Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Blackheads

What are Blackheads?

While we may not realize it, those tiny black dots on our noses, backs, in our ears and on our cheeks are blocked skin pores known as blackheads. Blackheads are dark in color because the tops of the skin pores are open to the air, so the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black (and where the term blackhead comes from).

Sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil than usual during puberty, and may be regulated to due specific hormonal changes, with some individuals continuing to experience blackheads into adulthood. Acne results when the oil gland is blockage by the blackhead and becomes infected.

Blackheads can be controlled through healthy skin regimens and the right treatments. Common health disorders like indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia may also cause blackheads.

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What causes Blackheads?

When an over active sebaceous gland (the gland that produce healthy oils) in the skin becomes clogged with sebum, the oily secretion and dead skin cells begin to harden in the pore and results in a blackhead.

Help and treatment for people with Blackheads

Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to help keep pores unblocked and promote a healthy amount of skin oils. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) has exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions and will not dry out the skin. Arctium lappa is used naturopathically for the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and canker sores.

Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) is now known worldwide for soothing and healing effect on the skin while Bulbine frutescence is effective in preventing skin infection, healing and soothing cuts, rashes, insect bites, burns, cold sores, pimples and other skin problems. Zingiber officinalis, Aloe ferox and Hamamelis Virginia-num are also exceptional natural remedies for skin health and moisturizing.

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Tips regarding blackheads

As far as possible, keep your skin clean and try to get regular facials (done by a professional) or if you can’t afford them, try a simple, natural facial at home.
If your skin is very oily, remember that very oily skin attracts even more dirt from the environment. Keep absorbent tissues on hand, and blot your oily patches at regular intervals throughout the day.
As far as possible try to apply only natural-ingredients based products on your face. (Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks). Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish. Don’t be tempted to use ‘quick fix’ methods or odd lotions, and if you are unsure, or if something sounds odd, consult with a dermatologist beforehand.

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Helpful tips to remove blackheads

The main aim is to remove a blackhead with as little damage to your skin as possible – so use a gentle exfoliant to keep the dead cells off your skin and away from the pore openings. Steam your face by running hot water in a basin (place a towel over your head and position your face above the running tap, in the steam cloud).

Never squeeze or scrape at a blackhead with a fingernail. Excessive squeezing can actually increase the size of the pore leading to more blackheads in the future, besides – fingernails are germ carriers! Rather wrap a clean cloth around your forefingers and apply very gentle pressure to either side of the blackhead.

Commercial "blackhead strips" (a tape like substance that is placed over the nose and then pulled off) can help to remove some blackheads that are at the surface. Caution should be used with these products and it is important to read the directions completely!