Blackheads and whiteheads, otherwise known as comodones, are a form of acne typically found on the face, neck, back and shoulders. They may not be blatant signs of acne as pimples, but they most certainly need to be addressed.
Practicing good skin hygiene is the first step to getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads. However, skin care products recommended by dermatologists to get rid of these spots can be quite expensive. Fortunately there are natural remedies you can use that can help you to diminish, if not at all eliminate these blemishes in no time.
What are comodones??
Comodones form when pores are blocked with sebum, an oily sticky substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebum helps keep our skin soft and supple.
Blackheads, or open comodones, are follicles with a slightly larger opening. They are filled with sebum and dead skin cells. Open comodones allow air to oxidize the sebum in its center, turning it from white to a dark color.
White heads, or closed comedones, are follicles blocked with the same substance but only have a tiny opening to the skin surface. Since air cannot oxidize the sebum inside, it remains white.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies are healthier alternatives for the care and maintenance of a glowing skin.
The following all-natural treatments contain vitamins and minerals that help nourish the skin whilst acting on the spots. And chances are they’re already in your cupboard.
1. Egg whites
Egg whites are a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that can help diminish breakouts with its anti-inflammatory properties. The protein in egg whites also helps tighten pores, thus diminishing the recurrence of future blackheads.
Rinse your face and pat dry with a towel. Separate white from yolk, then beat the white until frothy. Using a small makeup brush, apply three to five layers of egg white over your skin. Make sure to let each layer dry before applying another one.
Your face may feel a little tight when the mask dries—this is supposed to happen. Peel off the mask when it dries. Rinse your face to remove any residue.
2. Honey and milk strips
Honey and milk have properties that can be beneficial to the skin. Honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, while milk contains lactic acid that helps keep skin soft and supple. These two ingredients can be combined to form an adhesive which you can use to strip off blackheads and whiteheads.
Mix one tablespoon honey with one tablespoon milk. Using your fingers or a small makeup brush, apply a layer over blackheads. Then gently pat a dry strip of cotton over it and let dry for 20 minutes. Gently peel off when dry and rinse with cold water.
3. Lemon astringent
Since blackheads are caused by open pores, it makes sense to find a treatment that will help tighten it. Lemon juice has the ability to contract skin and the opening of pores. It can, however, lighten your skin and make you sensitive to the sun, so make sure you use sunscreen.
Wash your face and pat dry with a towel. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and put the juice in a small bottle. Dampen a cotton ball with the juice and apply onto affected areas. Do this three to four times a week before bedtime. Rinse it off when you wake up.
4. Baking soda scrub
Baking soda is an inexpensive way to gently exfoliate the dirt and oil clogging your pores thanks to its small, fine granules. Don’t overdo this though as its saltiness can dry out your skin.
Mix just enough water and baking soda to make a thick, but spreadable paste. Gently massage this onto your face using a circular motion. Rinse off thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
5. Steam
Steam can help soften trapped sebum and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause blackheads.
Fill a bowl with steaming water. Lean over it with a towel covering your head about 5-10 minutes. Make sure to form the towel like a tent to keep the steam from escaping. Don’t get to close or you risk burning your skin. After this, rinse your face and gently wipe away blackheads with a clean towel.
