The Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Whiteheads and Blackheads

A blemish-free, clear and glowing face is something many people try to achieve. Yet, so many obstacles stand in the way. Our skin gets exposed to all sorts of influence. Its appearance also says a bit about what’s going on underneath and what the body’s general condition is. This article will show you home remedies to remove whiteheads and blackheads from your face.

Whiteheads are small, hard, white or yellowish bumps – can be attributed to many factors; some to do with the products we use, others connected to genetics and skin characteristics. Medically known as closed comedones, they form when dead skin and sebum (oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands) block the hair follicles.

When this oil plug makes it to the skin’s surface and is exposed to air, it oxidizes, creating black dots which are called blackheads. They are more common in people with oily skin and those undergoing hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy), and usually appear on the cheeks, nose, chest, and even in your ear.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to eliminate them and improve your skin’s look. Natural remedies, however, are no miracle solution, so be prepared to invest some time and patience into realizing your aspirations and becoming free of blackheads and whiteheads.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Whiteheads and Blackheads

1. Facial steaming

You can easily do this personal spa treatment at home. The steam will help open the pores and is one of the best ways to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads.

• Boil some water and pour it into a large bowl.
• You can add a few drops of essential oil: lavender, chamomile, rosemary, lemon.
• Put a large towel over your head and place your face over the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes to let the steam do its work.
• If you see that the whiteheads and blackheads have softened after the treatment, you can gently push them out (but don’t press or squeeze hard).
• Repeat this at least once a week.

Alternatively, soak a towel in warm water, wring it and then place it over your face for a few minutes to achieve a similar effect to steaming.

2. Oatmeal scrub

It’s important to give your face a proper scrub and supply it with some beneficial nutrients. You can make the following oatmeal scrub at home:

• Mix equal parts of raw honey and oatmeal (adjust consistency if you want).
• Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes.
• Before removing, massage your face gently for a few minutes.
• Rinse the scrub off using lukewarm water.

You can also use this oatmeal scrub that also contains white clay (also called kaolin clay) which has many benefits including antibacterial and detoxification properties. White clay can be used on a daily basis to help clean the skin and remove dirt from the pores. You can find more facial scrubs suggestions here.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda can be combined with water to create a thick paste. Mix one part water with three parts baking soda to create a baking soda paste. Leave the mask on your face until it dries and then wash it off.

This treatment can be very useful after facial steaming. Instead of baking soda, you can also use clay and make a clay mask. Find here more uses for baking soda as a kitchen medicine.

4. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

This, too, is a good addition to facial steaming. After the steam, apply some ACV on your face and let it dry. Don’t rinse it off. Get all the details on why you should wash your face with ACV including how to use it in my previous article.

5. Egg and honey facial mask

This is another great mask that will make the pores firmer and provide some moisture for your skin.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of organic yogurt, 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 egg white.
• Apply the mixture and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water.

You can find here other great honey masks for various skin conditions.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemons contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid which naturally exfoliates the skin. Mix equal parts of lemon juice, honey and brown sugar (adjust consistency if you want). Then take the mixture and rub it into your face for about 5 minutes.

You can leave it on your face for another few minutes. Then rinse off and dry. You can also mix fresh lemon juice with milk or rosewater to create a facial cleanser and use several times a week. Find here more uses of lemon as a medicine.

7. Tea tree Essential Oil

To prevent infections and bacteria from spreading, use tea tree oil. As this is a very potent liquid and might cause a reaction, it’s best to dilute it before applying it on your skin.

Dilute it in witch hazel or aloe vera which has additional healing and moisturizing potential in the ratio 1:9. Dab the diluted tea tree oil on the affected skin area using a cotton ball and leave it to dry. Don’t rinse it off.

Tea tree oil is also one of the best home remedies for chest acne and back acne.

If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This e-book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.

Over-the-counter products

If the natural methods have failed, some decide to reach for the chemical acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol. They kill bacteria, absorb oil and help heal whiteheads and blackheads.

Start with a lower and gentler concentration to avoid irritating your skin (however, to be successful, the medication needs to contain at least 5% benzoyl peroxide).

You need to apply the cream or ointment only to the small black dots on your skin and not the entire face.

Start with a small amount and observe your skin’s reaction (some people can be allergic). Peroxide dries the skin, so make sure to use a water-based moisturizer after about 5 to 10 minutes.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. This will help to improve acne and make your skin smoother.
• Keep your face and hair clean. Wash hands before touching your face.
• Change your bedding frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and make sure you get enough of vitamins A and E that nourish the skin (find here more nutrients for healthy skin).
• When choosing your beauty products (creams, moisturizers, shampoos, make-up), opt for the water-based products (instead of oil-based that cause clogging and prevent the water from evaporating).
• Don’t wear too much make-up and always remove it before going to bed.
• Don’t pop or squeeze pimples or whiteheads or you might aggravate the condition and spread bacteria.

If you can’t see any improvement after 8 weeks, you might want to visit a dermatologist or a trained professional who can help you with the extraction of whiteheads and blackheads.

If you suffer from skin breakouts, you can try this home treatments: DIY Face Wash For Acne and Pimples

Read these related articles:

1. The Best Essential Oils for Acne
2. Baking Soda for Acne and Pimples – The Complete Guide
3. Witch Hazel for Acne – The Ultimate Guide
4. Coconut Oil For Acne – Does It Really Work?