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Blackheads causing you bother? Help give your skin a clearout with these ingredients - you’ll even find some in your kitchen
Summary
1Ways to clear a blackhead breakout
Blackhead treatments don’t need to be complicated. The following simple methods have shown...
2Salicylic acid for exfoliation
Salicylic acid is the ultimate pore-purging pro, with a knack for exfoliating and sweeping...
3Honey as a natural antimicrobial
Honey isn’t just for your toast – it’s a buzz-worthy addition to your skincare routine…
Staring at those tiny black spots in the mirror? Blackheads form when pores clog with oil, dead skin cells and debris, then oxidise on contact with air. Et voilà: those unmistakable dark pimples.1
Before you splurge on pricey potions or reach for harsh scrubs that can dry out your skin, pause for a moment.2 With simple ingredients, you can reclaim a smoother, clearer complexion that feels as good as it looks.
Here’s how to clear out blackheads while keeping your skin fresh, clean and glowing…
How to get rid of blackheads: at-home remedies
Blackhead treatments don’t need to be complicated. The following methods have shown promising results in studies, so let’s delve into their potential pros and cons:
Salicylic acid for exfoliation
Reach for a salicylic acid product and apply a small amount to freshly cleansed skin.5 Focus on the areas prone to blackheads, but don’t go overboard – a little goes a long way. Using too much can leave your skin feeling parched, so always follow up with a light layer of moisturiser to keep your skin happy and hydrated.5
Before you go all in, do a patch test first. Salicylic acid is gentle, but it can sometimes cause mild irritation for first-time users, so it might be best to slowly build up the amount you use over time.6
Honey as an antimicrobial
Honey isn’t just for your toast – it’s a buzzworthy addition to your skincare routine. It has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help fight off bacteria lurking in clogged pores.7,8 Honey has been extensively studied and, based on the evidence, it’s been characterised as a safe, cost-effective treatment for many different skin conditions.9
To use this bee-loved ingredient:
- apply a thin layer of raw, organic honey over the area you want to treat
- kick back and relax for 10-15 minutes (instant spa vibes)
- rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry
For a little extra oomph, mix in a pinch of turmeric – another natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, creating the perfect recipe for glowing skin.10
That said, honey works best as part of a broader routine. It could be helpful for mild skin issues, but it’s insufficient for deep pore cleansing or skin conditions.11 While honey’s thought to have some healing properties, studies show it doesn’t consistently outperform other treatments and isn’t significantly better than antibacterial soap for blemishes.8,11
Tea tree oil for targeted treatment
Tea tree oil is often praised for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.12 Some research suggests it may help with mild to moderate blemishes, potentially reducing blackhead-causing bacteria.12-14
However, more research is needed with larger samples of people to determine how effective it actually is for treating blackheads.12,13
To try it yourself, simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) and gently dab it onto blackheads with a cotton bud.15 Adding a carrier oil may enhance tea tree’s antimicrobial properties.15 Let the mixture work overnight, then rinse in the morning.
But remember, tea tree oil can be as feisty as it is effective. It can cause irritation if used undiluted, so always mix it with a carrier oil and patch test on a small area first.14,15
Green tea as an anti-inflammatory
Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties and high antioxidant content may help reduce lesions, soothe inflammation and manage excess oil in blemish-prone skin when applied topically.16,17
Here’s how to try it for yourself:
- steep one green tea bag in boiling water and let it cool
- dip a cotton pad into the tea and apply it to your skin
- allow it to dry naturally before rinsing off
You could also combine brewed green tea with honey to create a dual-action mask that may help fight blackheads while hydrating your skin.9,16
Additionally, regularly drinking green tea may contribute to healthier skin over time and could potentially protect your skin from damage caused by UV radiation that leads to signs of ageing.18
Clay masks for oil absorption
Clay masks, particularly those containing bentonite or kaolin, may help draw out impurities and reduce excess sebum. While more studies are needed to fully understand if clay masks work, some research suggests they could improve skin hydration and texture and minimise pore congestion.19
Mix equal parts of clay powder and water to form a paste. Apply it to your face, avoiding the eye area. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes for sensitive skin, or 15-20 minutes for normal skin, then rinse off with warm water.20 Alternatively, you could use a pre-made clay face mask product.
Clay masks may help enhance skin texture, leaving your complexion feeling smoother.20 To maximise the benefits, use clay masks no more than twice a week.
Steam therapy to open pores
Steaming may help open up your pores.21 While it doesn’t remove blackheads directly, it can help loosen trapped debris, making extraction more straightforward and less damaging.22
To do this at home:
- boil water and pour it into a large bowl
- add a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus or tea tree, for added antibacterial benefits22
- place a towel over your head and position your face above the bowl to trap the steam. Keep a safe distance from the boiling water to avoid burns
- steam for 5-10 minutes, then follow up with a gentle exfoliator or a clay mask to maximise the pore-cleaning effects
Steaming may also improve circulation, promoting a healthy glow.23 However, it’s best to avoid steaming if you have rosacea or highly sensitive skin, as the heat can exacerbate redness.24
Oatmeal scrub for gentle exfoliation
Oats aren’t just a breakfast staple – they also make a gentle exfoliant for your skin. With their potential anti-inflammatory properties, oats may also help calm redness and improve skin texture by strengthening the skin barrier.25
To whip up your scrub, mix ground oats with water or yoghurt to form a paste.27 Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off. Avoid vigorous scrubbing as it may irritate sensitive skin.26
While oats may help soothe and moisturise the skin, there’s little evidence they can tackle blemishes.
The final say
Blackheads may be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can help nip them in the bud. Ingredients like salicylic acid may help clear out pores, while honey can soothe and hydrate.3,7,8
So, a pantry raid might be all you need to give blackheads the boot. Don’t forget that a balanced diet, adequate hydration and good sleep hygiene can also support your skin health from the inside out.26,27 Here’s to clearer, healthier skin!
Disclaimer -This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
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