Blackheads are tiny and bumpy spots that you can see mostly on your nose, chin, and forehead. These are clogged follicles of hair. This is the reason why they appear like black dots, and hence, are called blackheads. It is a very mild type of acne that occurs very commonly. It is one of the most commonly occurring skin problems around the world.
How Do Blackheads Form?
Blackheads are formed when there are clogged hair follicles. Hair follicles consist of a strand of hair attached with a sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands produce oil called sebum that keeps skin soft. Sometimes, oil and dead skin get accumulated and form a bump called comedone. If the bump is closed, it is a whitehead. And, if the comedone exposes itself to air, it forms a blackhead.
Factors Affecting Blackheads
There are various factors that can affect as well as aggravate the production of sebum, and hence, blackheads. Production of too much oil by skin, disruption of dead skin shedding which irritates hair follicle, hormonal changes like production of androgens, birth control pills, and accumulation of acne bacteria. All of these reasons can give rise to blackheads.
There are many DIY masks that can be conjured up at home to treat blackheads. Some of those easy-to-make masks have been listed below with their descriptions.
1. Egg White And Honey Mask
This is a very easy-to-do blackheads removal mask. It requires only two ingredients, egg white and organic honey. Break an egg, separate the egg white from the yolk. Transfer the egg white to a bowl, and add one tablespoon of organic honey. Mix well. You can apply this mixture onto your face. Let it dry completely. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Egg whites contain pure proteins, albumin. It has skin tightening benefits. Egg whites can remove blackheads and tighten pores. And, honey has moisturizing properties.
2. Turmeric And Mint Mask
This is a promising mask with amazing skin benefits. To make this mask, you will need one tablespoon of organic and pure turmeric powder, and two tablespoons of fresh mint juice. Mix it well and apply on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes and moisturize afterward. Turmeric has incredible anti-bacterial properties, and mint provides a soothing touch to the skin.
3. Cinnamon And Lime Face Mask
This is another deep cleansing face mask. You need two tablespoons of both cinnamon powder and lime juice. Mix it well to form a paste-like consistency. Apply liberally on your face and problem areas. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. Lime helps in treating blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Cinnamon has anti-aging properties and helps in shrinking enlarged pores.
4. Clay Mask
You need bentonite clay for preparing this mask. It is easily available in the market. Take one tablespoon of bentonite clay and water. Mix it well and form a paste. Apply it all over your face. Leave it for a few minutes and wash it off. The antibacterial property of the clay helps in fighting infection, as well as in deep cleansing.
5. Aloe Vera
If you have an aloe vera plant in your house or somewhere nearby, break a leaf from the plant. Split the leaf from the middle and take out transparent pulp from it. Apply it on your face and leave it for ten minutes. Wash it off with water. Aloe vera is known to be a skin elixir. It helps in controlling excess oil, controlling blackheads etc.