The small black skin projections which you can notice on your face, especially in the nose area, are known as blackheads. They are usually formed as a result of some kind of a blockage of the sebaceous glands of your skin.
This means that your skin is producing more sebum than usual. The sebum then hardens and it is mixed with dead skin and bacteria. Once the sebum connects with oxygen, it turns black as a result of the oxidation.
If they don’t come up to the surface they turn into yellow or white bumps and are known as whiteheads since they are not exposed to oxygen and don’t oxidize.
These are the main causes of blackheads:
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Dirty skin
- Inheritance
- Cosmetics
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Caffeine
If you want to remove blackheads and keep your skin clean you should follow these easy, natural treatments:
Tomato Wash:
The antiseptic properties of the tomato are really useful in drying up blackheads. All you need to do is get a small tomato, peel it, mash it up and apply directly on the blackheads before going to bed. You should leave on and then wash your face with clean water in the morning.
Lemon scrub:
A few drops of lemon and some salt will do the magic. All you have to do is clean your face and then apply the mixture directly on the blackheads. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then simply wash your face with warm water.
Honey massage:
The antiseptic properties of honey can do wonders for oily skin and those annoying blackheads. Simply apply honey on your face, let it sit for 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water.
Toothpaste Rub:
Blackheads can be successfully removed with the use of toothpaste. All you need to do is apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the blackheads and leave it on for around half an hour and then wash your face with warm water. If you repeat this treatment for two weeks you will eventually be free from those annoying blackheads.
Oatmeal Pack:
You need 2 tbsp of oatmeal, 3 tbsp of yoghurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice and olive oil. Mix everything well until you have created a paste. Apply the past on your face and wash it off after 15 minutes with cold water.
Baking Soda Mask:
Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda and water and apply it to the blackheads area. Leave it on for a few minutes until it dries and then remove it gently with warm water.
Cinnamon Pack:
Use equal quantities of cinnamon powder and limejuice and form a thick paste. Apply the mixture on the blackheads, leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning with warm water.
Egg Wash:
For this mixture you need 1 or 2 raw egg whites mixed with 1 tbsp of honey. Apply the paste on the blackheads and wash it off with warm water after 30 minutes.
