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Plus, other home remedies to clear a blackhead breakout
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Blackheads form when your pores are blocked by dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, and while they typically affect teens and young adults, they can appear at any age. Luckily, baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help clean out your pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Keep reading to learn how to get rid of blackheads using baking soda and water, plus other natural remedies to prevent acne in the first place!
Does baking soda remove blackheads?
Yes, baking soda can help remove blackheads. Since baking soda is exfoliating, it can get rid of dead skin cells, unclog your pores, and physically scrub away blackheads. However, it’s not the safest or most effective method because it can dry out your skin.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
Using Baking Soda to Remove Blackheads
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Wash your face with lukewarm water to remove oil and grime. Wet your face with warm water, then use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser to your face. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin using circular motions to remove any dirt, oil, and grime. Then, rinse your face and pat dry. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you’re wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse with a cleansing balm before going in with your normal cleanser. This ensures your cleanser penetrates your skin, instead of just removing the top layer of product.
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Mix equal parts of baking soda and water together to form a paste. Baking soda is a powerful exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells and dislodge blackheads. In a small bowl, combine equal parts of baking soda and water until you get a smooth paste. The amount of baking soda and water you need depends on how many areas of your face you need to cover, but most people start off with 2 tablespoons. [3] X Research source- Alternatively, you can replace the water with apple cider vinegar for deeper exfoliation. Just be sure to dilute one part vinegar to 4 parts water and perform a small patch test on your inner wrist to check if you have an adverse reaction.
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Apply the baking soda and water paste to the affected area. Wet your face with warm water to open up your pores. Then, use your fingers or a clean makeup brush to apply a thin layer of the baking soda paste over your blackheads. Gently massage the paste into your skin to help exfoliate and loosen up your blackheads. [4] X Research source
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Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. You’ll know the paste is ready to be washed off when it's hard to the touch and feels like dried glue. After rinsing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer all over your face. [5] X Research source
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Section 2 of 5:
Other Natural Remedies to Remove Blackheads
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Green tea Green tea reduces oil production in your skin, which may prevent your pores from getting clogged. Mix 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of dry green tea leaves with a 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of water to make a paste. Then, gently rub the mixture over your blackheads for 30 seconds. Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water, and repeat this once a day until your skin clears up. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Oatmeal Oatmeal can reduce inflammation, protect your skin barrier, and gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Combine 2 tablespoons (20 g) of oatmeal, 3 tablespoons (45 g) of plain yogurt, and the juice of half a lemon in a bowl. Mix until everything is combined, and apply the paste to your nose with clean fingers. Let the paste sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water, and apply it once a week for the best results.
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Salt or sugar The granules in salt and sugar scrubs work to physically exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. Before applying your scrub, wet the affected area with warm water to prep and soften your skin. Massage the scrub over your blackheads using small, circular motions, then rinse off the product after 30 seconds. Exfoliate once a day to minimize irritation. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- To make a sugar scrub at home, combine 3 tablespoons (44.4 mL) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (29.6 mL) of honey, and ½ cup (64 g) of sugar in a bowl. Stir the ingredients until they’re combined, and store excess scrub in an airtight container.
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Cinnamon and honey Both of these ingredients have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so some believe they can combat acne and remove blackheads. Just combine one tablespoon (7.8 g) of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons (29.6 mL) of honey until you get a smooth paste. Then, cleanse your face, pat your skin dry, and apply the honey cinnamon mixture to your skin, avoiding your eye area. Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. [9] X Research source
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Witch hazel Witch hazel is a natural astringent that may help reduce inflammation from your blackheads. Simply wet a cotton round with a natural witch hazel toner and apply it over the affected area in the morning and evening. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Clay mask Bentonite and kaolin clay masks pull dirt and bacteria out of your pores, which may help remove blackheads. Apply a small amount of the mask onto the affected area, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s completely dry. Wash the product off with warm water, and apply it once a week to draw out impurities from your skin. [11] X Research source
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Section 5 of 5:
Frequently Asked Questions
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1What are blackheads? Blackheads are tiny, dark spots on your skin that can be caused by increased sebum production, hair follicle irritation, and hormone changes. Unlike pimples, which are closed, discolored bumps filled with white-yellow fluid (pus), blackheads are open pores that become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Blackheads look like small specks of dirt on your skin. They’re usually a milder form of acne, while pimples can range from mild to severe.
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2Are there any benefits of using baking soda on your skin? Yes, baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe inflammation and mild pain. [16] X Research source It’s also mildly abrasive, so it may remove oil, grime, and dead skin cells that clog your pores and cause acne.
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3How can I get rid of inflammation from using baking soda? If your skin is inflamed after applying baking soda, rinse your skin immediately with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Press a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 4 hours to reduce swelling and redness. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Then, apply Neosporin, Vaseline, or a soothing moisturizer over the area. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear a SPF 30 sunscreen if you go outside.
- If the inflammation continues or worsens, visit your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
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Join the Discussion...
I have a basic skincare routine and wash my face, apply toner, and moisturize every single day. Nothing I do has gotten rid of the blackheads on my nose and they are driving me crazy! What can I do that will actually work to get rid of them?
Cleansers with salicylic acid are great at removing debris and clotting, helping to clear out pores and get rid of blackheads. And there are a variety of medications, most famously medications with retinoids in them, whether that be over-the-counter retinol or prescription; those are the really best things to improve the appearance of pores.
I would avoid using pore strips. Pore strips only function to remove the debris inside pores, but they don't help minimize the appearance of pores or prevent the production of material that fills the pores. Also, sometimes they can be irritating and they're not really an effective solution to removing blackheads.
I would avoid using pore strips. Pore strips only function to remove the debris inside pores, but they don't help minimize the appearance of pores or prevent the production of material that fills the pores. Also, sometimes they can be irritating and they're not really an effective solution to removing blackheads.
Are you sure that you have blackheads and not something else? I spent so much time and money trying to get rid of my blackheads until someone suggested that I might actually be dealing with sebaceous filaments. What worked for me was incorporating salicylic acid and niacinamide into my skincare routine. You also mentioned that you havae a basic skincare routine that includes washing your face every single day. What do you wash your face with and how often do you wash it during the day? I do a double cleanse both in the morning and at night and that has improved my skin appearance.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do dermatologists recommend getting rid of blackheads?Dr. Chloe Goldman, MD is a Dermatologist based in Miami, Florida, who currently works at Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute and Upper East Side Dermatology. She specializes in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology. She earned a Doctor of Medicine from New York University and a BA in Biology, Neurobiology, and Behavior from Cornell University. She completed her dermatology training at University of Miami, where she was awarded the prestigious position of Chief Resident. She has won grants from the American Skin Foundation and the Melanoma Research Foundation.Use washes and cleansers with salicylic acid, which are great at removing debris and can help clear out your pores. There are a variety of medications (most famously, medications with retinoids in them), both over-the-counter and prescription that are great for pore reduction.
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Tips
- If you have acne at your hairline, try adding 2 to 3 grams of baking soda to your shampoo to cleanse your scalp.Thanks
- Always use a clean towel when drying your face. You don't want any bacteria to get into your pores, so avoid drying your face with a towel that other household members use.Thanks
- If baking soda works on the blackheads on your face, you can try a baking soda bath to treat acne on the rest of your body. Just add 5 tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm bathwater and sit in the solution for 5-10 minutes.Thanks
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Warnings
- Goldman says that baking soda “can be too abrasive and drying to the skin,” especially if you have “overly dry skin or an impaired skin barrier.” This can worsen your acne and breakouts, so always perform a patch test before trying a new skincare treatment.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about blackheads, check out our in-depth interview with Chloe Goldman .
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
- ↑ https://www.vogue.in/content/5-diy-skin-care-masks-to-get-rid-of-blackheads-in-no-time
- ↑ https://naturesnurtureblog.com/baking-soda-for-blackheads/
- ↑ https://naturesnurtureblog.com/baking-soda-for-blackheads/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/colloidal-oatmeal
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.healthshots.com/mom-says/honey-cinnamon-face-mask-for-acne/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/q5s5AYB3aMg?t=363
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
- ↑ https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/122501-baking-soda-and-the-skin-a-review-of-baking-soda-in-dermatology
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/122501-baking-soda-and-the-skin-a-review-of-baking-soda-in-dermatology
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
About This Article
Article Summary
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Baking soda is great for exfoliating and reducing the appearance of blackheads and acne. To make a baking soda cleanser, simply mix together equal parts baking soda and lukewarm water until it forms a paste. Before you apply it, wash your hands and face to remove any dirt or oil. Then, use your hands to gently rub a thin later of the mixture onto all your blackheads. Massage the paste into your skin to exfoliate it. Let the paste sit for 2-3 more minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Baking soda can dry out your skin, so make sure to apply an oil-free moisturizer afterward. To learn how to make a baking soda bath, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "It may very useful for my skin, but firstly I'll try it on my face."
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"It may very useful for my skin, but firstly I'll try it on my face."
"This is very informative for clearing up breakouts!"
"It helped a lot! Thanks for the methods!"
