How To Safely Remove Blackheads And Whiteheads At Home?

Barring a few lucky ones, most of us mortals have to deal with stubborn blackheads and whiteheads. It is a recurring war, because no matter what you do, they will find a way to slip back into your skin, and take a long vacation there. But not this time! It’s time to cut short their trip with these home remedies for blackheads and whiteheads. Let’s dive right in! 

5 steps for blackheads removal at home 

Step 1: Use a face cleanser with actives 

The best remedy for blackheads and whiteheads is actually prevention. Using a pore-clearing cleanser with sebum-balancing active, such as salicylic acid is what your skin needs. Salicylic acid balances sebum production, and hence controls the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Use it twice every day and overtime, you’ll have smoother, healthier skin. 

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Step 2: Exfoliate regularly 

Why go through painful extractions when you can let exfoliators do the job? Once or twice every week, invest your time and energy into giving your skin a pick-me-up with a pore-extracting exfoliator. This will ensure that your skin is free from dead skin cells, dirt and impurities that go in the making of a blackhead. 

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Step 3: Clay masks to the rescue 

When it comes to blackheads, leave no stones unturned to target the root of it all – pores. Using a deep cleansing mask not only smoothly removes blackheads, but also shrinks the pore size to prevent future blockage. Use it once every week to bid adieu to blackheads! 

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Step 4: Don’t skimp on toners 

Toners form a healing and protective layer on your skin while you go about your day. They seep in the deeper layers of the skin and heal damaged skin as well as regulate sebum production. 

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Step 5: Hydration is a must 

To think that having dry skin will automatically reduce blackheads and whiteheads is a rookie mistake you do not want to make. In fact, a skin that is healthy and hydrated will lead to lesser blackheads. So, whatever you do in life, do not miss out on hydration and giving your skin some love with an essence. Being lighter than serums, they penetrate the skin better, and change skin at a cellular level. 

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DIY home remedies to treat blackheads and whiteheads

1. Baking soda + lemon juice

Mix some baking soda and lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio. Apply it on areas where you have black and white heads. Once it is dry, wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry. This might be a bit drying so ensure that you are thoroughly moisturizing your skin afterwards. 

2. Egg white + honey 

Mix one egg white with a tablespoon of honey. Apply this concoction on your face, focusing more on the troubled areas. Allow it to dry and then rinse off with warm water. 

3. Face steaming

Once every week, use a face steamer to make skin sweat and clear out toxins that are clogged underneath your skin. This softens the pores and brings stubborn blackheads and whiteheads to the surface, which makes it easier to work upon. 

4. Oats + yogurt 

If your skin is sensitive, you will love this gentle mask. Mix together a spoonful of oatmeal and some yogurt. Then, massage it on your face in circular motions, paying more attention to the areas of concern. Finally, rinse it off well with lukewarm water. 

5. Tomato juice

Cut a couple of tomato slices and rub them on your face. Ensure that the tomato is juicy enough, as its juice is a natural astringent that reduces pore size as well as gives skin a subtle glow. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to prevent blackheads from coming back? 

Firstly, ensure that you’re not adding on to the problem, while trying to extract them. Incorrect extraction can leave the pores even larger than before, which will naturally attract more gunk. Keep the extractions for professionals as they can even skin tissues when not done the right way. It is also important to not over-exfoliate. It might seem that exfoliation is a good way to scrape off blackheads, but in fact, over-doing it can cause tears in the skin which damages the skin barrier and leads to more blackheads and other skin issues. 

How to get rid of blackheads completely? 

One great way to do it, is by using chemical exfoliators with salicylic acid or glycolic acid in them. They deep cleanse the skin, dissolve blackheads, as well as shrink pore size. 

What skincare routine is best to prevent blackheads? 

Use a cleanser that has an active ingredient. Salicylic acid is the most reliable here. Then use a pore-clearing toner and a hydrating serum. Follow it up with a nourishing moisturizer and use sunscreen in the AM. Follow this simple routine every day and you will see your blackheads leave for the good. 

Which clay masks are the best for reducing blackheads? 

All clay masks have detoxifying and purifying properties. But kaolin clay and bentonite clay especially, are the forerunners when it comes to reducing blackheads. They are super-effective yet gentle on the skin. Due to this fact, these clay masks are best for every skin type, including dry and sensitive, as it won’t strip the skin of its moisture. 

Inculcate this skincare routine as well these home remedies, and blackheads and whiteheads will be a thing of the past for you!