Did you know there are ways to create your own homemade blackhead remover?
It’s true — you can get rid of those pesky black spots without going to the drugstore or the dermatologist. First, it helps to know what blackheads are. They are a form of common acne vulgaris which manifest as tiny black dots commonly on the nose but may appear other areas as well. Blackheads are notoriously hard to remove, but it is possible and you may be able to get rid of your blackheads using a simple homemade blackhead remover.
A blackhead results when a pore is partially clogged with sebum and dirt. The sebum is usually an excessive amount produced by an imbalance in the hormonal system of the body. One of the easiest homemade treatments for blackheads is steam. A steam treatment will open the pores thus creating favorable conditions for blackhead removal. Fill the bowl of your sink with very hot water, lean over it (but not too close) and place a towel over your head. Make sure you’re positioned comfortably and allow the steam to penetrate for 10 minutes. If your skin is sensitive, try five minutes, see how it feels, then decide whether or not to steam for an additional five minutes.
After your steam treatment, try an exfoliator. Exfoliation not only loosens the blackheads, it helps reveal younger, fresher skin underneath the accumulation of dead skin cells. You can make your own exfoliating treatment using sugar or salt, whichever you prefer. For an astringent kick, combine the sugar or salt with a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Add enough jojoba oil to make a thick paste. You can also use grapeseed oil. These oils do not clog the pores and can actually help cleanse them. Scrub your face in circular motions then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a cool water rinse to close the pores.
In addition to the homemade blackhead remover treatment described above, there are many store bought products that are natural as well. Origins and other organic companies sell steam mixtures of dried herbs that are tossed in the water to enhance the steaming experience. If your blackheads are of the particularly stubborn variety, you can get pore strips from the drugstore for less than $10. While these aren’t a homemade remedy they can be useful in cases where the homemade blackhead remover does not eradicate the problem.