Blackheads are certainly not a beauty spot anybody would want! They’re formed of dead skin cells and oil (or sebum) secreted by sebaceous gland in the pores of the hair follicle. They make your skin look dull, patchy and ugly.
Besides other chemical treatments that can be easily availed at your nearby salon, little DIY tricks can be tried at to ward off blackheads. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate works as an exfoliating agent for the skin.
Containing zero harsh chemicals, it works as an effective cleanser leaving the skin soft and smooth. Here we explain some effective uses of baking soda for blackheads removal.
1. Baking Soda and Water for Blackheads
Ingredients:
- baking soda
- water
Process:
- Combine equal quantities of baking soda and water to form a paste.
- Using lukewarm water, wash your face thoroughly.
- Apply the paste all over your face and leave it for about 3 minutes.
- Gently massage the area around the blackheads for 2-3 minutes.
- Wash off the dried paste with water.
- End this regime by spalshing your face with cold water and applying a mild moisturizer.
2. Baking Soda and Honey for Blackheads
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of salt
Process:
- Start making a fine paste by mixing 1 teaspoon each of honey and baking soda and 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave it on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse off the mixture with warm water.
3. Baking Soda and Toothpaste for Blackheads
Ingredients:
- baking soda
- tooth paste
- 2 parts of water
Process:
- Place a washcloth soaked in warm water on the affected areas.
- Make a paste by taking equal parts of baking soda and tooth paste and 2 parts of water.
- Use a brush (a soft bristled toothbrush) to scrub the affected areas with the paste for a minute.
- Wash it off with water.
4. Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar for Blackheads
Ingredients:
- apple cider vinegar
- baking soda
How to do:
- Take apple cider vinegar and baking soda in equal measures and mix them well.
- Apply the thick paste on your face but ensure that you stay away form the eye region.
- Let it sit for around 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and apply some moisturizer.
Tips and Precautions
Though baking soda is a common home remedy to keep blackheads at bay, one should go through the following points before including this in your beauty regime.
- Sometimes, it adds to the pH levels of the skin.
- Excessive use of baking soda can cause dryness to the skin.
It might lead to skin irritation. Hence, a patch test is always recommended before applying it on the affected area.