Blackheads are a common skin blemish that take away from our appearance and that can be painful. There are many store-bought medications for prevention and removal of these pesky blemishes, but this article will go over the top five natural remedies for blackhead removal.
1. Black pepper and curd
Yes, I said black pepper and curd, did I stutter? One-tablespoon black pepper powder, added to enough curd to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to the infected area and let it dry. Wash off after 5-7 minutes.
2. Cottonballs
Use a mild scrub, wet it and gently rub the infected area. Pat dry. Take a towel and soak it in the hottest water your face can stand. Lay it on the affected area for ten minutes then remove, and again, pat your face dry. Put a cotton ball on each fingertip you will be using so they won’t slip and cause more skin damage or bruising. Gently apply even pressure on both sides of the blackhead, working from the bottom up. If this method does not result in blackhead removal after a couple of tries, try a different method, or repeat this method after a few hours. Meanwhile, you can make a great cotton ball snowman while you hide your face from everyone in your locked bedroom.
3. Olive Oil and Toothpaste
Rinse your face with warm water to open your pores. Pour a decent amount of olive oil onto a washcloth. Then put a dab of regular (not gel) toothpaste on the oily section of the washcloth. Gently rub the blackhead area. If it’s a bad blackhead, do this twice. Wait five minutes until dry and then wash your face again with warm water.
4. Oatmeal and Yogurt
Yes, I said oatmeal and yogurt. Try to keep up, I have a date with a beer so don’t make me late. Take 4 tablespoons of oatmeal and six tablespoons of yogurt, mix with two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of olive oil, and then whisk the whole mixture together. Wash your hands and then use them to apply the mixture to entire face, starting with the infected area. Leave on for seven minutes and then rinse your face with cold water.
5. Tomatoes or Cucumbers
This is my favorite method only because after I’m done putting them on my face, I can throw them into a bowl, add a little olive oil, vinegar and call it a salad. The people at the potluck luncheon the next day won’t even notice which then allows for a good laugh. If you choose to try just one and it’s the tomatoes, cut the tomatoes into chunks that will fit around the infected area. Wash your face with warm water and pat dry. Lay on your back and place the tomato chunks on and around the infected area for fifteen minutes. Wash your face off with warm water and don’t put anything else on your face for a few hours. If you choose to try the cucumbers, peel them and then place in a blender and blend them until they are a paste. Wash your face with warm water and pat dry, and then apply the cucumber mixture to your entire face, beginning with the infected area. Leave on for 25 minutes and then rinse your face with cold water.