DIY: Natural Blackhead Remover

Pesky blackheads got you down? You’re not alone. About 90% of people experience some form of acne problem in their life. After acne, a blackhead is another skin condition that many individuals across the globe report. Blackhead is basically a type of comedo that occurs due to clogged hair follicles. These small bumps, called blackheads, usually occur around nose and over nose. But, sometimes, they can also be observed on back, chest, neck, arms, etc.

How Are Blackheads Caused?

There are numerous hair follicle openings present in the skin. Blackheads occur when these openings get clogged. A single hair follicle contains single hair and a sebaceous gland (the oil-producing gland that secretes sebum that keeps your skin soft). Dead skin cells, along with the oil, get accumulate in the follicle and block it. This results in the formation of a bump which is known as comedones. If the skin on the bump remains closed, it is termed a whitehead, and if the skin is opened and comes in contact with air, it becomes black, and the bump is called a blackhead.

Because the skin on your face comes in contact with dirt from the environment most often, this is the area of your skin where you are likely to find most blackheads. However, other locations of your body, including your chest, neck, and back, can also be where blackheads pop up. 

Factors responsible for developing a blackhead:

  • Production of too much sebum
  • Acne buildup on the skin
  • Improper shedding of dead skin cells
  • Certain drugs, such as androgens, corticosteroids, lithium, etc.

How do you prevent blackheads? 

Though blackheads are an absolute nuance, there are many things that you can do to prevent them. These preventative measures are a mixture of lifestyle changes to your skin regimen and applying facial scrubs and moisturizers properly

In today’s article, we will review some helpful tips that allow you to remove your blackheads right at home. Better yet, our tips will also allow you to keep them from coming back too. 

Common Blackhead Removal Practices

Blackhead removal is a common concern for many people. Modern technology recommends light therapy for any acne. But here are some methods for removing blackheads from different areas, such as the nose and ears:

Nose Blackhead Removal:

a. Facial Cleansing: Start by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This helps to unclog the pores and prepare the skin for blackhead removal.

b. Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing ingredients like salicylic acid to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

c. Steam: Apply warm steam to your face for 5-10 minutes to help open up the pores. You can do this by leaning over a bowl of hot water or using a facial steamer.

d. Blackhead Extraction: Gently apply pressure around the blackhead using clean fingers or a blackhead extractor tool. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or irritate the skin. If needed, seek professional extraction from a dermatologist or esthetician.

e. Follow-up Care: After removing blackheads, apply a toner containing salicylic acid to cleanse the pores further and help prevent future blackheads. Follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Ear Blackhead Removal:

a. Soften the Skin: Before attempting to remove ear blackheads, soften the skin by applying a warm compress or taking a warm shower. This helps to loosen the pores and make extraction easier.

b. Use a Blackhead Extractor Tool: Press the looped end of a blackhead extractor tool around the blackhead to apply even pressure and extract it. Ensure the tool is clean and sanitized before use.

c. Seek Professional Help: If you cannot remove ear blackheads safely or are deep or stubborn, it is best to consult a dermatologist or an esthetician who can provide professional extraction.

Remember to always be gentle during blackhead removal to avoid skin irritation or scarring. It’s also essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine to prevent the formation of new blackheads. If you have persistent or severe blackheads, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a skincare professional.

How to Make Your Blackhead Remover

Our first tip for helping you deal with blackheads is to exfoliate the affected areas often.You can follow the below and include that scrub in your daily skin regimen, and you will be one step closer to clean and clear skin. Though we currently share only one scrub with you, there are many acne-related scrubs you can easily make at home. The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking soda
How to prepare?

Mix all the ingredients and apply over the problematic areas massaging gently in a circular motion for a minute. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

If you are not using a daily cleanser for your face, then you want to adopt this method and try it out at least two to three times a day. Once you clean your face with our DIY blackhead remover, you can move on to the next step: closing up your pores to stay nice and clean. 

To close up your pores, you only need a toner to help tighten up your skin. You can do this one of two ways. Rinse your face with cold water, and then pat your face dry before you go to bed. Another option is to use an astringent. A natural astringent like witch hazel can work wonders. Simply use a cotton ball with a couple of drops of witch hazel and pat it on your face. 

The best time to do this would be right before bed. This will leave your skin looking and feeling smooth and precise the following day

Scrubs To Eliminate Blackheads

Many homemade scrubs and exfoliators include sugar, salt, cinnamon ground, oatmeal, turmeric, and green or bentonite clay.

These are all great products that help us exfoliate our skin naturally. Though if we want to be very effective, tomatoes, cucumbers and honey are always the best solution. They contain a particular chemical that will eliminate dead skin and gently eliminate live cells. This is essential to eliminate all the acne-related bacteria on our skin.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Blackheads

Sweat causes blackheads

Many people who suffer from frequent acne notice outbreaks after significant sweating. If this sounds like you, it could result from sweat trapping oils and dirt in the pores. After exercise or other activities that make you sweat, wash the affected areas and gently prevent a blackhead breakout. One of the best ways to ensure blackheads stay at bay is by jumping into the shower immediately after a workout. If you are sweating for extended periods outside, make it a point to come inside, wipe off, and clean your face with water until you can get into the shower.

Smoking acne and other skin problems

A study in the British Journal of Dermatology found a strong connection between the number of cigarettes a person smokes daily and the severity of that person’s acne. If you are a smoker, your habit could be causing body, face, and nose acne. The relationship between smoking and your skin’s appearance should not surprise you. When you smoke, harmful chemicals can enter your body, and of course, you will need to find a way out eventually. The most practical way your body gets rid of toxins is through the sweat that escapes from your pores. This, in addition to the smoke that you exhale, can result in an oily and dirty face that will eventually give way to blackheads.

Other preventative measures
  • Wash your face two times a day with a gentle oil-control cleanser or an acne cleanser.
  • Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks.
  • Use oil-free make-up, foundation, lotion and facial cleanser.
  • Remove make-up before going to bed.
  • Decrease intake of oily foods, such as chocolates, fried foods, and junk food.
  • Include beta-carotene-containing food in your diet.
  • Don’t squeeze blackheads, as it may cause scars.

We recommend implementing the following routine into your life to prevent them as much as possible:

  • Cleanse your face twice daily – in the morning and before bed. When you cleanse your face, you do not need to rely on harsh chemicals found in many daily cleansers. Mild soap and water let you get the day’s grime off your face. When you clean your face, be sure to use warm water, as this will help to open up your pores and soften up the grime inside your pores. Use cold water to rinse to lock your pores back up once you are done.
  • Use oil-free products because oily products can contribute to the build-up of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
  • Exfoliate your face at least once or twice weekly for effective and desired results. One of the best times to exfoliate your face is in the shower. When you take a warm bath or shower, your pores are open, and it will be easier to clean them. Rub an exfoliating brush in circular motions around your face. Do not be too harsh or aggressive in your scrubbing, and do not stay in one area for too long.

Final thoughts on a natural blackhead remover

Dealing with blackheads is all too common for people of all ages. Because of their changing hormones, teens and young adults may be more susceptible to blackheads. While blackheads are certainly a pesky annoyance, there is some good news. With our natural at-home blackhead remover, you can get closer to clean and clear skin!