some really good home remedies that may help decrease those clogged pores,†he says. Here are proven home remedies that can help reduce your blackheads, from natural face masks to tips on how to get rid of them on your nose.

How to treat blackheads: Baking soda and water

Baking soda is such a common kitchen item that you might not realize you can eliminate blackheads with it. Dr. Dane says baking soda helps to neutralize any pH imbalance your skin may have, as well as work as an exfoliant to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells. To use this on your blackheads, mix two tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of water together to form a paste. Massage the paste onto your face, rinse off with warm water, and then be sure to moisturize afterward. This mixture could dry your skin, so don’t use it more than two or three days a week.

How to treat blackheads: At-home exfoliation

Brown sugar, honey and lemon juice make up this exfoliation mixture that you can use on blackheads on your nose and chin. Dr. Dane recommends mixing together one tablespoon of brown sugar, two tablespoons of lemon and one tablespoon of raw honey. When it’s mixed well, apply to your face in a circular motion, massaging it in for five minutes before rinsing it off and applying moisturizer.

How to treat blackheads: Tea tree oil

Beauty experts say you can apply tea tree oil directly to the affected areas to help blackheads on your chin and nose. It works in part by killing bacteria. Tea tree oil is available in a number of products, like soaps and creams, or it’s available as an essential oil.

How to treat blackheads: Kasturi turmeric

“Turmeric can be used to help remove blackheads due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties,†Dr. Dane says. “It’s important to note that regular turmeric can stain skin, [but with] kasturi turmeric you avoid staining.†To use, take one tablespoon of kasturi turmeric and mix with one tablespoon of water or coconut oil to form a paste, apply the paste to your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Find out more