A closed blackhead is a skin relief that forms when sebum and bacteria are trapped inside a pore. Closed comedones have a red, inflamed appearance, but do not have the typical white or black tip of normal pimples. To eliminate them, it is possible to use targeted natural treatments, herbal masks or fumigations. In the meantime, be sure to take care of yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Targeted Natural Treatments
Step 1. Dab some tea tree oil on the pimple
It will help soothe the inflammation, typical of closed comedones. Studies have also shown tea tree oil to be effective for treating acne. It can in fact reduce the amount of pimples on the face and alleviate their severity.
To try this method, apply a drop or two of tea tree oil to a Q-tip or cotton swab, then tap the closed blackhead. Do not rinse. Repeat the treatment twice a day
Step 2. Apply apple cider vinegar
This product can also help eliminate closed comedones. It is in fact a home remedy that has been used for centuries, and it also seems to have astringent properties.
To treat a closed blackhead, pour vinegar on a cotton ball or Q-tip and pat it on the affected area. Repeat twice a day
Step 3. Use a green tea bag, another remedy that has been shown to be effective in treating acne
Make a cup of green tea and remove the sachet. Once it has cooled slightly, place it on the closed blackhead and let it sit for five to ten minutes.
- If you have multiple closed comedones or want to treat your entire face, you can also soak a clean cotton cloth with green tea and make a warm compress.
- Make sure you wring out the cloth before applying it to your face so the liquid doesn't run off your skin.
- Place the tablet on your face and leave it on for about five to ten minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Step 4. Try aloe vera
Aloe vera gel has also been shown to be effective in treating acne. You can apply it on the closed blackhead or on the entire face after washing it.
Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the closed blackhead or entire face
Method 2 of 4: Herbal Mask
Step 1. Get everything you need
An herbal mask can help you get rid of closed blackheads and improve overall skin condition. To prepare it you will need:
- A spoonful of honey
- The albumen of an egg
- A teaspoon of lemon juice or witch hazel water
- Half a teaspoon of an essential oil of your choice, such as peppermint, spearmint, lavender, calendula, or thyme
Step 2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl
Add them as you measure them, then beat them with a whisk or fork. Make sure you get a homogeneous mixture.
Step 3. Apply the mask to your face, neck or any other area affected by acne
If you only want to use it for closed comedones, apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab.
Leave it on for 15 minutes or until it is completely dry. When the time comes to rinse it, it will have hardened and will be dry to the touch
Step 4. Rinse with lukewarm water with the help of your fingers or a soft cotton cloth, in order to remove all mask residues
However, avoid rubbing, otherwise you risk irritation, redness and scars.
Step 5. Dry and moisturize the skin
Once the mask is removed, pat the skin with a clean cotton towel. Do not rub, proceed gently. Then apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer in a gentle circular motion.
Non-comedogenic creams do not clog pores. To find out if a product has this property, read the label
Method 3 of 4: Suffumigi
Step 1. Wash your face before starting
With a clean face, the treatment will be more effective. Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser. Apply it with your fingers in a circular motion. Always rinse it off with warm water.
Gently washing your face twice a day also helps fight closed comedones and acne. Do not rub, as otherwise you risk irritation, redness and scarring
Step 2. Choose an essential oil
To do a steam clean, you will need a few drops of essential oil. Some have antibacterial properties that are effective in fighting acne. Here are which ones you can try:
- Peppermint
- Roman mint
- Lavender
- Calendula
Step 3. Boil a pot full of water on the stove
Fill a saucepan with water and place it on the stove over high heat. Remove the pot from the heat before using the steamer for your face.
While boiling, do not bring your face or other parts of your body close to the bowl to avoid burning yourself
Step 4. Add essential oils
Once the water is ready, pour in a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. The steam should spread the smell into the air.
Step 5. Place a towel on your head to increase the effectiveness of the steam and treat closed comedones in a targeted manner
Make sure the towel is large enough to cover both your head and the sink or pot. You may want to use a shower towel.
Step 6. Stay in this position for 10-15 minutes, keeping your head about 30-40 centimeters away from the water
If the steam bothers you or prevents you from breathing well, stop the treatment. The water may be too hot. Try adding cold water and see if the situation improves
Step 7. After the treatment is finished, carefully empty the sink or pot
Turn on the tap and adjust it so that lukewarm water comes out. Use it to rinse your face.
Step 8. After rinsing your face, pat it dry with a clean cotton towel
Don't rub. After the treatment it is good to apply a non-comedogenic emollient cream to replenish the water lost during cleaning. Hydration is essential for taking care of the skin and treating acne.
Method 4 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Follow a healthy diet to control acne and eliminate closed comedones
Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar or salt, fatty or processed. To fight acne, opt for healthy foods with a low glycemic index instead. For example, you can consume:
- Lean meats like turkey, chicken, canned tuna and shrimp
- Whole grains such as rice, pasta and wholemeal bread
- Fruits such as cherries, strawberries, apples, oranges, and grapes
- Greens and vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, carrots, green beans, spinach and cauliflower
- Dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
Step 2. Try not to touch your face too much, so as not to make acne worse
Greasy matter, dirt, and germs found on the hands can also cause acne. Do what you can to keep them away from closed blackheads.
It also prevents your face from coming into contact with foreign objects. For example, do not place it on your desk or press the telephone receiver on it
Step 3. Fight the stress
High levels of stress can exacerbate acne, so it's important to do what you can to keep it under control. There are several effective strategies in this regard, including:
- Exercise
- Do yoga
- Find a hobby
- Use deep breathing
Advice
- If you've been using natural remedies for a few weeks and don't notice any improvement, make an appointment with your dermatologist. You may need to try prescription medicines.
- Avoid sun and sun beds. Sun exposure may only improve the situation initially, but will make it worse in the long run. The sun dries the skin at first, but in the long run this causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, exacerbating acne.
