Do you have blackheads? If so, you’re not alone. Blackheads are a common problem, especially for people with oily skin.
But first, what is a blackhead?
Well, scientifically speaking… 🤓
A blackhead is a type of acne that forms when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The oil turns black when exposed to the air, hence the term “blackhead.”
There are two types of blackheads: open and closed. Open blackheads have a wider opening at the skin’s surface, which is why they’re black. Closed blackheads, on the other hand, have smaller openings. This is why they often look like white bumps under the skin.
Whatever you do, don’t try to remove them with your nails!
We know, we know… it’s so tempting to try and squeeze blackheads out with your fingers.
But please resist the urge! This can make things worse by spreading bacteria and causing more inflammation.
Blackheads are annoying and difficult to get rid of. This leaves people to try many different types of DIY methods to remove blackheads, including the use of baking soda. But don’t worry, there are a few natural ways to safely get rid of blackheads.
Is Baking Soda Safe to Remove Blackheads?
Baking soda is often touted as a natural way to remove blackheads. But is it actually safe?
The short answer is yes, baking soda is generally safe for most people to use on their skin. However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using any new product, just to be sure you’re not allergic.
Baking soda is a type of salt that’s made from sodium bicarbonate. It’s a white powder that’s often used in baking as a leavening agent.
Baking soda can also be used for cleaning and has even been shown to have some medical benefits. When it comes to blackheads, baking soda can help to dry out the excess oil that’s clogging your pores. However, if you use baking soda too much or too often, you can dry out your skin.
How Does Baking Soda Affect Skin?
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant. This means that it can help remove dead skin cells from your face, which can unclog pores and prevent blackheads from forming.
In addition, baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help soothe irritated skin and fight off acne-causing bacteria.
And last but not least, baking soda can help to balance the pH of your skin. This is important because when your skin’s pH is off, it can lead to dryness, redness, and even breakouts. If you have extremely sensitive skin you may notice irritation, and should stop using the baking soda immediately. This will be much more common for your face than other parts of your body like your legs, chest, or under your breasts.
How to Use Baking Soda to Remove Blackheads
If you’ve decided to give baking soda a try, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it’s important to use baking soda that’s meant for cooking, not for cleaning. This is because baking soda that’s meant for cleaning is often harsher and can be drying to the skin.
Second, you should always mix baking soda with water before applying it to your face. This will help to prevent irritation.
To make a baking soda face mask, simply mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Want to do a spot treatment instead of an entire face mask? Simply wet your face and then massage a small amount of the baking soda into your skin.
To remove the baking soda from your face, simply splash your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to rub the paste off in circular motions. Rinse your skin with cool water to close your pores post blackhead removal.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another. If you find that baking soda irritates your skin, discontinue use immediately.
Do this once or twice a week as needed!
Best Face Wash for Blackheads
Before resorting to baking soda, I highly recommend taking a hard look at your current skincare routine. Ensure that any cleansers, moisturizers, or other skin care products in your repertoire are not contributing to blackhead breakouts. I recommend using a cleanser specifically designed to target blackheads. Face washes for blackheads usually contain ingredients that help to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and remove excess oil. If you’re not sure where to start, I check out the GoodGlow team’s post on the Best Face Cleansers For Blackheads!
The GoodGlow team spent several weeks reviewing the 10 best cleansers on the market. The cleansers included have products suitable for every skin type and budget.
Other Natural Alternatives To Baking Soda For Blackheads
Although baking soda can be an effective blackhead treatment, there are safer ways to clear your skin that are also more long-lasting than weekly baking soda treatments.
If you want to get rid of blackheads, it’s important to start changing your lifestyle to prevent them from forming in the first place. This means eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.
- Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and too much caffeine.
- Washing your face twice a day is essential for keeping blackheads at bay. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser and warm water. Avoid scrubbing your skin too hard, as this can irritate the skin and make blackheads worse.
- Getting enough sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have time to repair itself. This can lead to a number of problems, including blackheads.
- Stress can cause several types of skin problems, including blackheads. To reduce stress, try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. You can also try using a cold compress on your face to reduce stress and blackheads.
There are plenty of blackhead removal options and tools out there. But, remember, changing your lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your skin before buying devices and products that are likely only offering a temporary fix.
If you want to learn about the ultimate acne protocol, you should check out my book, Unmasking Acne.
Unmasking Acne is the GoodGlow team’s ultimate guide to clearing acne through nutrition.
This book is not some fad diet, it is a comprehensive how-to guide that will help you to change your lifestyle so you can get the clear skin that you want.
The book is designed to help everyone achieve clear skin, despite their acne type, the current state of their skin, age, gender identity, dietary protocol, or other medical complications.
Unmasking acne will show you how to get quick wins from the start, using a mix of nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and supplements to repair your skin.
With Unmasking Acne eBook, you can learn about:
- The 3 Root Causes Behind All Adult Acne
- The 3 Worst Food Groups For Acne
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- The Ultimate Guide to Clinically Proven Supplements
- And much more!
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get your skin back on track!
Get started today and see the results for yourself!
