Blackheads are one of the most common yet annoying skincare issues faced by many. These tiny black bumps form when excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and sebum accumulate in the pores. When the clogged pore is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black—thus forming blackheads. They typically appear on areas like the nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks, but can occur elsewhere on the body too.
If you’re looking for natural and affordable ways to remove blackheads at home without harsh chemicals, you’re in the right place. These tried-and-tested home remedies use ingredients that are safe, effective, and easy to find in your kitchen.
10 Proven Home Remedies to Remove Blackheads
Blackheads removal by home remedies is the safest and economical way to tackle the problem, plus since these are home remedies concocted with natural ingredients, they won’t cause any harmful side effects on your skin.
1. Baking Soda for Blackhead Removal:
Why it Works:
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that helps to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also prevent further breakouts.
You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of water
Steps:
- Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Gently scrub the blackhead-prone areas for a few minutes.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often: Twice a week.
2. Tomato Pulp for Clear Pores:
Why it Works:
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which help dry out blackheads and tighten pores. Their acidic nature acts as a natural exfoliator.
You Will Need:
- 1 cup of fresh tomato pulp
Steps:
- Apply the pulp directly to blackhead-affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15–20 minutes.
- Wash off with cool water.
How Often: Twice a week.
3. Green Tea Paste:
Why it Works:
Green tea contains antioxidants that control excess oil and cleanse pores, helping to reduce blackheads and prevent acne.
You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves
- Warm water
Steps:
- Mix green tea leaves with warm water to form a paste.
- Apply to the skin and leave for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
How Often: 1–2 times a week.
4. Cinnamon Powder and Lemon Juice:
Why it Works:
Cinnamon improves blood circulation and tightens the skin, while lemon juice contains antibacterial properties and vitamin C that combat blackheads.
You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Steps:
- Mix both ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Apply on the blackhead-affected areas.
- Leave it on for 12–15 minutes before rinsing.
How Often: 2–3 times a week.
5. Aloe Vera Gel Treatment
Why it Works:
Aloe vera contains saponins and zinc, which help cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and prevent blackhead formation.
You Will Need:
- ½ teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Steps:
- Apply aloe gel directly on the affected areas.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with plain water.
How Often: Once daily.
6. Coconut Oil and Turmeric Remedy
Coconut oil has excellent moisturizing properties, which helps to relieve and soothe dry skin while turmeric has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in cleansing the pores of your skin, it’s a match made in heaven.
What You Will Need –
- 1 tsp of coconut oil
- 1 tsp of turmeric
What to Do –
- Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with coconut oil and make a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
How Often To Do –
Repeat this 3-4 times a week.
7. Honey:
Honey is an age-old remedy for dry skin and skin-related problems. It aids to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated, thus prevents pores from getting clogged with dry and dead skin cells.
What You Will Need –
- 1 Tbsp of raw honey
- 1 cotton pad
What to Do –
- Dap cotton pad in honey and apply on the blackhead affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with water.
How Often To Do –
Repeat this 3-4 times a week.
8. Strawberries:
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C which helps to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated and thus reduces the occurrence of blackheads as dry and dead skin cells are eliminated.
What You Will Need –
- 3 strawberries
- ½ tsp of lemon juice
- ½ tsp of honey
What to Do –
- Mash strawberries and add honey and lemon juice and make a paste.
- Apply this paste on blackheads infested areas.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with water.
How Often To Do –
Repeat this 3-4 times a week.
9. Cornstarch and Vinegar:
Cornstarch absorbs all the excess oil from your skin, while vinegar helps to fade discolouration caused by blackheads.
What You Will Need –
- 1 Tbsp of cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp of vinegar
What to Do –
- Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with vinegar and make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water and then follow with cold water to close pores.
How Often To Do –
Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
10. Lemon Juice, Salt and Honey:
The astringent quality of lemon removes excess oil from the skin while the fine granules of the salt act as a non-abrasive scrub and honey naturally moisturizes the skin and keeps germs at bay. This can help in getting rid of blackheads.
What You Will Need –
- 1 tsp of lemon juice
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of raw honey
What to Do –
- Mix all these ingredients and make a paste.
- Apply this paste on the blackheads.
- After 5 minutes, gently scrub in a circular motion and leave it for another 5 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
How Often To Do –
Repeat this thrice a week.
Hopefully, these natural remedies will help you get rid of blackheads. However, if you find a continuous recurrence of blackheads on your skin, you must consult a dermatologist.
All Images Source/Credits: Pinterest
