Are blackheads the bane of your life and make your skin look and feel unattractive?These pesky little things can make even the most flawless skin look dull and unappealing and the biggest problem with blackheads is that they refuse to leave the pores of the skin unless you try speicifc targeted methods suited for blackhead removal. Even the most expensive of skincare products do not remove blackheads as effectively as some home remedies or masks that address this specific skin concern.
Talking about homemade blackhead removal masks, it is first important to understand more about blackheads and what actually causes these blackheads to form on the skin. Let us elaborate more about blackheads below:
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are dark spots on the skin that are caused as a result of dirt, dead skin cells and oil being trapped in the pores of the skin. Open pores constitute blackheads and closed pores trapped with dirt and oil are called whiteheads. The dark colour of the blackheads is because of the oxidized melanin that gets deposited in the pores and not dirt so it is a myth that the trapped dirt gives a dark appearance to the blackheads.
Blackheads are mostly formed on the face and the neck but they are also common in the chest and back area. On the face, the area around the nose and the cheeks is more susceptible to these lesions.
The basic principle behind the formation of the blackhead lies in one of its causes. Blackheads are formed when the skin produces excess sebum and this sebum is trapped in the pores of the skin along with dirt. These plugged pores have dead skin cells that produce melanin that then reacts which the oxygen in the atmosphere and turn black.
The main causes of blackheads are:
- Age as more sebum is produced during puberty due to excess hormone production.
- Excessive sweating and high humidity.
- Usage of birth control pills that contain synthetic hormones.
- Stress and hormonal disorders like PCOD
- Excessive use of heavy cosmetic products that can clog the pores.
- Some medications that affect the skin and accelerate the cell renewal process.
Blackheads are not caused by poor hygiene as they are created by the skin cells and not dirt. They are also not painful and are not infected as in the case of pimples.
Now that we have discussed what blackheads are and their main causes, it is time to understand how to treat this lesions so that your skin looks healthy and radiant. Before moving to the section of best homemade masks for blackhead removal, here are some tips and cautions to treat blackheads at home:
- Do not try to squeeze the blackheads or use a metal blackhead remover which can harm the skin and cause permanent damage to the pores.
- Address the underlying cause of the blackheads like stress, hormonal condition, medications, or products that are causing them.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing to remove the blackheads as this can make the skin more sensitive and can cause breakouts.
- Use cosmetic and skincare products that are water-based and non-comedogenic in nature as oil-based products can clog the pores further.
- Go for natural ingredients in skincare products as chemicals and artificial fragrances can irritate the skin and cause more sebum production.
- Reduce intake of oily and fat-rich food and concentrate on eating a healthy diet which helps in overall improvement in skin condition.
- Exercise regularly as exercise balances the hormones and reduces stress which in turn reduces the outbreak of blackheads.
- Do not use alcohol-based skincare products as they dry out the skin and trigger more sebum production.
After discussing all that you need to know about blackheads and how to avoid them, here are the ten best homemade blackhead removal masks:
Honey & Milk Mask:
Raw honey is a powerful antibacterial ingredient and milk is rich in calcium and antioxidants that repair the skin. Milk also gently exfoliates the skin and cleans the pores without making them more sensitive. Honey also removes dirt and sebum from the pores so it is great for getting rid of blackheads. It has antiseptic properties that prevent further skin infections from open pores.
How to make it: Mix one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of raw milk in a clean container and mix them with a spatula to make a paste.
How to use it: apply the paste on the area of the face that is prone to blackheads and wait for 10-20 minutes to let the paste work on the skin as it hardens. Peel off the mask slowly and then use a toner to close the pores before using a moisturizer. Alternatively, you can also dip a cotton ball in the paste and then apply the paste over the affected area.
Egg white & Lemon Mask:
Egg white helps to tighten and shrink pores and is a great anti-aging ingredient so it is an obvious choice when it comes to making homemade blackhead removal masks. Lemon is used worldwide in many skincare products as it is rich in vitamin C and skin lightening agents that help to fade the dark spots. It is also boosts collagen production which helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.
How to make it: Mix one egg white with one spoon of lemon or lime juice and make a paste. Dip a thin tissue paper in the paste.
How to use it: Stick the tissue paper like a strip on the nose. Apply some more paste on the tissue paper to make it absorb more paste. Peel off the tissue slowly when it dries and hardens to get a clean and smooth nose without blackheads.
Clay mask:
Bentonite clay has been used in skincare since centuries since it is a great exfoliator and absorbs all the dirt and oil from the pores. It also pulls out the excess sebum from the pores and unclogs them to remove blackheads. It is an amazing ingredient for acne-prone skin and is suitable for all skin types except very dry skin. It is a very simple mask to make but is very useful for removing blackheads. Do not use it more than once a week as it can dry the skin otherwise.
How to make it: Mix one spoon of bentonite clay with a few spoons of water to make a smooth paste. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil in the paste.
How to use it: Apply the paste all over the face and a little extra on the area where you are more prone to blackheads. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then use a soft cotton wipe or cotton balls to remove the paste. Wash the face with cold water after removing the mask to close the pores.
Oatmeal & Yogurt Mask:
Oatmeal has soothing properties and yogurt is rich in lactic acid that cleanses the skin thoroughly. Oatmeal also acts as a gentle exfoliator for the dead skin cells and helps to remove the plugged blackheads from the pores. This mask is suitable for all skin types and works well for sensitive skin as well since it has a soothing texture.
How to make it: Soften the oatmeal by adding it to the yogurt and letting it sit for 10-12 minutes. Mix the mask well before application. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to this paste for its lightening and brightening properties.
How to use it: Take the mask out of the container with the help of a clean spatula and apply it on the affected area on the face and the neck. Wash it with cold water after 15-20 minutes and use this mask twice a week for getting all the benefits.
Geen Tea & Gelatin Mask:
Green tea is a storehouse of antioxidants and improves the blood circulation in the skin by improving its elasticity. Gelatin is rich in proteins that heal the skin and help in skin tightening. This mask is good for oily skin and is a good peel-off mask to try for blackheads. You can use gelatine sheets for this mask also instead of using the gelatine powder.
How to make it: Mix the gelatine powder in one-third cup of hot water and set it sit for 2-3 minutes before mixing the green tea water to it. You can add cucumber juice also to this mask for its cooling nature.
How to use it: Mix all the ingredients well and apply the mask to the face and the neck for 15-20 minutes. Peel it off slowly once it dries and then wash your face with clean water before applying a hydrating moisturizer.
Gram Flour + Turmeric Mask:
A go-to remedy for all skincare concerns for many centuries, this magical mask is the answer to all your basic skincare issues. It treats dullness, blackheads, uneven skin, and acne in a single go and has multiple other benefits too. Gram flour is an excellent exfoliant for the skin and helps to control excess sebum formation in the skin. It also contains zinc that helps to fight acne breakouts. Turmeric is a known healing ingredient that has antiseptic properties. It also reduces dullness and patchiness of the skin and reveals a lighter and brighter skin.
How to make it: Mix one tablespoon of gram flour with ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. You can bind them using water or yogurt for added benefits and make a paste. Make sure than the gram flour that you use is milled roughly so that it does not lose its exfoliating properties.
How to use it: Take a facial brush and apply this smooth paste on the face targeting areas that have most blackheads. Let it dry and then wash it with clean warm water. Use this mask once a week for seeing significant results.
Lemon & baking Soda Mask:
Baking soda is not only a great additive in baking but can also be a part of your skincare routine as it is good for exfoliation and neutralizing the pH of your skin. Lemon is a powerhouse of vitamin C and it good for fading dark spots and acne marks. Honey is a common addition to this mask as it has hydrating and brightening properties. Do not use this mask if you have a very sensitive skin.
How to make it: Mix lemon juice with baking soda and add honey to it if you wish to so that it resembles a smooth paste. Baking soda is effervescent so it might bubble a little on addition of lemon juice.
How to use it: Apply the baking soda and lemon mixture to your T-zone and leave it for 10-12 minutes. You might feel a tingling sensation initially. Do not use this mask very often as baking soda is a harsh exfoliant and can harm the skin if kept for longer than 15 minutes.
Aloe Vera & Honey Mask:
Aloe vera is one of the favourite ingredients of skincare lovers as this plant gel is very hydrating and repairs the skin in the long run. Honey has been used for centuries for improving skin quality so it is a great additive for this mask. This is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
How to make it: You can use fresh aloe vera gel or buy it from the store to make this mask. Use raw honey and add it to the aloe vera gel to make the mask. It might not mix properly but the benefits remain the same. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, take a leaf out and scrap the insides of the leaf to get fresh organic aloe vera gel instantly for your mask.
How to use it: Use a face mask brush to apply this mask on the skin and make a thick layer of mask to get more hydration and benefits. Wash it off with warm water after 20 minutes to get a relaxed and nourished skin without blackheads.
Cinnamon & Yogurt Mask:
Cinnamon is an uncommon ingredient when it comes to skincare but it has a lot of antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help you clear up your skin. It also improves the blood circulation in the skin that reduces pore clogging. Acne breakouts are reduced considerably if you use this mask regularly. Yogurt acts as a base in this mask but its calcium and lactic acid help to lighten and tighten the skin.
How to make it: Use ground cinnamon powder for this mask and add it to cooled yogurt. Add honey if available for added benefits.
How to use it: Apply a thin layer of this mask on the area around the nose and wash it once it dries. This mask also might give a mild tingling sensation initially because of the cinnamon content but it will fade quickly.
Sandalwood, Turmeric & Milk Mask:
Sandalwood has a very cooling nature and helps to gently exfoliate the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It also has antibacterial properties so it reduces acne breakouts caused by bacteria. Milk is rich in lactic acid that has a light bleaching effect and turmeric is a well-known skin lightening agent. Regular use of this mask helps to reduce inflammation and redness of the skin also. It is good for normal to oily skin but also works well for combination skin types.
How to make it: Mix one spoon of sandalwood powder with half spoon of turmeric powder and use milk to make a smooth mask out of these three ingredients. Reduce or increase the quantity of milk depending on the consistency that you need.
How to use it: Apply this cool mask on skin and let it dry for 10-15 minutes before washing it off the skin with cool water and applying a light moisturizer. Do not scrub it a lot while washing as sandalwood can be a bit drying and can irritate the skin if scrubbed.
So these are the ten best homemade blackhead removal masks you can easily make at home to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. They are very simple and contain some of the most basic kitchen ingredients that have multiple benefits for the skin. There are no side effects of these masks so you can use them as often as you like but give your skin some time to breathe in between masking sessions. Keep your diet clean and exercise so that your blackheads are reduced naturally without the need of any expensive skincare procedures that are not only very expensive but do not give any permanent results also. These natural masks are very beneficial for getting a brighter and smoother skin without any dark spots so give them a try at home without having to worry about any harmful side effects that your regular chemical-based skincare masks have.
Do you use a homemade blackhead removal mask? Which one is your favourite?
