Blackheads or open comedones are yellow or black colored small bumps that are present on the pores of the skin. They tend to block the hair follicles with sebum and dead skin cells. Blackheads usually appear on the forehead, nose, neck, chest, back and other areas containing more oil glands. Blackhead is another type of Acne Vulgaris.
Basically, Blackheads are caused by overactive sebaceous glands or oil glands. Sebum is an oily substance naturally secreted by sebaceous glands present on the skin. When this sebum is produced in excess, it combines with dead skin cells and clogs the pores on the skin.
The top part of this hardened combination oxidizes in the presence of air and becomes black in color. These small black plugs are known as Blackheads. Treatment for Blackheads encompasses both conventional as well as natural remedies.
Out of these, the natural home remedies for Blackheads, being free from side effects are usually preferred over the chemical based over the counter conventional astringents and exfoliants. The holistic home remedies to remove Blackheads work effectively without causing any damage to the skin.
Causes and Symptoms of Blackheads
As already mentioned, Blackheads are caused due to over production of sebum. The excess production of sebum could be caused by a number of factors. For instance, a naturally oily or combination skin has a tendency to secrete more natural oils.
Other factors that stimulate the oil glands to produce excess oil are Stress, Menstruation, Puberty, Skin Allergy, intake of certain drugs (like steroids), disorders in the immune system and other related factors. Improper skin hygiene also plays an important role in the development of Blackheads.
The most obvious symptom of Blackheads is the development of small bumps or spots on the surface of the skin. They are usually yellowish or blackish in color.
Unlike Acne, Blackheads do not contain pus. Blackheads give rise to Acne when the blocked skin pores become infected with bacteria. Therefore, Blackheads should not be squeezed back in the skin pores as it increases the risk of developing bacterial infection.
Natural Home Remedies for Blackheads
Applying a combination of one teaspoon of coriander juice and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder is one of the most successful natural home remedies for Blackheads and Pimples on face.
Regularly apply this mixture on the face and other affected areas and wash it off in the morning to cure Blackheads naturally. Similarly, face pack prepared from red sandalwood or fuller’s earth can be used in the same way.
The application of a mixture of one teaspoon lime juice and one teaspoon cinnamon powder is also beneficial in the natural treatment of Blackheads. Turmeric powder can also be added in this mixture. For best result, follow this Blackhead natural remedy for about 15 days.
Prepare a paste by adding some rose water in oatmeal or almond powder. Rub this therapeutic paste on the affected areas and leave it for about 15 minutes. Finally wash it off. This is one of the most effective natural home remedies to get rid of Blackheads.