Overview
Blackheads are a type of acne referred to as comedones, which develop when overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil in the pores. The pores are enlarged and the oil is exposed to air, where oxidation causes the oil to turn black. These unsightly and potentially embarrassing blackheads can occur in areas such as the back and chest but are most common on the face. Natural home remedies for blackheads use ingredients such as salt and lemon juice, and work to exfoliate the skin and cleanse pores.
Epsom Salt and Iodine Solution
Step 1
Combine 1/4 cup of hot water, 1 tsp. of Epsom salt and four drops of iodine in a small bowl.
Step 2
Mix the ingredients together and allow the mixture to cool.
Step 3
Dip a cotton ball into the bowl and rub the solution over the affected area. Epsom salt exfoliates your skin and reduces inflammation, while iodine cleans oil from the pores.
Table Salt and Lemon Juice Scrub
Step 1
Extract the juice of half a lemon using a juicer. Pour the juice into a bowl.
Step 2
Add 4 tbsp. of table salt and 1 tsp. of honey to the bowl. Mix the ingredients until they form a thick paste.
Step 3
Scoop the paste onto your skin and scrub for five minutes using your fingertips, then rinse it away. The salt sloughs off dead skin cells, while honey soothes your skin and lemon juice cleans away oil.
Basil Solution
Step 1
Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan, then remove the hot water from the stove.
Step 2
Steep 3 cups of basil leaves in the water for 20 minutes to make a tea.
Step 3
Apply the tea to your skin with a cotton ball. The basil kills bacteria in your pores and reduces the dark appearance of blackheads.
