Natural Exfoliants To Eliminate Blackheads
To eliminate blackheads, various exfoliants prepared with substances suitable for cleansing and caring for different skin types are available on the market . The great advantage is that the microparticles do not damage the epidermis.
Of course we can also opt for homemade exfoliants, to be prepared with ingredients such as oatmeal, chickpea flour and honey. Are you curious? Read on!
What are blackheads?
Blackheads (or open comedones) are a cosmetic problem that appears as a result of the obstruction of the pores of the skin. This obstruction is due to the oxidation of the cells.
The production of sebum and melanin, especially in the nose and chin area, blocks open pores. This prevents drainage of the sebaceous glands, which become dirty and acquire the characteristic black color.
One of the most common causes of their occurrence is the application of unsuitable cleansing and facial care products. To contribute, there is also the application of make-up for long periods. However, other factors, such as hormonal changes and nutrition, must also be taken into account.
Since not everyone has the same skin type, it is important to keep in mind that to get rid of blackheads the best thing to do is to go to the dermatologist and follow his therapeutic indications. It is not recommended to try home remedies without prior authorization, as you may suffer from adverse reactions and make the problem worse.
Natural exfoliants to get rid of blackheads
It is said that a light exfoliation, from time to time, can help to have healthier and cleaner skin. For this reason, those who have a tendency to have open pores apply home preparations, such as the ones we are about to describe to you.
It is also important to clarify that the desired results cannot be achieved only by exfoliation. You need to include this practice as part of a thorough skin cleansing routine in order to actually benefit from it.
1. Sea salt
After cleansing the face, the sea salt will act as a natural exfoliant, useful for eliminating blackheads (in small quantities or from time to time). And since it is attributed antiseptic properties it could be even more effective.
According to popular wisdom, a sea salt-based exfoliant is ideal for oily, combination or acne-prone skin. People with a more sensitive skin type, on the other hand, or those with too dry or mature skin should avoid it.
2. Sugar
Sugar is a slightly gentler option than sea salt and, according to popular tradition, it can be used on all skin types. If we have very delicate skin, we recommend combining sugar with a vegetable oil (coconut, almond, olive, etc.).
- With the help of sugar it will be easy to remove the layers of dead cells, while thanks to the oil the skin will be deeply nourished and hydrated, but without any shiny effect.
- As a result, applying an exfoliant with oil will be able to cleanse blackheads while nourishing the skin thoroughly.
3. Coffee grounds
According to popular wisdom, people with oily skin can apply coffee grounds by mixing them with a cream (or vegetable oil, of your choice), to use them as a homemade exfoliant.
4. Chickpea flour
Another everyday product that we can apply to eliminate blackheads is chickpea flour, with a consistency similar to that of oatmeal. According to popular tradition, its particles make it much less rough than sugar, so it seems to be suitable for combination skin.
5. Oats
Oats are the most suitable natural exfoliant to eliminate blackheads when the skin is very sensitive or delicate.
- Thanks to its mucilage content, this cereal creates a protective and moisturizing layer on the skin that protects it from any external agent.
- It has a rather delicate texture, so we don’t run the risk of irritating or rednessing the skin.
- To use oats as an exfoliant, we will need to grind it and mix it with water. We will get a paste with which to clean the face or let it act for 15 minutes as a mask.
6. Tomato
The effects of the last two natural exfoliants that we present are not due to their sandy consistency, but to their content of enzymes that clean the skin quickly and effectively. A good option for those with light blackheads on the skin.
According to popular tradition, tomato is the gentlest choice for an enzymatic exfoliant. We just have to rub a slice on our face and wait a few minutes for it to dry. Next, we will wash with plenty of water.
7. Pineapple
According to some, the action of pineapple would be similar to that of tomato. Once applied to the skin of the face we should not exceed the 5 minutes of exposure with the exfoliant on the face. The result is very clean, soft skin with fewer blackheads.
Final considerations
- Use products free of oils and fats (oil-free) or those prescribed by the dermatologist.
- While nutrition is not proven to have a direct effect on blackhead formation, it may somehow carry a burden. The advice is therefore to follow a healthy diet.
- Diets high in sugar, fat and dairy are not recommended.
- Go to a beauty center for a good facial cleansing at least once a month.
- Avoid doing do-it-yourself cleaning in your home and if you do, try to follow the advice of professionals.
Apply natural exfoliants with caution
Both when you have to prepare them and when it comes to applying them it is important to do it with caution. For example, if you want to apply sugar and salt, the advice is to apply them in small doses, since the particles they are made of could cause micro-lesions on the skin, dry it too much and worsen the acne.
