Blackheads are small, black bumps on the surface of the skin that form when hair follicles become blocked. The black color of blackheads is not caused by dirt, but oxidation that occurs when clogged pores are exposed to air.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Steam your face before exfoliating
Steaming your face will help soften your pores, making it easier for you to remove blackheads while exfoliating.
- Prepare a large bowl, water, and a clean towel.
- Bring the water to a boil. Let the water cool slightly and pour it into a bowl.
- Bend over a bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam and direct it to your face.
- Do facial steaming for 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to get too close to hot water to prevent sunburn.
- Rinse your face with warm water and dry gently.
- Repeat facial steaming several times a week before exfoliating.
Step 2. Exfoliate your nose with baking soda
Exfoliation is important because it can remove dead skin cells so they don't clog pores and cause blackheads. Exfoliating also restores circulation to the skin and gives it a healthy glow.
- Mix two teaspoons of baking soda in a bowl with mineral water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the nose, and massage gently so it doesn't hurt the skin.
- Let the paste dry for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Do this treatment once or twice a week.
- The baking soda will help dry out the blackheads and make your skin look brighter and cleaner.
- You can also add apple cider vinegar to the baking soda paste mixture. Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent and has antibacterial properties.
Step 3. Make a facial scrub from oatmeal
The combination of oatmeal, lemon juice and yogurt is perfect for keeping the skin free of blackheads.
- Mix two tablespoons of oatmeal, three tablespoons of plain yogurt and the juice of half a lemon.
- Apply the paste on your nose, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse it off with warm water.
- You can also make an oatmeal scrub with honey and tomatoes. Mix a teaspoon of honey with the juice of four tomatoes and a few tablespoons of oatmeal.
- Apply the paste on your nose and leave it on for 10 minutes. After that, rinse with warm water.
- Repeat exfoliating in this way regularly, at least once a week.
Step 4. Apply the sugar scrub
If possible, use jojoba oil for this sugar scrub as it is the oil that most closely resembles sebum on the skin. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the skin so it doesn't dry out. If you don't have jojoba oil, use other oils such as grapeseed, olive, and sweet almond oil instead.
- Pour 4 tablespoons of oil into an airtight glass jar, add 1 cup of brown or white sugar. Stir until well blended.
- Wet your face first, then take a little scrub with your fingertips. Massage the scrub over the entire surface of your nose and face in circular motions.
- Massage for 1-2 minutes, then rinse your face with warm water.
- Exfoliate with a sugar scrub no more than 2-3 times a week to prevent dry or irritated skin.
- Store any remaining scrub in an airtight jar and store in a cool, dark place. Scrub can last up to 2 months.
Step 5. Use a clay mask
To get a good clay mask, use bentonite clay, which can be purchased online and at health food stores. Bentonite clay is rich in minerals and has been used for centuries to treat several ailments, especially those related to skin problems. The skin will absorb the minerals while the clay attracts the blackheads.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar. You will get a thick paste, but easy to apply.
- Use your fingertips to lightly apply the paste over the entire surface of your nose. Let sit for 10-20 minutes, depending on how long it takes for the clay to dry. The mask will feel tight on the face as it dries. Some people complain that clay makes their skin dry and irritated if left too long, especially those with dry skin types. Adjust the drying time of the mask according to your skin type.
- Rinse off the mask with warm water and apply moisturizer to the nose.
- Apply the clay mask regularly on the nose, at least once a week, to get the desired results.
Step 6. Apply egg white on the nose
Although raw eggs rubbed on the face and nose can give off an unpleasant odor, egg yolks are rich in nutrients and won't dry out the skin like other home blackhead remedies.
- Prepare an egg, facial or toilet paper, a small bowl, and a clean towel.
- Separate egg yolks and whites in a bowl.
- Clean your face using the cleanser of your choice.
- Gently dry your face and use your fingertips to apply a thin layer of egg white to your nose.
- Let the first coat dry. Then, apply a second coat of egg white on the nose. Let it dry. Apply a third coat of egg white, but make sure each layer is dry before applying the next.
- Allow the final coat to dry for 15 minutes. The face will feel tight and a little pulled. This is a good sign because it means the egg whites stick to the nose, and blackheads.
- Dip a washcloth in warm water and gently rub the egg white from your nose, then dry your nose carefully.
Step 7. Make your own pore strip
Pore strips are made of some kind of adhesive and something to attach the adhesive to the nose or face. When you pull off the adhesive layer, you also attract pore-clogging sebum and dead skin cells, removing blackheads. Remember that pore strips don't prevent blackheads from forming, they only help remove them once they form.
- Make your own pore strips using milk and honey that are free of harmful chemicals or fragrances used in commercially available pore strips.
- Prepare 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 1 teaspoon of milk, and a piece of clean cotton cloth (from a shirt or washcloth).
- Combine raw honey and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm the mixture for 5-10 seconds in the microwave. Stir the mixture until well blended.
- Check the temperature of the mixture to make sure it is not too hot and then apply a thin layer on the surface of the nose.
- Glue the piece of cotton cloth on the nose slowly, while pressing it.
- Let it dry for at least 20 minutes, and then carefully remove the piece of fabric.
- Rinse your nose with cold water and dry gently.
- Use pore strips regularly to keep your nose free from blackheads.
Step 8. Make a natural toner for the face
Toners are great for getting rid of dead skin cells on the face and reducing redness or inflammation, especially around the nose. Use soothing herbs like mint to soothe irritated skin.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 3 tablespoons of freshly ground mint leaves in a small bottle. Leave for 1 week in a cool, dark place.
- Strain the mixture and add 1 cup of water. Store the freshener in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
- Apply the toner every night by first washing your face with water, then using a cotton ball to apply the toner to your nose.
- Leave the toner on your nose overnight or for a few hours if you have sensitive skin.
- Don't forget to apply moisturizer to your nose after using the toner.
Method 2 of 3: Prevent Blackheads
Step 1. Know some of the false myths surrounding blackheads
Part of the reason why it's impossible to get rid of blackheads is that blackheads are not caused by accumulated dirt. Actually, blackheads are formed by a buildup of dead skin cells/sebum, which then reacts with oxygen and turns the sebum in the pore black.
- In addition, it is impossible to shrink, close or open pores because pores are not muscles. Actually a pore is just a hole that holds hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands in the body.
- Although some ingredients, such as lemon or mint, can make pores look smaller, they are not.
- Other factors such as genetics, age, and sun exposure all play a role in how large pores appear, but there's no magic formula for shrinking pores.
Step 2. Remove excess oil from the face
You can do this by washing your face no more than twice a day using a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser. Make sure to wash your face if you use makeup every day because the remnants of cosmetics can cause oil buildup on the face.
Make sure you exfoliate your face with a natural or professional method and use a natural or commercially available toner every day
Step 3. Wash pillowcases at least once a week
Washing your pillowcase will remove dead skin cells and oil that your face leaves on the fabric every night.
Step 4. Get rid of hair covering your face and try not to touch your face with your hands
Hair can carry germs and bacteria which will then move to the face and/or nose.
Do not touch your face or nose with your hands. Hands can carry dirt, germs and bacteria which will then transfer it to the face and cause oil buildup and cause blackheads
Step 5. Never squeeze blackheads
This action can lead to inflamed nasal skin, infection, and even scarring.
In addition, when scrubbing, do not rub the blackheads too hard because it can cause irritation and inflammation
Method 3 of 3: Using Professional Products
Step 1. Use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid
The best way to get rid of pore-clogging oil is to use a product that contains beta hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid. Using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid on a regular basis will help prevent blackheads from forming before they have a chance to form and remove oil from the pores.
- Salicylic acid works with glycolic acid to help get rid of dead skin and impurities on the skin's surface.
- Acne products like Proactiv, Benzac, and PanOxyl all contain these ingredients.
Step 2. Buy pore strips
Pore strips that contain drugs and are sold in the market can work to get rid of oil blockages in the nose and the result, clean skin from blackheads.
Step 3. Visit a dermatologist and ask about retinoids
Retinoids contain vitamin A and work to clear clogged pores and prevent blackheads from forming.
- Strong prescription retinoids are very effective and are usually sold in pill form. Drugs containing retinoids are also sold in the market and can be purchased at drug stores.
- Your skin may peel when you first use a retinoid. However, after using it regularly for 3-7 times a week for 4-6 weeks, the side effects will decrease and the skin will look more radiant and clear.
Step 4. Ask a dermatologist about microdermabrasion
This professional treatment uses micro crystals on the skin to carefully remove the outermost layer of skin, including blackheads. Microdermabrasion will exfoliate and rejuvenate the nose skin and make the skin look softer and brighter.
