34 Home Remedies For Blackheads On Nose & Face Removal

updated: 11/12/2019

Blackheads are dark, small lesions on the skin, especially on the face and neck. Featuring a mild case of acne, blackheads could appear even without other signs of acne. This article will reveal to you effective home remedies for blackheads on nose and face removal. However, you need to understand what they are, what their causes and symptoms are, and what preventative home measures are. Let’s start with us from TrueRemedies.com!

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What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads, in essence, are a kind of comedo. Oftentimes, comedones happen when the skin pores get clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.

Blackheads are small, dark bumps on the skin because of clogged hair follicles. As usual, the hair will grow from the hair follicles in the skin pores, and the sebum-producing sebaceous glands are situated underneath. Once these skin pores get clogged, dead skin cells in the open pores will react with oxygen in the environment and become black, causing blackheads.

Many people usually confuse blackheads with trapped dirt, yet the growth of blackheads is actually not related to the cleanliness of your skin.

Apart from the face, blackheads also appear on other body parts, such as back, nose, chest, arms, neck, and shoulders.

It is estimated that acne impacts about 50 million Americans, and it is the most common skin issue in the US, in accordance with the American Academy of Dermatology.

What Are Causes Of Blackheads?

Blackheads build up when a plug or clog develops in the opening layer of hair follicles in the human skin. Each of follicles consists of one hair and one sebaceous gland producing oil. Called sebum, this oil helps to keep your skin soft. Oils and dead skin cells collect in the skin follicle, therefore producing a bump named a comedo. When the skin around the bump stays closed, the bump will be called a whitehead. However, when it opens, it will look back due to the exposure to the air, thereby calling as blackheads.

Some factors that contribute to the risk of blackheads are:

• Producing too much oil
• The formation of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria on the skin
• Hormonal changes causing an enhancement in the production of oil during teenage years, menstruation, or whilst taking birth control pills
• Taking specific drugs like lithium, corticosteroids, or androgens
• Hair follicle irritation when the dead skin cells do not shed normally
• Heavy sweating
• Activities that open hair follicles like shaving
• High humidity in the environment
• Some health issues such as stress, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Medications boosting rapid skin cell turnover

In contrast to popular belief, poor hygiene is not the leading cause of blackheads. Excessive scrubbing with the hope of removing them could even make them worse.

What Are Symptoms Of Blackheads?

Basically, the major symptom of blackheads is dark, small lesions. Although blackheads are a symptom of acne, they are caused by open pores and differ from other acne lesions in some aspects.

Blackheads are not inflamed. It means that they are not infected, and will not result in discomfort and pain like pustules and pimples. Also having a raised texture, they may be flatter than pimples.

Blackheads look like sebaceous filaments, but they are actually different. Sebaceous filaments could appear in groups on the nose, tend to be smaller, and feel flat when being touched. They are glands that transport the sebum flow via pores. They are not a type of acne.

Blackheads may cause embarrassment and psychological or social difficulties in some sufferers.

34 Easy Home Remedies For Blackheads On Face and Nose Removal

1. Baking Soda

Have you ever heard about using baking soda for blackhead removal? Baking soda is not only useful for baking, or keeping your fridge smelling fresh, but it is also used for treating some skin issues, including blackheads. Due to antiseptic and exfoliating property^{[1] [2] [3]}, baking soda can scrub away dead skin cells, thereby leaving the skin smooth and soft.

Also, it is an incredible contender against pesky blackheads. Using baking soda will balance the pH level of your skin and restrict the skin to produce less oil, meaning that you can take control of blackheads.

Method 1:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with some water to have a good paste
• Wash the face with warm water and apply the paste to your affected skin
• Wait for 2-3 minutes
• Massage gently in circular motions for about 2-3 minutes to loosen up dead skin cells, dirt, blackheads, and impurities
• Rinse off with warm water, followed by cold water to shrink skin pores
• Repeat this routine once or twice per week to get the best results

Method 2: Baking soda and toothpaste

• Soak a cotton pad or washcloth in a bowl of warm water
• After wringing out excess liquid, place it on your affected area for about 1 minute to help open the pores
• Mix baking soda with toothpaste as the ratio of 1:1, followed by 2 parts of water
• Use the toothbrush to rub this mixture on your skin for 30 to 60 seconds
• After wiping off, rinse with water
• Repeat this daily to get noticeable results

Method 3: Baking soda and honey

This combination will give you oil-drying and exfoliating effects that are helpful for eliminating blackheads.

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and honey together, then add 2 teaspoons of salt to have a good paste
• Apply the paste to your skin and massage in circular motions
• Wait for 5-7 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water
• Do this every day

Method 4: Baking soda and lemon

• Put 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and granulated brown sugar in ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
• Blend them well, and massage it on your clean face skin by using your fingers
• Wait for 5-10 minutes to remove it using water
• Repeat this once per week

Because lemons have natural acids that may remove the excess skin cells and impurities by penetrating into deep skin layers. So, your skin will be toned and less prone to acne breakouts.

You can also alternate lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for similar results.

Note:

• Do not apply baking soda to open wounds or squeezed zits and pimples because it may worsen the issue.
• Over or repeated usage of baking soda will irritate your skin, causing cracking and drying.

If you notice skin rashes, stop using this ingredient and consult your dermatologist if you have allergic reactions.

2. Cinnamon

This is a wonderful treatment among home remedies for blackheads. Cinnamon, a common spice in our home kitchens, also plays an important role in treating some skin disorders, including blackheads. With antibacterial properties^[4], cinnamon may open up skin pores, dry out acne, preventing skin aging^[5] while regulating oxygen and blood circulation on the skin surface which further contributes to better skin health.

Recent days, cinnamon is widely used in different face washes and facial creams^[6]. Nonetheless, you ought to go for what you can create at home first before resorting to any commercial products. Here are some methods to use cinnamon for blackhead removal.

Method 1: Cinnamon and honey

The face mask from cinnamon and honey is very beneficial for treating blackheads and moisturizing skin. 

• Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with 2 teaspoons of honey to have a consistent paste
• Apply it to your face and wait for 20 minutes to rinse it off with tepid water, then cold water
• Repeat this method 3 times per week

Method 2: Cinnamon, sugar, almond oil, and coffee

Although you have used coffee and sugar as a scrubbing mixture, mixing it with cinnamon powder will give you a solution to remove blackheads on the face. Not only does it moisturize your facial skin, but it also smells great.

• Mix cinnamon powder with coffee powder, sugar, and almond oil as a ratio of 1:3:3:2
• After that, apply the thick paste to your face and remove it off after 20 minutes
• Wash it off with tepid water

Method 3: Cinnamon, rice flour, and gram flour

This face pack is particularly suitable for removing blackheads, and exfoliating as well. If you use it regularly, it will lighten your skin tone and make it smoother.

• Mix cinnamon powder with gram flour and rice flour as a ratio of 1/2:1:1/2
• Then, put some rose water into this mixture and apply it to your face
• After 10 minutes, you rinse it off with tepid water
• Then, use cold water to splash on your face

Method 4: Cinnamon and yogurt

In this face pack, cinnamon removes your blackheads while yogurt keeps the skin hydrated and smooth.

• Mix cinnamon powder with yogurt as a ratio of ½ : 2
• After rinsing your facial skin, apply it to the skin and wait for 20 minutes to remove it off with tepid water
• Splash some cold water on your face then

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon also has other uses beyond baking and cooking. It is often used for blackhead removal, exfoliation, sunburn relief, scar treatment, dark spot prevention, skin lightening, and enlarged pore removal^[7].

All of these uses are thanks to the acids available in lemon juice, which are alpha-hydroxy, and citric acid^[8]. Also, the high contents of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium are also effective for hair and skin care. Lemon juice may lessen the oiliness of your skin and nourish and brighten it naturally.

You can either use lemon juice alone or combine it with some other ingredients to remove blackheads. 

Method 1: Lemon juice and water

• Dilute some fresh lemon juice with water in a bowl
• Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to your affected skin
• After it dries out naturally, rinse it off with cold water
• Do this routine twice or thrice per day to get noticeable results

Note: You need to dilute lemon juice with water to avoid skin irritation, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Method 2: Lemon juice, salt, honey and yogurt

• In a bowl, extract the fresh lemon juice from a lemon
• Add some honey, yogurt, and salt 
• Mix them well and apply it to your face
• Scrub gently for 3 to 5 minutes
• Wait for 1 minute and wash it off with water
• Repeat this routine daily

You can also alternate yogurt with fresh milk to get the same effects.

Method 3: Lemon juice and rose water

Thanks to antimicrobial and toning effects^{[9] [10]}, rose water will support lemon juice in treating blackheads.

• Cut a lemon in half and extract the juice in a bowl
• Add the same amount of rose water and stir it well
• Apply it to your affected area
• Wait for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing it off with cool water
• Repeat this routine for 2 weeks

Method 4: Lemon, honey, and oats

This pack will exfoliate your skin, absorb excess oil, and add essential moisture to your skin.

• Combine ¼ cup of lemon juice with ½ cup of rolled oats, 1/3 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of honey
• Scrub the mixture on your face in circular motions using your fingertips for 40 seconds or so
• Rinse it off with warm water
• Pat it dry using a soft clean towel
• Repeat this every day to get the best result

4. Oatmeal

More than just a hot breakfast cereal, oatmeal with its nutrient-rich content is very effective in treating a variety of skin disorders, including irritated, sensitive skin, dry skin, and blackheads^{[11] [12] [13]}. That is why it is mentioned in this list of home remedies for blackheads. It can work wonder as a natural exfoliant and cleanser, which helps to remove clogged skin pores causing blackheads. Also, it has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties^[14]. Using oatmeal will soothe your skin, eliminate dead skin cells, and absorb the excess oil to clarify the skin.

Method 1: Oatmeal mask

• Mix warm water and oatmeal together as a ratio of 4:3
• Spread the paste on your face and wait for 20 minutes to remove it
• Rinse it off with cool water

Method 2: Oatmeal, olive oil, lemon juice, and yogurt

• Mix yogurt, oatmeal, and olive oil together with a ratio of 3:2:1
• Add some drops of lemon juice and then apply it to your face, rub gently
• Wash it off with warm water after it dries out naturally

Method 3: Oatmeal and egg whites

The proteins and albumin presenting in egg whites may tighten the skin^[15] and minimize skin pores naturally. Acting as an astringent, egg whites draw out dirt and sebum (oil)  from your skin pores and reduce the risks of forming blackheads.

Directions:

• Take 2 tablespoons of soft-cooked oatmeal in a bowl
• Take the egg white from an egg
• Add the egg white to cooked oatmeal and use a spoon to mix thoroughly
• Apply a thin layer of this mixture to your face, allow it to dry out
• Rinse it off with cool water
• Repeat this process twice or thrice per week

Method 4: Oatmeal and apple cider vinegar

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar^[16] may dissolve dead skin cells and remove impurities clogging your skin pores and causing blackheads. Besides, apple cider vinegar balances your skin’s pH level and takes control of sebum production, thereby helping prevent the blackhead formation.

Directions:

• Put 2-3 tablespoons of cooked oatmeal into a bowl
• Then, add 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to it, mix thoroughly
• Apply the mixture to your face and wait for 15 minutes before washing it off with cool water
• Repeat this method twice per week

5. Green Tea

Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants^[17] and vitamins that may remove excess oil and decrease inflammation in the skin, especially acne. Also, it protects the skin from future damage. It is estimated that green tea may inhibit sebum (oil) production by 50%^[18] [19]. It is 50% more effective than benzoyl peroxide.

Besides, green tea is jam-packed with 6 active catechins, including epicatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, and epigallocatechin-3 gallate (also known as EGCG), all of which help to prevent cell damage, decrease irritation and inflammation, and protect against free radicals^[20] causing acne.

Also, it regulates the insulin levels and balance hormones and blood pressure, all of which contribute to the acne severity. Green tea is also able to protect your skin from sun damage^[21] and enhance the recovery from acne scars. If you consume green tea regularly, it will trigger the production of cortisol that can alleviate stress, thereby reducing stress-induced acne.

Method 1: Consume internally

This is considered one of the best ways to treat and prevent acne. Drinking from 4 to 6 cups of green tea each day will regulate sebum production and hormones, inhibiting the buildup of acne. For extra benefits, you could add 1 tablespoon of honey to green tea.

Method 2: Spray

• After brewing green tea, use a cotton ball to apply green tea to your skin or pour it in a spray bottle and thoroughly spritz it on.
• Let it dry and wash it off with water
• Repeat this routine every day

Method 3: Green tea and honey

Green tea, when combined with honey, will give you an effective solution for treating acne and give you a fresh look.

• Steep a green tea bag in a cup of boiling water for about 3 minutes
• Allow the tea bag to cool down, open it, take out the leaves
• Add organic raw honey to have a good paste
• Apply this solution to your clean skin
• Wait for 20 minutes to wash it off with water
• Re-do this routine regularly

Note: You could use green tea powder to replace with wet tea leaves.

You can also mix green tea with lemon, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and egg white to have similar effects.

6. Honey

Honey possesses antiseptic and antibacterial effects^[22] that may aid in removing blackheads eliminating impurities and germs clogging skin pores. Furthermore, honey may act as a natural antibiotic, pulling the dirt from skin pores to help remove blackheads, tighten, and hydrate the skin^[23].

Method 1:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of raw honey in a jar until it is warm
• Dab that honey onto your affected skin, leave it there for 10 minutes
• Remove it using a damp, warm cloth

Method 2: Honey and apples.

• Cut a peeled apple into slices
• Blend it to have a pulp and add 1 tablespoon of uncooked oats or cornmeal along with a pinch of chopped mint
• Add 1 tablespoon of warm honey into the mixture to have a thick paste
• Apply the final solution to your face and wait for 10 minutes
• Wash it off with warm water
• Repeat this regularly for best results

Method 3: Honey, tomatoes, and oatmeal

• Extract the juice of 3 tomatoes and then add the juice and 1 tablespoon of honey to a cup of oatmeal
• Scrub that paste on your face
• After 10 minutes to rinse it off with water
• Repeat this process regularly to have good results

7. Turmeric

Not only does it help to reduce the appearance of acne and blackheads, but it can also aid in preventing them in the first stage thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties^[24]. Also, the antioxidants in it help keep your skin elastic and make it a youthful glow.

You should use Kasturi turmeric for maximum effects.

Method 1:

• Mix a small amount of Kasturi turmeric with coconut oil or water to have a paste
• Dab this paste onto your skin
• Wait for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with tepid water

Method 2: Turmeric and coriander juice

• Grind coriander leaves in a food processor to extract the juice
• Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with it
• Apply the mixture to your skin before your bedtime
• After 30 minutes, wash it off with tepid water

Method 3: Turmeric and curd

• Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with ½ teaspoon of sandalwood powder
• Put 2 tablespoons of curd into that mixture to have a good paste
• Apply the final solution to your skin and rinse it off with tepid water after 30 minutes
• Splash cold water after that, followed by your moisturizer

Method 4: Turmeric and rice flour

• Mix ½ teaspoon each of turmeric powder and honey together
• Then, add 1 teaspoon each of rice flour powder and lemon juice
• Mix them well before applying the mixture to your face
• Scrub gently before washing it off with plain water

Method 5: Turmeric and cinnamon powder

• Mix equal amounts of lemon juice, cinnamon powder, and turmeric powder 
• Apply this paste to your face before going to sleep
• The next morning, rinse your skin off with water
• Repeat this routine for a few weeks to see noticeable improvements

8. Epsom Salts

This is one of the effective home remedies for blackheads you absolutely should not skip. Also known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt comes with numerous health and beauty benefits, including blackhead removal. It may exfoliate, and remove dirt, dead skin cells ,and impurities from your skin. Not only that, magnesium in salt may regulate the activity of enzymes within your body, preventing the buildup of the bumps. Generally, Epsom salt may reduce inflammation and pain^[25], while smoothly removing blackheads and making your skin supple and soft.

Method 1:

• Steam your face and wash it with tepid water to help open skin pores
• Pat it dry using a soft towel
• Mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt with 3-5 drops of iodine in half of a cup of boiling water
• After stirring well, allow it to cool down
• Apply this mixture to your skin, wash it off after 5-10 minutes with warm water
• Dab an alcohol-based astringent skin lotion after the skin dries out

Method 2:

• Mix ¼ cup of water and ¼ cup of Epsom salt together
• Use this mixture to scrub your affected skin and rinse it off with water
• Do this routine daily for several days to get good results

9. Bentonite Clay

This is a kind of absorbent and healing clay that was discovered in the late 19th century, leading to its name. This ingredient consists of more than 60 natural trace minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, silica, and potassium, making it a rich substance used for centuries to deal with a number of skin conditions^[26].

Bentonite is good at drawing out both excessive oil and impurities blocked in skin pores. Using it as a mask will soak up your skin with minerals while removing blackheads.

Directions:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with a proper amount of water or apple cider vinegar to have a thick paste
• Use clean fingertips to apply a thin layer of this paste to your face
• Wait for 10-25 minutes to let it dry
• Wash it off with tepid water, followed by your moisture.

10. Sugar

In regard to home remedies for blackheads, sugar sounds too good to be true, but why don’t use sugar to create a sugar scrub rather than pouring it into your morning coffee? Sugar, being a natural exfoliant^[27] [28], sugar, if mixed with a carrier oil, will create an effective solution for cleansing clogged skin pores, causing blackheads. You could use jojoba oil as a carrier oil for that purpose because it may mimic the sebum of skin well. Also, you can use sweet almond, grapeseed, or olive oil as alternatives.

Directions:

• Add 4 tablespoons of jojoba oil to a cup of white/brown sugar
• Add another essential oil for fragrance (optional)
• Mix them well and use your fingertips to rub it on your skin in circular motions
• Wash it off with cool water before moisturizing
• Repeat this routine thrice per week to get good results

11. Fenugreek

Apart from preventing diabetes^[29], reducing cholesterol, and boosting breast milk^[30], fenugreek is also used to treat a number of skin issues, including blackheads^[31]. The exceptional medical properties in fenugreek seeds make it a great remedy for skin disorders. Thanks to the high content of proteins and vitamins, this herb may fight off infection-causing bacteria^[32] and restore your healthful skin^[33].

The vitamin A available in fenugreek seeds could aid the treating process of some main skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and blackheads. It also reduces acne scars, dark circles, and stretch marks thanks to the rich content of vitamin K.

Other vitamins such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and selenium in fenugreek seeds and leaves may help treat minor to moderate skin issues.

Directions:

• Mix fresh fenugreek leaves with some water to have a thick paste
• Apply the paste to your skin and allow it to dry for 10 minutes or so
• Wash it off with tepid water afterward
• Repeat this routine daily

12. Activated Charcoal

Charcoal is one of the best home remedies for blackheads removal. Also, it helps to tighten skin pores, remove acne^[34], and make the skin clean and smooth.

Activated charcoal, when used on the skin, immediately starts soaking up impurities in the skin pores, such as germs, dirt, stale sebum, dead cells, grime, and other impurities. Also, it removes blackheads stuck in the skin pores. After you remove the activated charcoal from the skin, the skin feels and looks purified, clean, fresh, and soft.

Directions:

• Remove the content of 3 activated charcoal capsules in a bowl. Or, you could also use activated charcoal powder
• Add some glue and mix them well
• Use a clean washcloth to dip in warm water and then dab it on your face after wringing out the excess water
• Apply the paste to your face
• After it dries out naturally, peel off slowly
• Repeat this routine regularly to get the best results

Note: Do not apply this paste to the areas having hair, such as eyebrows and peachy fuzz close to the ears, because it might cause pain when peeling the pack.

13. Sweat It Out

Although sweat glands and hair follicle (pore) are not the same, sweating could help minimize blackheads^[35]. When sweating, due to working or exercising, the liquid will naturally flow on your skin and soften/flush anything clogging your skin pores. However, it is vital that you wash your face before and after sweating; otherwise, the impact could be detrimental.

If you leave your makeup or something else on your face before sweating, the sweat may carry it into your skin pores. If you do not wash afterward, then that stuff is still there and blocks your pores. Do right from the beginning!

You can try out some exercises or sit in a steam room or sauna. After sweating, rinse off your face as usual and moisturize it well.

Do’s And Don’ts:

Do’s:

• You can choose some special scrubs for gentle exfoliation. Choose the ones that are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid products making your skin too dry.
• Use non-comedogenic products that do not clog the skin pores. They should keep the pores open and clear and also decrease the formation of dead skin cells.
• Salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are available in prescription and OTC forms for treating non-inflammatory acne. They are topical treatments that are applied to the skin directly.

The prescription medications having vitamin A, such as tazarotene, tretinoin, and adapalene might be prescribed to help keep the plugs from building in the hair follicles and enhance the quick turnover of skin cells.

But, the majority of people do not seek such treatments until their skin condition gets worse (a more severe or infected form). It is crucial to consult a skin care specialist for removing blackheads if they get bothersome.

• Take enough rest and avoid anxiety and stress because stress may trigger sebum production.
• Exercise regularly
• Plan a healthful and balanced diet with a lot of fresh fruits and veggies to improve the overall health. It also reduces the risk of skin lesions getting infected.

Don’ts:

• Avoid squeezing your blackheads, even with the metal blackhead remover because it might irritate your skin and make the issue worse.
• Avoid steaming. Some people say that steaming can help open skin pores, but some say that it worsens the condition.
• Avoid scrubbing because it removes sebums. The sebaceous glands then will have to work harder to remove the sebum, thereby resulting in more blockages and the potential risk of inflamed acne.
• Do not use removers, such as removal strips, vacuums, and masks because it may damage or irritate the skin when used improperly.
• Avoid oil-based foundations and skincare products.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes 
• Avoid skin care products having alcohol because this might dry out and tighten the skin.

These home remedies have helped a large number of people eradicate their blackheads. But, remember that consistency and persistence are necessary for long-term results. In case these home remedies for blackheads do not give any improvement in your condition, consult a dermatologist. For any idea about this topic, feel free to drop your words below this post. To refer to other natural treatments for problems related to health and beauty, visit our Home Remedies page.

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