How to Get Rid of Blackheads Naturally

Blackheads, also known as comedones, occur when your pores fill with dirt, oil from your skin (sebum), and bacteria, leaving a black or brown dot on your skin. Blackheads can be annoying and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, but you can easily treat them with many natural products. On top of treating your blackheads, take time to clean and care for your skin so it stays healthy and blemish-free. However, if natural treatments don’t work for you, talk to a dermatologist or doctor to find out what other options you have.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Treating Your Blackheads

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    Swab tea tree oil on your blackheads for the most effective treatment. Look for a gel or lotion that contains 5% tea tree oil. Alternatively, you may mix 2–3 drops of undiluted oil in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of a carrier, such as avocado or almond oil.[1] Use a cotton swab to rub the oil directly on your blackheads so it absorbs into your skin. Continue applying the oil on to your skin twice daily until your blackheads go away.[2]
    • You can buy tea tree oil online or from your local drugstore.
    • Tea tree oil is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant so it works to shrink your blemishes and kill bacteria on your skin.
    • If you have sensitive skin, tea tree oil may cause itching, burning, or redness. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the oil and try a different treatment option.
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    Rub your skin with echinacea extract to help kill acne-causing bacteria. Wet a cotton applicator pad with your echinacea extract so it’s damp but not dripping wet. Hold the pad against your skin and apply gentle pressure as you massage the extract into your skin until it absorbs completely. Use the echinacea daily until your blackheads or acne disappear.[3]
    • You can purchase echinacea extract online or from your local pharmacy.
    • Echinacea inhibits bacteria that cause inflammation to reduce the size of your blackheads.
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    Dab your blackheads with hydrogen peroxide if you have mild acne. Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and squeeze out any excess. Pat your blackheads with the cotton ball until they’re completely covered with the peroxide. Rinse the hydrogen peroxide off after 2–3 minutes.[4]
    • You may get dry skin if you use hydrogen peroxide, so follow up with a moisturizer.
    • Hydrogen peroxide helps dry up sebum clogging your pores and kills bacteria on your skin.
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    Try using aloe gel and basil oil to help shrink your blackheads. Mix equal parts aloe vera gel and basil essential oils in a small bowl until they’re thoroughly combined. Gently rub the mixture into your skin by hand until it absorbs completely. Keep using the mixture until your skin clears up.[5]
    • You can buy aloe gel and basil oil online or from your local drugstore.
    • Aloe and basil both have antioxidants and are anti-inflammatories, so they reduce swelling and eliminate bacteria around your blemishes.
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    Put on a clay mineral mask to help stimulate and open your pores. Choose a clay mask that contains bentonite since it helps absorb sebum and oil from your skin better. Mix enough water with the clay until you can spread it easily by hand. Rub a thin layer of the clay onto your skin so it completely coats your blackheads. Leave the clay on until it dries completely before rinsing it off with warm water.[6]
    • Look for clay masks online or at your local pharmacy.
    • Only use a clay mask once or twice each week so you don’t dry out your skin.
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    Apply a green tea lotion if you have inflammation around your blackheads. Look for a lotion that contains about 3% green tea oil.[7] Use a fingertip-sized amount of lotion and spread it over your skin. Rub the lotion over your blackheads gently until it absorbs into your skin and appears clear. Apply your lotion every day until your blemishes disappear or shrink. [8]
    • You can purchase green tea lotion online or at a drugstore.
    • Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps relieve irritation around your blackheads. It also acts as an antiseptic to get rid of bacteria on your skin.
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    Clean your pores with a comedone extractor to pull the blackheads out. A comedone extractor is a small metal tool with a looped end you can use to scoop the blackhead out of your pores. Hold the loop against the blackhead and press it gently into your skin. Apply light pressure and wiggle the loop back and forth to work the blemish out. Lift the tool straight off of your skin to remove the blackhead and oil. Be careful not to press too hard or scrape the tool against your skin since you could cut yourself.[9]
    • You can buy a comedone extractor from your local pharmacy.
    • Using a comedone extractor may be easier if you exfoliate your skin first.

    Warning: Using a comedone extractor may lead to permanent scarring, so be careful not to damage your skin.

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    Take zinc supplements to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Look for a supplement that has about 50 mg of zinc so it’s the most effective.[10] Swallow 1 supplement each day with a glass of water so it can absorb into your system. Continue taking zinc supplements until your blackheads clear up.[11]
    • You can buy zinc supplements from your local pharmacy.
    • Zinc may cause bloating or diarrhea.
    • Your body uses zinc to help promote wound healing and it also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can reduce the sizes of your blackheads.
    • Always talk to your doctor before starting new supplements to ensure they won’t interact with any conditions or medications you have.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Clear Skin

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    Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice each day. Stay clear from facial scrubs and astringents since they can dry out your skin, cause irritation, or make your acne worse. Instead, look for a cleanser labeled as “gentle” or “mild” to use. Wet your face with warm water to help open your pores. Massage the cleanser into your skin in the morning and evening using your hands or a soft exfoliating brush. Rinse the cleanser off when you’re finished washing your face.[12]
    • If you develop blackheads around your hairline, also shampoo every day.

    Warning: Avoid washing your face more than 2 times each day since you can irritate your skin more and cause more blackheads to develop.

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    Use water-based or non-comedogenic cosmetics on your face. Oily cosmetics can clog your pores and increase the likelihood you’ll develop blackheads. Check the labels for any cosmetics you use to make sure they’re labeled as “water-based” or “non-comedogenic”. That way, they’ll rinse off your skin without leaving residue on your skin.[13]
    • Clean off any cosmetics before you go to sleep to keep your skin healthy.
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    Avoid touching or picking at your face. Throughout the day, dirt and oil build up on your hands, so avoid touching your face throughout the day. If you need to touch your face, wash your hands with soap first. Even though they may look unsightly, let your blemishes heal on their own rather than picking or squeezing them since they could scar or get infected.[14]
    • It may also be helpful to change your pillowcases every few days since sweat and oil from your skin can build up on them.
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    Wear sunscreen to help reduce irritation. The sun may make acne or blemishes worse, so try to stay protected from the sun while you’re outside. Apply an oil-free sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to keep your skin safe. Reapply the sunscreen once every 2 hours so you get constant protection.[15]
    • If you can’t find oil-free sunscreen, try wearing a hat or covering your blemishes with clothing so they aren’t exposed to the sun.
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    Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can make it more difficult for your body to heal. If you’re feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. Look for ways to manage your stress, like practicing meditation or doing yoga, to help you relax and ease your mind.[16]
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    Limit how many processed and sugary foods you eat. Try to cut out greasy, fatty, or sugary food from your diet since it can make your skin more oily and make it easier for blackheads to form. Instead, incorporate more unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, into your diet to promote healthier skin.[17]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

When to Seek Medical Care

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    Consult a dermatologist if your blackheads don’t go away. Your blackheads should clear up after about 4-8 weeks of home care. However, they may persist in some cases. If this happens to you, your dermatologist can prescribe a more powerful treatment to help clear your skin. They may also recommend getting an extraction. Talk to your dermatologist to decide what’s best for you.[19]
    • For instance, your dermatologist may prescribe hormonal birth control or spironolactone to help balance your hormones if topical treatments don’t clear your blackheads.
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    Ask about over-the-counter treatments for stubborn blackheads. Cleansers and creams that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also help clean your pores. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria. These treatments are usually effective for clearing blackheads. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help picking the right product for you.[20]
    • You can also buy pore strips over-the-counter to help remove the blackheads.
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    Get your blackheads extracted professionally if they bother you. If other treatments aren’t working and you don’t want to use a comedone extractor yourself, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to do it for you. They will inject your blemishes with corticosteroids to help reduce the risk of scarring before using a comedone extractor to remove them.[21]
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    Check with your doctor if you have moderate-to-severe acne, as well. Blackheads alone typically respond to natural or over-the-counter treatments. However, you may need additional treatments if you also have other types of acne, like whiteheads or pimples. Your dermatologist can offer you creams or medications to help clear your skin.[22]
    • Your dermatologist may give you prescription-strength acne cleansers and creams.
    • If you have cystic acne, you may need an antibiotic to help clear your skin.
    • You may need to take hormonal birth control or spironolactone if your acne and blackheads are caused by hormonal fluctuations.
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Warnings

  • Avoid using face masks with baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch, honey, lemon juice, or egg whites since they haven’t been tested and may not be safe or effective.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Don’t pick at or squeeze your blackheads since they could lead to permanent scarring.[24]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If you have faintness, tightness in your throat, swollen facial features, or difficulty breathing after using a skin product, contact a doctor as soon as you can.[25]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/expert-answers/natural-acne-treatment/faq-20057915
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27000386
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740760/
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273829/
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740760/
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273829/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273829/
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740760/
  9. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
  1. ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/%20Zinc-HealthProfessional/
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/expert-answers/natural-acne-treatment/faq-20057915
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/ART-20045814?p=1
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
  5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
  6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
  8. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/acne-what-you-need-to-know-2019010315717
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26711092
  10. ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-all-about-acne/
  11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art-20045814
  12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
  13. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
  14. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
  15. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
  16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047

About This Article

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Co-authored by:
Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 67,739 times.
3 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 22
Updated: February 21, 2021
Views: 67,739
Categories: Clogged Pores (Comedones)

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To get rid of blackheads naturally, start by mixing together 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of milk. Then, heat the mixture for 5-10 seconds in the microwave, and apply it to your blackheads like a mask. Next, place a strip of cotton over the warm mixture, and wait at least 20 minutes for it to dry. Finally, peel the cotton away to remove the blackheads underneath. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to get rid of blackheads using tomato juice or apple cider vinegar, read on!

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