Acne are not just red or pink marks, they can also cause dark spots called blackheads, which are a typical form of acne. They commonly appear on the cheeks, nose, and other parts of the body. If you are thinking about popping them, do not as it may aggravate the problem. There are home remedies to remove blackheads on cheeks naturally. So, it’s time to reach for kitchen ingredients to remove blackheads from your cheeks.

What are blackheads?

Blackheads, scientifically known as open comedones, are a type of acne lesion that frequently develops on the skin. It develops when a hair follicle dilates and becomes clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, says trichologist and cosmetologist Dr Kiran Sandeep Singh. Blackheads are dark in colour because the obstructed material is exposed to air when the pore is open to the skin’s surface. As a result, it oxidises and becomes dark in colour, found a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

What causes blackheads on cheeks?

Common causes of blackheads on cheeks are:

• Clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells.
• Excessive production of sebum (an oily substance that protects your skin from drying out).
• Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy may impact sebum production, according to a study published in the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.
• Diet also plays an important role in the development of blackheads. If you consume foods rich in fat, it can lead to the formation of blackheads on the cheeks, nose, and other parts of the body, found a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology.

How to remove blackheads from cheeks?

Here are some easy home remedies to get rid of blackheads from cheeks, as explained by the expert.

1. Sugar scrub

Sugar is an abrasive that has inherent exfoliating properties. It helps get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores on the skin, according to a study published in the Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology Journal. To make the scrub, combine sugar with any oil that is good for your skin, such as coconut, olive, almond, or jojoba oil. Additionally, this scrub may maintain and increase skin hydration.

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Ingredients:

• ½ cup of white or brown granulated sugar.
• 3 tablespoons of any skin-friendly oil like coconut, olive, almond, or jojoba oil.

Method:

• Blend the skin-friendly oil with the granulated sugar.
• After a few minutes of scrub time, wash with warm water.

2. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is rich in antioxidants and has good disinfectant, relaxing, and antibacterial effects. As a result, it is an effective component for treating various types of acne and promoting skin moisture. The oil deeply penetrates your skin to go beneath your pores and prevent blockage. It then disinfects the pores, dries up the blackheads, and unclogs the pores, as per a study published in the Journal of Convergence Information Technology.

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil
• Cotton balls

Method:

• Apply a cleanser and wash your face with warm water. Dry-pat your face.
• Use a cotton ball to dab the oil onto the skin.
• After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse it off.

3. Honey scrub

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, honey is known for its ability to reduce microbial development on the skin. It contains humectants, which moisturise the skin and help to remove blackheads and whiteheads. It may even lighten your complexion while nourishing and exfoliating your skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• A few drops of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method:

• Mix the sugar, lemon juice, and raw honey.
• Gently scrub your face and wash off with water.

4. Egg-white face mask

Egg whites contain a lot of nutrients and may temporarily tighten your pores. Using an egg white mask will help get rid of blackheads and replenish the nutrition of your skin. Even though there is no scientific evidence to support the advantages of egg whites for skin, but egg-white are considered the best way to remove blackheads.

Ingredients:

Method:

• Wash your face, then pat it dry.
• Separate the yolk and white of the egg.
• After applying the egg white to your skin, cover it with tissue paper and allow it to dry.
• Egg white can be used in layers of two to four, but make sure to let each layer dry completely before applying the next. Gently push down on the tissue after applying the second layer.
• Remove the tissues and cleanse your face.
• Pat dry your face and then apply a moisturiser.

5. Green tea

Green tea is high in antioxidants, which help to prevent excess oil, eliminate pollutants, reduce inflammation, and clear blackheads, according to a study published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons of green tea leaves
• ½ cup of water

Method:

• Make a smooth paste by combining 1-2 tablespoons of dried green leaves with water.
• Apply this to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Are there any side effects of home remedies?

“While these home remedies are generally safe to use, it is necessary to do a patch test before applying them on the face. It is also advisable to consult with your doctor before using these home remedies to remove blackheads from your cheeks,” says the expert.