6 Home Remedies for Blackheads and Pimples
If you want to clear your skin and get rid of pimples, it’s important to first see a dermatologist. While there are plenty of over-the-counter and natural remedies that help, it’s important to figure out the root cause of the problem so you can treat it effectively.
Skin blemishes can be caused by bad hygiene, hormone imbalance, and other underlying issues. That’s why it’s so important to figure out the cause before you try a new remedy. That being said, if you have a few pimples or a mild case of acne, some home remedies might help.
While these aren’t miracle cures by any means, consistent use could give you some good results. They are also cheap and tend to be safe when used correctly. What are you waiting for, try them today!
The 6 best remedies for blackheads and pimples
Most home remedies for pimples and blackheads lack scientific evidence. There is usually plenty of anecdotal evidence, but study results are limited. That being said, many people consider them a good option for treating skin problems.
That’s why we wanted to take the opportunity to share six remedies that you might find helpful. Remember that you won’t see immediate results, and you should always be careful when applying them, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you have any kind of bad reaction, stop using it immediately and rinse with plenty of water.
Are you ready to try them?
1. Baking soda
Baking soda’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help reduce pimples. However, many dermatologists and doctors don’t recommend it because it can cause irritation and dryness on some skin types.
If you want to try using this remedy to deal with pimples, just use a small amount a few times a week.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda (20 g).
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (5 g).
- 5 tablespoons of cinnamon (50 g).
Preparation
- Mix all the ingredients in a container until you get a thick paste.
Directions
- Clean your face and spread the mask on evenly with your fingertips.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse.
- Repeat twice a week.
2. Papaya
Ingredients
- 1 slice of papaya
- 2 tablespoons of honey (20 g).
Directions
- Mash a piece of papaya into a paste and mix it with the honey.
- Apply it to your clean, dry face. Leave this mask on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and apply a moisturizing cream.
3. Green tea
According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, green tea contains an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, which has been shown to be helpful to fight acne. It can reduce excess oil production and bacterial growth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of green tea leaves (10 g)
- 1/2 cup of water
Preparation
- Add the green tea leaves to half a cup of boiling water.
- Let it steep, and then strain.
Directions
- Apply the green tea to your face with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse.
- Use it every night before bed.
4. Oats
Avena can help remove the dead skin cells that accumulate on your face and helps get rid of pimples more easily.
Also Read: A Healthy Breakfast – Oats, Banana, and Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of oat flour (20 g)
- 1 slice of tomato
- 1 tablespoon of honey (10 g)
Preparation
- Put the oat flour and tomato in a container and smash the tomato with a fork into the flour.
- Add the honey and mix well. You should have a paste.
Directions
- Apply the mask everywhere that you have issues with pimples.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Repeat the treatment three times a week.
5. Cinnamon and honey
As with many natural remedies, there isn’t enough scientific data about its effectiveness. Nevertheless, it is a popular folk remedy for treating pimples.
Why is that? Well, one study shows that cinnamon has antimicrobial and healing properties. Another shows similar characteristics in honey, in addition to anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon (5 g)
- 2 teaspoons of honey (10 g)
Preparation
- Mix honey with ground cinnamon until a paste is formed.
Directions
- Apply it to the affected areas of your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse, and repeat three times a week.
6. Banana peel
How should you use it?
Ingredients
- Ripe banana peel
Directions
- Take a banana peel and rub the inside of it on any areas of your skin that are affected by pimples and blackheads.
- Leave the paste on for at least 30 minutes, at a minimum.
- Rinse well with warm water.
Finally, don’t forget that you should talk to your dermatologist about any skin problems you are having before starting treatment. With their help, these remedies, and a little patience, you’ll be able to get your blemishes under control.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Nasri H, Bahmani M, Shahinfard N, Moradi Nafchi A, Saberianpour S, Rafieian Kopaei M. Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2015;8(11):e25580.
- Drake D. Antibacterial activity of baking soda. Compend Contin Educ Dent Suppl. 1997;18(21):S17-21;quiz S46.
- Panzarini E, Dwikat M, Mariano S, Vergallo C, Dini L. Administration Dependent Antioxidant Effect of Carica papaya Seeds Water Extract. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:281508.
- Yoon J, Kwon H, Min S, Thiboutot D, Suh D. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Improves Acne in Humans by Modulating Intracellular Molecular Targets and Inhibiting P. acnes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2013;133(2):429-440.
- Feily A, Kazerouni A, Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R. Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology. 2012;78(2):142.
- Ranasinghe P, Pigera S, Premakumara G, Galappaththy P et al. Medicinal properties of “true” cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): A systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;13.
- Mandal MD, Mandal S. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154–160.
- Mazzarello V, Donadu MG, Ferrari M, Piga G et al. Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Dec 13;10:175-181.
- Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2013 Jul;52(7):784-90.
