Blackheads and whiteheads are naturally occurring phenomena of the skin. They are collectively known as “Comedones” which means a clogged pore or hair follicle on the skin. Comedones are classified into two types- Blackheads, which are open or Whiteheads which are covered by skin. The color black refers to the clogged material oxidizing.
Causes:
Normally, the skin is composed of sebaceous glands which secrete sebum. Sebum, along with bacteria, dead cells, dirt, etc., can clog the skin’s pores very easily. The buildup over time leads to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Every person develops them, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. As a matter of fact, they can be easily extracted or cleaned out, leaving your skin feeling fresh and new. The most commonly affected areas include the nose, the T-zone of the face, neck, back and even shoulders.
A complication of comedones is seen quite often, called Pimples or Acne, which occurs mostly with adolescents and adults, especially women. This is due to an infection or inflammation of the comedones, leading to the formation of pus, which worsens the clogged pores. These pus-filled inflammatory bumps are known as pimples, or in more severe and extensive cases, Acne.
Natural Home Remedy to Get Rid of Blackheads & Whiteheads
Blackheads & Whiteheads Treatment:
To clean and unclog pores, there are some wonderful home remedies, which will leave you feeling beautiful. These include:
Lemon and Honey Scrub: Making this is super easy. Take a lemon, slice it into two halves. Add a teaspoon of honey to the cut-open side of one lemon half, add 2 to 3 pinches of sugar and your magical scrub is ready. Rub this gently all over your comedones and other dull spots and you will notice a considerable difference right after the first try. You can do this as often as up to twice a week.
Clay Mask: All you need is bentonite clay and water. Mix the two up in approximate proportions to make a thick, creamy paste. Apply it all over your face for 20 minutes. This was clean out your pores thoroughly. Rinse it with water, pat dry and moisturize as per your skin type. This mask can be used around once or twice a week for best results.
Activated Charcoal Mask: This is one of the most effective remedies. Take two capsules of activated charcoal, take out the powder in a bowl. Add half a tablespoon of bentonite clay and enough water to make a creamy paste of medium consistency. Apply it on your face and clean it off after it dries and stiffens on your face. Use once to twice a week.
See Also: Age Spots and Skin Hyperpigmentation Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Egg Mask: Take 2 eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Take the egg whites and apply it to affected areas. Take a piece of toilet tissue and separate its two leaves. Apply one on top of the egged skin. Apply another layer of egg white, followed by tissue paper. Layer it 4 to 5 times. Let the tissues dry and slowly pull it off your skin. You will visibly see your blackheads come out of the tissue mask.
Aspirin Mask: Aspirin (Salicylic Acid) has impressive anti-inflammatory properties and an aspirin mask reduces the inflammation around blackheads. It also removes the dead cells and blackheads. Two to three aspirin tablets should be dissolved in lukewarm water, followed by a few drops of an essential oil or lemon juice, depending on your skin type. Apply this mask for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Final Thoughts:
Skin care and diet are crucial factors in controlling acne and preventing the formation of comedones. Make sure to regularly wash your face, cleanse and exfoliate as well. Never miss out on the moisturizer. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with less oily and fatty foods. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated. If you take ample care of yourself, you will be successful in preventing pimples, acne or even comedones from forming.
