Home Remedies for Blackheads

Blackheads, also known as comedomes are caused due to the accumulation of excess oil in the hair follicles. Blackheads are a type of acne that get their appearance due to oxidation which occurs when they are exposed to air. When the oil glands beneath the skin go into over-production, the excess oil that is produced tends to collect in the skin pores. Dirt and bacteria combine with the oil to form a plug which clogs the opening of the pores.

Blackheads can develop on the skin due to many reasons. Excess oil production may be triggered by hormonal changes in the body. Stress could also cause fluctuations in the hormonal levels, which in turn stimulates the oil or sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Blackheads may be indicative of an outbreak of acne. Sebum also accumulates in the pores and allows bacteria to grow. Blackheads differ from whiteheads as they are open and exposed to oxygen in the air. This causes darkening due to the oxidation process. Whiteheads are covered by cellular material at the surface and hence are not exposed to oxygen. When bacteria are present in blackheads and whiteheads, they cause infection thereby resulting in acne.

There are several home remedies for the treatment of blackheads. One effective home remedy is to add four drops of iodine and a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a quarter cup of warm water. After it cools, apply the solution to the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball and wipe it off later with a cloth. You can also grind fresh fenugreek leaves and mix with water to make a paste. Apply to the affected skin and leave it on for fifteen minutes. Steam is also very effective in unclogging blocked pores and getting rid of blackheads. After taking steam, rub the skin with a towel to remove blackheads and dead skin, and then splash cold water on the face to close the pores again. A paste of radish seeds and water is known to be beneficial in treating blackheads. Another effective home remedy is to mix five grams each of turmeric and red sandalwood powder and mix with some milk. Apply to the affected areas and wash it off once it dries. A mixture of honey, lemon and salt may also be used as a facial scrub to remove blackheads. You can also mix equal parts of lime juice and groundnut oil and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for ten minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Consuming adequate amounts of water is essential for keeping the skin healthy and free from infection. Your diet must also consist of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods such as whole grains.