Getting a clear skin is no mean feat since almost everyone in this world has to battle blackheads at some point in their lives. Though people with oily skin are more susceptible to blackheads, anyone can get them and they seem inevitable despite your anti-acne skincare regimen. Blackheads represent one of the most common forms of acne and appear when pores get clogged by dead skin cells and excess oil from your sebaceous glands. You may end up trying several creams and lotions, but you may get stuck with them on your nose and may look for natural remedies to get rid of blackheads.

We are here to familiarize you with some of the best and top natural remedies that will help you get rid of blackheads in a fast and effective manner.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

We will now bring forth the list of the best and top natural remedies for getting rid of blackheads:

Steam Open your Pores: You can clear out the pores by steaming, i.e. placing a soft hand towel soaked in hot water onto the problem areas to loosen the pores. This must be performed before you think about squeezing or pulling out the blackheads since they are sticky and will not come out with ease unless they become loose and steaming is one of the excellent methods of loosening them. 

Cleanse with Salicylic Acid/Apply a Salicylic Acid Gel on Blackheads: You must opt for cleansers, gels and over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid since it is a great option for dissolving the blackheads away and prevents new blackheads from forming. Applying salicylic acid based cleansers and gels regularly over the problem areas will help break down the materials that clog the pores while also removing daily dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Salicylic acid based products are suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin since they rarely cause redness and peeling. Opt for a leave-on product to increase the skin exposure to active ingredients and you will notice that majority of the blackheads will resolve after several weeks of continuous usage of salicylic based products. Further, they also prevent new blackheads from forming by keeping the pores clean.

Opt Benzoyl Peroxide based Over-The-Counter Products: You can opt for benzoyl peroxide based over-the-counter acne spot treatments in case you do not have sensitive and dry skin. Benzoyl peroxide based products deliver more effective and faster results when compared to salicylic acid based products by breaking up the waxy clog so that it loosens and comes out of the pore. However, be cautious with its usage since it can prove a little harsh for your skin and may cause skin irritations while delivering faster results.

Opt for Retinoid Products: You can opt for retinoid treatment for blackheads removal since they serve highly effective in clearing clogged pores and preventing new blackheads from forming. Continuous usage of retinoid products for four to six weeks helps to make the skin more radiant and clear by working on skin receptors to improve the skin growth and shedding mechanism. Though people with sensitive skin are loathe to try them, prescription-strength formulations serve the most effective since they are highly tolerable when compared to high-strength retinoid products.

Pick up a Pore Cleansing Brush: You can take skin cleansing to the next level by opting for pore cleansing skin brush. By incorporating a mechanized brush into your routine, you can get rid of blackheads and achieve radiant and healthier looking skin. Picking up a skin brush helps to deep cleanse the skin by removing dirt, makeup, and pore-clogging impurities. Perform skin brush deep cleansing treatment once or twice a week in order that it does not cause irritations. 

Use Clay Masks: Clay masks are usually the must-haves in blackheads skincare regimen since they help clear acne blemishes and prevent new blackheads from forming. Clay masks help to loosen and clear up clogged pores by removing excess oils, dirt and other elements deep from the pores. You can opt for deep cleansing sulfur masks that help to soothe, nourish, condition and hydrate the skin with its antioxidant vitamins and botanicals. You can use clay masks as a cleansing ritual twice or thrice a week to enhance the appearance of pores or utilize it as a rapid response overnight spot regimen to get rid of emerging acne breakouts. 

Consider Taking Acne Medications: You can consider visiting a dermatologist in case you are facing a really bad time with blackheads and they are not getting better with over-the-counter products or other treatment alternatives. The doctor may prescribe you oral contraceptive pills or Spironolactone that will help you get rid of blackheads and prevent new ones from sprouting up in the future. However, medicines are reserved for people with moderate to severe acne and are not meant for people with occasional acne.

Get Microdermabrasion/Go for Chemical Peels and Comedone Extractions: You can opt for chemical peel treatments and comedone extractions in case other measures fail at getting you rid of blackheads. Chemical peel treatments work by removing dead skin cells and shrinking enlarged pores. Chemical peels are not the primary treatment for blackheads and you can opt for them in case you are looking for anti-aging benefits also. Undergoing chemical peel treatment helps to achieve smoother and refreshed looking skin. Alternatively, you can opt for professional comedone extraction treatment that works by removing clogged blackheads without scratching the skin, however, it can prove to be a source of wounds, scars, and scratches when placed in novice hands. Comedone extractors help to enhance skin texture and appearance. 

Go for Pore Strips: You can opt for homemade or store-bought pore strips or pads that help remove dead skin cells and exfoliate away rough, dull layers revealing the new, vibrant and smoother skin below. Apply the pad or strip on damp skin and allow it to stand for about 10 to 15 minutes for it to act. Pore strips and pads provide varying degrees of success in removing blackheads ranging from complete pore blockage removal to removal of the head of the blockage from the pore. There exists a possibility that blackheads may recur unless a proper skincare regimen is followed regularly as a preventative measure. 

Opt for a micro-needling treatment: You can also opt for micro-needling treatment in cases of moderate to severe blackheads. This treatment provides immediate and highly effective results since they heat up the under-surface of the skin without damaging the top skin layer. Micro-needling treatment includes microsecond lasers and non-ablative lasers and the major benefit of this treatment regime is that it is associated with zero downtime.

Gently Exfoliate with AHAs and BHAs/Opt for Enzymatic Exfoliator at least twice a week: You can opt for regular exfoliation with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) products. Regular Exfoliation serves effectively by removing excessive amounts of dead skin cells that results in clogged pores while also removing existing blackheads. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl acid based products prove highly effective in blackheads removal and enhance the appearance of wrinkles and age spots thereby making skin smoother, softer and vibrant. Follow exfoliation regime at least twice a week to get the most effective results.

Don’t Forget to Moisturize: Moisturizing the skin regularly helps to maintain the right balance in the skin, helps replenish the skin and prevents any future blackheads from clogging pores. It is better to opt for noncomedogenic products since they do not clog the pores. 

Opt for Homemade Treatment with Natural Ingredients: You can opt for homemade treatment with egg white masks and warmed honey. While going for egg white mask treatment, you should prepare a paste of egg white and apply it to the skin in multiple layers. Once dried, you should proceed to peel each layer off before washing your face at the end. It is believed that proteins present in the egg may kill bacteria that leads to acne. Similarly, you can opt for treatment with warmed honey by applying it on the face and letting it stay overnight to see the most effective results. 

Opt for Homemade Treatment with Artificial Ingredients: You can also opt for homemade treatment with artificial ingredients such as boric powder solution and iodine and Epsom salts. While opting for Epsom and iodine-based treatment, you need to mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt with four drops of iodine in half a cup of hot water and apply it on your face with cotton balls and allow it to try. This treatment is effective in pulling out the excess skin oil and dead skin cells. Alternatively, you can opt for boric powder solution treatment regimen that will involve applying a paste containing half a tablespoon of boric acid powder with one and a half cup of hot water and leaving it for 15-20 minutes on the skin. 

Conclusion: We hope that going through this blog will definitely familiarize you with some of the effective tips for getting rid of blackheads.