Natural Acne Treatments for Blackheads

What are some ways that you keep your skin soft and clear? Some swear by exfoliation, while others are sure that a potent serum in the evening does the trick. No matter which way you approach skin care, we’re all a fan of being blemish-free - which makes the sudden appearance of a blackhead even more unwelcome.

Unlike hormonal breakouts or reactionary rashes and bumps, blackheads can sometimes seem unexplainable. We’ll talk more below about what blackheads are, why they form, and how to prevent them. No need to treat acne with harsh acids, peels, or violent scrubbing – natural acne treatments will do just fine!

What Are Blackheads?

If you’ve never had a blackhead, they can be an unappealing sight, especially depending on where the bump has decided to open shop. A blackhead is like any breakout or pimple that forms on your skin. Now imagine that the very peak of that bump is black, and its core is pulsing with discomfort – that is, a blackhead.

Technically, a blackhead is a breakout that forms a plug of sorts, generally in a hair follicle. The plug consists of sebum or oil produced by our skin. As it remains stuck, the surface of the oil oxidizes and turns dark or black—hence the term blackhead.

What Causes Blackheads?

Most of us have many ideas about what causes our breakouts (for example, stress, poor diet, bacteria, and hormones). But blackheads are caused by one thing, and one thing alone: a plug of oil.

As simple as this form of pimple is to understand, it’s not so easy to remove or prevent it. Since blackheads are caused by a plug of oil, they can occur anywhere on your body that produces its oil and contains a hair follicle.

One of the most common environments where blackheads form is on the nose. As one of the oiliest areas on our body, the nose is a breeding ground for blackheads. Even dryness can trigger a blackhead to form if dry or dead skin cells work their way down into the follicle.

This buildup traps oil underneath it, while the skin above sends the message, ‘Hey, I need moisture up here!’ As a result, more sebum (oil) builds up, but the plug keeps it trapped. This creates a bump that eventually grows into a blackhead once the head is oxidized to a dark brown or black.

How Can I Prevent Blackheads?

If you’re battling acne, you might get recommendations to eat a healthier diet, reduce stress, and increase water intake. Blackheads are trickier to banish – it takes a little more elbow grease. Start with a consistent cleansing regimen, incorporate exfoliating, and use a natural acne treatment daily. As a reminder, blackheads can’t be scrubbed away, but using a gentle, effective exfoliate is perfect for sloughing away those pesky dead skin cells.

Check out these products and techniques that are sure to do the trick!

Acai Pulp Facial Scrub

Starting with this product, voted by Self Magazine as one of the best in healthy beauty 2018, this vegan face scrub features finely ground grape seed and acai pulp that’s gentle enough for use even on sensitive skin. It provides a fine polish on the skin that leaves your pores clean while smoothing away rough, dead skin. It’s one of the best natural acne treatments for blackheads because it uses a combination of physical exfoliants and fruit enzymes to resurface and balance the texture of your skin.

Acai fruit contains vitamin A, which is great for cell turnover and new skin faster. This scrub also contains grape seed powder and exfoliant, which feature a gentle enzyme called tartaric acid. Tartaric acid helps to stimulate collagen, de-clog pores, and promote healthy skin for a smooth texture and a radiant glow. Use this cleanser in your morning routine, but don’t overdo it. Start with once a week and build up from there (likely 3 times weekly is plenty).

Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser

This powerful powder cleanser is a two-pronged natural acne treatment for battling blackheads. The gently exfoliating texture effectively sloughs away dead skin while purifying pores with herbs and botanicals. Italian green clay absorbs and pulls excess oil away from the skin without over-stripping the skin’s natural lipids.

To keep clogged pores in check and acne at bay, replace your normal pore-purifying cleanser with a powder formula. Instead of using abrasive scrubbing methods or chemical exfoliants to unclog your pores, employ the power of powder. This water-activated cleanser is made with potent herbs and botanicals, which can effectively purge pores to reduce the appearance of blackheads.

Charcoal Konjac Sponge

The konjac sponge is for those looking for a low-fuss natural acne treatment or those with sensitive skin. This all-natural face and body sponge works amazingly well against blemishes. The sponge is made of konjac root, a native Asian plant that gently clarifies the skin. When you’re done with this sponge, there won’t be a plug left in sight or a dry skin cell to go around.

This sponge also contains bamboo charcoal, another ingredient that detoxifies the skin. The charcoal is excellent for pulling impurities out of pores and giving a clean glow to skin that’s immediately noticeable after use. Pair with our Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser and go to town – or use alone with warm water as a massaging exfoliant on the skin for an incredibly gentle cleanse.

Charcoal Clay Cleanser

If you’re a fan of charcoal but want something a little smoother in texture, this is a wonderful option. It contains many of the same natural detoxifying properties and shares similar results of brightened, clarified skin.

This cleanser uses the enzymatic power of lemon not only to brighten the skin but also to gently erase excess oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria. Gentle exfoliating lemons also speed up skin cell turnover to reveal new, smooth skin and prevent dead skin buildup in pores. Combined with the detoxifying power of kaolin clay, charcoal in this cleanser pulls out trapped dirt, oil, and debris for fewer blackheads in minutes.

Nighttime Treatments for Blackheads

Some products simply work better in the evening to banish unsightly blackheads. Retinol is one of those ingredients since it can cause skin damage and sensitivity if exposed to the sun. Retinol works great at night for blackheads because it is known to chemically remove dead skin and unclog pores, creating a temporary shrunken pore effect.

Incorporate retinol into your routine with our antioxidant-packed Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum or our skin-smoothing Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm. Our lightweight PM serum may help to prevent acne with retinol and vitamin C, which gently resurface the skin and draw impurities from pores. Use the nighttime retinol balm for deeply hydrated skin with a luscious blend of avocado, olive, and shea oils, plus protective beeswax and brightening vitamin C.

DIY Anti-Blackhead Treatments

We love a good DIY – especially when it comes to skin. If you’re feeling creative, mix up a few home remedies. Try a mask containing charcoal, turmeric, baking soda, or honey, or try a few spot treatments. Share your pure beauty selfies with us on the ‘gram to let us know how you’re staying blackhead-free!

The following ingredients can be combined to form an ideal at-home anti-blackhead mask treatment or mixed and matched for best results:

Charcoal

It detoxifies, clarifies very oily areas, and naturally brightens the skin. It can also be used as a spot treatment on blackheads to pull debris from the pores.

Turmeric

It clarifies pores, gently exfoliates, and adds a warm glow for olive and deeper complexions.

Honey

Naturally antibacterial, soothing, and balancing, it also loosens clogged pores to release dead skin and trapped oil.

Tea Tree Oil

A potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil that soothes active breakouts while killing acne-causing bacteria trapped in the pores. Also works as an excellent spot treatment when mixed with one part water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A famously degreasing ingredient, ACV can help fight acne breakouts by controlling excess oil and killing acne-causing bacteria. It may also reduce the appearance of acne scarring.

Baking Soda

A mild exfoliant that soaks up excess oil and temporarily brightens uneven complexion.

Want more details on caring for acne and acne treatment products? Check out our guide to choosing the right acne skin care for the job, and don’t forget to ditch those harsh and stripping synthetic chemicals! Your skin will surely thank you.

FAQs for Natural Acne Treatments for Blackheads

What is the best way to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place?

The best ways to prevent blackheads from first forming is to regularly exfoliate your skin with a gentle cleanser or exfoliant that targets clogged pores and follow a consistent skincare routine. Wash your face twice daily with a cleanser designed for oily or acne-prone skin. Regularly use a gentle exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells. Choose products labeled as "non-comedogenic" to avoid pore-clogging ingredients, and use natural acne treatments to keep pores clear and blackheads and acne bay.

How often should I exfoliate to keep blackheads under control without irritating my skin?

To effectively manage blackheads without irritating your skin, start with once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, and build up from there with a gentle chemical exfoliant. Over-exfoliating can further irritate and potentially worsen your skin condition; always listen to your skin and adjust the frequency based on how it reacts. 

Are natural ingredients like tea tree oil and charcoal effective in treating blackheads?

Yes, tea tree oil and charcoal can help treat blackheads and help unclog pores. Tea tree oil can be used to treat blackheads and other dirt in the skin. It can also help with inflammation. Charcoal can be used in combination with tea tree oil to remove blackheads. 

What are the differences between blackheads and sebaceous filaments, and do they require different

treatments?

Blackheads are dark, visible bumps on the skin surface, while sebaceous filaments are usually light in color and appear as tiny dots, often only noticeable upon close inspection. Sebaceous filaments are not clogged pores and do not turn into blackheads. However, if excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities accumulate, they can contribute to blackhead formation. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and exfoliation can help keep pores clear and minimize the chances of blackheads developing. Sebaceous filaments can be managed with gentle exfoliation to remove excess oil buildup and a consistent skincare routine.

Can diet and lifestyle changes help reduce the frequency of blackheads?

Diet and lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. While no single food directly causes blackheads, an unhealthy diet high in refined sugars and dairy may contribute to an increase in oil production, leading to more blackheads. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help support healthy skin. Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive stress are also key factors in maintaining clear skin.