An open comedo is the technical name for a blackhead. It is a bump on the skin formed when excess accumulation of keratin (skin protein) or sebum (oily and waxy substance) takes place on the small sebaceous glands. These organs are present on the upper layers of the skin. When keratin and sebum interact with oxygen in air, they become dark. Roots of the hair are regular sites for the blackheads to form. They get clogged because of these plugs on the skin and reflect light irregularly producing the apparent black shine. This article tries to learn how to get rid of blackheads at home.
The presence of open comedos on the face indicates that enough attention is not paid on the facial and skin care. Intake of oily and fast foods and exposure to the polluted air are some of the others causes for the blackheads to form. If the face is oily, it calls for special attention as such a skin type produces more sebum when compared to the rests. Knowing how to remove these blackheads at the convenience of our home can enhance the glow on our face.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads at Home
- A tablespoon each of lime juice and coconut oil can be mixed to form a solution. Applying it with the help of cotton balls on the face can remove the black plugs
- Pods and leaves of drumstick can be grounded and mixed with fresh lime juice. Cotton buds can be used to apply the solution the bumps to remove them
- A simple and effective method for softening and opening the skin pores is by taking steaming
- Boiled milk can be mixed with lime juice and applied on the face. Prior to applying this mixer, the face should be washed with lukewarm water and pat dry using a towel
- Fenugreek leaves can be washed and pasted. The preparation can be applied on the face and allowed to dry for 10-15 minutes at night time. Later the face should be washed with warm water to naturally remove blackheads
- Four drops of iodine can be mixed with a quarter cup of water and one teaspoon Epsom salt. The mixture should be blended well and allowed to cool. It can be applied on the blackheads with the helped of cotton balls and allowed to dry. A clean cloth can be used to remove the dry layer along with black bumps stuck in them
- Green tea is known for several benefits. It can be used as a face scrub to remove extra keratin and sebum from the skin pores
- A paste of margosa/neem (azadirachta indica) leaves and turmeric can be prepared and applied on the face to get rid of blackheads
- A teaspoon of grounded cinnamon can be mixed with lemon juice and applied on the face to remove the black stains
- A paste of turmeric and mint leaves can be applied on the face and allowed to dry for 15-30 minutes. Later washing the face with warm water removes all blackheads
- One teaspoon of cinnamon in its grounded form can be mixed with three teaspoons of honey and applied on the face prior to bed. The face can be washed with warm water in the morning. The procedure should be repeated for two weeks to get positive results
- White of the egg should be beaten well and applied on the face. Washing the face with warm water later can naturally remove open comedo
Conclusion: Apart from learning these natural ways of getting rid of blackheads at home, one should develop good practices related to lifestyle like eating a balanced diet and drinking the recommended six-eight glasses of water to avoid undesirable skin conditions.