David J (UK) on 01/15/2021
Sara (Colorado) on 04/03/2019
Since Tea Tree Oil was within reach, I tried it first, just applying a drop to the area, then went to bed. In the morning, the area was raised up like a tiny scab and I attributed it to all the poking around I did the night before. However, that night when I went to exfoliate the area again so I could reapply tea tree oil, the “scab” came right off and ended up being the actual blackhead. I was amazed. Just one application and that pesky thing was finally gone. I reapplied the tea tree oil the next two nights just in case, but have seen nothing growing back since and the area returned to normal.
Very happy with the results. The tea tree oil I used was from the health food store, but the cheapest brand there. I think exfoliating first helps to make sure the oil makes direct contact with the blackhead.
Brent (Florida) on 07/06/2016
Princess (Ca) on 12/31/2015
Jackmac (La Florida, Spain) on 12/07/2014
Misty (Indiana, Usa) on 02/08/2014
Every night, I apply undiluted ACV (organic unfiltered is best but the grocery store stuff will work in a pinch) to my face with a cotton ball. I don't wear makeup on most days, so I usually don't wash my face. I wear mineral makeup, which doesn't clog my pores, on days I bother, so I can get still away with not washing my face. When it dries, it's important to apply a good moisturizer because dry skin can clog pores when it mixes with sebum. I use either extra virgin coconut oil or a mix of 50% castor oil (the cheap pharmacy stuff will work) and 50% extra virgin olive, jojoba, or hemp oil.
This may not get rid of stubborn blackheads, so once or twice a week, I wash my face with medicated apricot scrub (St. Ive's will work, but I just use the store brand) and Dr. Bronner's peppermint. To a dime size dollop of facial scrub, I add a few drops of Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, then apply to wet face and scrub in circular motion for at least 1 minute, then rinse and apply moisturizer.
It's also important to eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and keep sugar, dairy, and wheat to a minimum (I am on the paleo diet with one splurge day a week). Overall, this routine has completely cleared up my face except for maybe one or two pimples near my menstrual cycle.
Jack (Ny, 60115) on 03/19/2012
Ryan (Redlands, California) on 01/27/2012
The acidic compounds found in lemon juice are amazing for breaking down oils and clearing up those embarrassing blackheads. I have been using the following remedy for about 3 days now and have noticed quite a difference in my complexion!
I take a warm shower (opens pores) every morning before work and every early evening. After shower, I push up on my nose from underneath to try and clear out as much loosened blackhead 'plugs' as possible.
I then apply lemon juice to a cotton ball and dab it on my nose and around the 'T-area'. It may sting a bit at first and direct sunlight should be avoided for about 30 minutes after applying.
This has netted me substantial results, although people with sensitive skin may have reactions to the nature of the acidity.
Beatrice (Vancouver, Bc/canada) on 01/05/2012
Regulator555 (Grand Rapids, Mi, Usa) on 06/02/2010
I'm 30 and have been suffering from blackheads for years. Aside from extraction, nothing worked. Nearly every pore on my face was blocked. Gross. Anyway, I heard about using aspirin and honey as a remedy on acne.org and thought I'd give it a try. I either use two large aspirin or four low dose aspirin and add a few drops of warm water. Let them dissolve (try to use the uncoated kind otherwise you have to peel the coating off). Add about a tablespoon of organic honey to the dissolved aspirin and mix thoroughly. Gently apply the mixture to a clean face (I use an SLS/paraben/prop. glyc. free soap) on the problem areas and leave on for about 15 minutes. The honey helps the aspirin stay put, or else it will just flake off. After the 15 minutes, wet your hands and gently massage the problem areas and then rinse off with plenty of warm water and your hands. Follow up with a moisturizer. I use just plain hazelnut oil.
Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/28/2010
I must add details of my current daily regimine. I use:
- ACV as a toner - if too strong then dilute half with water and use on a cotton ball
- VCO as a moisturizer
- Turmeric capsules I make myself for anti-inflammatory
This regimine was and still is working great for the last 2-3 months. All three listed above also are great for acne and evening out skin tone. Before last night my acne was gone except these pesky black heads. Two washes with the baking soda paste and my face is completely clear, pores even look a little better I think. Plus when I applied the VCO this time it was oh so smooth. I plan to continue with my daily routine and add the exfoliator in 1-2x maximum per week. My paste was 3T baking soda and about 1 1/2T water. The first time was a bit runny. I forgot to close the lid last night and this morning it was a nice thicker paste. The thick paste will be perfect to use on the rest of my body again no more than 2x a week.
Tim (Berkeley, Ca) on 01/24/2010
After reading about castor oil for reducing wrinkles and improving complexion, I tried it and found that it is wonderful for reducing blackheads and making skin feel soft and clean. What I do is take a facecloth and wet it with hot water. I put the cloth on my face for a few minutes and let the steam open the pores, then apply the castor oil all over my face. I let the castor oil soak in for about 15-30 minutes and then remove it with the facecloth and hot water. After the oil has been removed I then splash cool water on my face to close the pores. This leaves my face feeling clean and smooth. I repeat this process every 3-4 days.
Sp (Nashville, Tn) on 11/25/2009
Pb (Halifax, Ns) on 01/16/2010
Just thought I would share this as I was surprised to see how much it helped me. I ran out of moisturizer and decided to try using an oil blend. After some research online I mixed about 30 ml of grapeseed oil (available in some grocery stores or organic food stores) with about 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of bergamot essential oil (available at most pharmacies). I applied it to my face, chest and back every morning (shake before using). It does feel greasy on the face but if you have to apply make-up you could blot after 15 min or so to get rid of the excess. Anyway, I was surprised to notice that after a few days my existing blackheads seemed to dry up completely or were greatly loosened, and there have been no new breakouts of acne in general. I'm in my mid-30s and have had acne all my life so find this quite remarkable & hope it helps someone else.
Carolyn (Northwest, OH) on 11/08/2008
