Home Remedies for Blackheads on the Nose

Open comedones, also known as blackheads, are enlarged follicles that are filled with a mix of dead skin cells and a natural oily substance called sebum. The mixture is what makes the blackheads their signature dark color, and they show themselves on 85 percent of young adults and adults. There are home remedies that can be used to help eliminate your blackheads by proper washing, treating with things found in most kitchens, and covering them up in a way that doesn't make your efforts a waste of time.

Wash Properly

Don't fall for the myths, and don't forget the basics--cleaning your face properly. Some people believe they need to buy the most expensive face washes and astringents in order to have any hope; others think that a quick splash of water on the face suffices. Neither is true.

Proper cleansing only needs to be performed once a day, but make sure you stay on the ball and do it around the same time every day. This makes it easier for the face to release natural oils without overdoing it or not doing enough. Forget the expensive stuff at the store. The best thing for your face is a simple and mild bar soap. Many blackheads are worsened by lingering soap residue, so after gently massaging the soap into your face for about 30 seconds, make sure to rinse just as long to strip it all off.

Remedies You Can Make at Home

Make a remedy from simple kitchen items. The acidity in lemon juice, for example, is great for helping break down a blackhead so it can be easier extracted during a cleansing. Here are a few quick recipes to make the ultimate blackhead blasters:

Mix 1 tsp. lemon juice with 1 tsp. ground cinnamon powder. Apply it to the affected area and wash it away with warm water after the mixture dries. Use whenever needed.
Or, in a small bowl, add equal amounts of salt, lemon juice and honey. Gently rub the scrub in small circles on the affected area for five to 10 minutes before washing as usual and patting dry. (Scrubs do a great job of getting rid of blackheads, but only use them once or twice a week to avoid over-irritating.)
Or create a paste made with ground radish seeds and water. Apply the paste to affected areas, let it dry, then rinse with warm water.

Covering Up the Right Way

When covering blackheads with makeup, remember to save all powder and foundation routines for special occasions. They're too heavy and have a negative effect on blackheads. Instead, try to dot a concealer wand on the affected areas before lightly dusting with baking soda, which will take away shine while helping the blackheads. If you must use your foundation, use a brand that doesn't use oils and contains ingredients that fight blackheads.

Don't Stress!

Stay calm and relaxed. Most people have blackheads. Stress can make blackheads worse.