Apple cider vinegar can be used to remove blackheads effectively. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it has malic and acetic acid, it has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, it is a natural detoxifier. All these properties of ACV make it possible to remove blackheads.
What are blackheads?
When the hair follicles get blocked with dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, and other pollutants a blackhead forms. The name open comedone is also used as the tip is open. This open tip, when exposed to air, turns black, hence the name blackheads. Everyone is susceptible to blackheads. But people with oily skin are in more risk. Blackheads appear on the nose, face, neck, back shoulders, arms, and chest. If left unattended then it leads to acne breakouts.
Getting rid of blackheads
There are numerous cosmetic products available for getting rid of blackheads like nose strips and expensive scrubs. Natural homemade remedies, however, are always the most effective and cost-friendly. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is very useful at home and has numerous health benefits. However, very few people realize that ACV is also the solution for blackheads. Apple cider vinegar will clear your blackheads and acne to leave you with a beautiful natural face.
Can apple cider vinegar cure blackheads?
Apple cider vinegar can be used to remove blackheads effectively. Below are properties that make ACV a suitable remedy for your blackheads that will leave your face smooth and soft.
Properties that make apple cider vinegar, ACV good for blackheads
It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This prevents microbes and bacteria trapped in the skin pores. Trapped and decaying bacteria are the ultimate cause of blackheads. It has malic and acetic acid that helps to break down the hard buildup in your skin making it soft and hence removes blackheads. It decreases the excess oil in the skin by balancing its pH. This makes it an ideal toner to remove blackheads. It serves as a natural detoxifier that makes your skin devoid of free radicals, dust, and other harmful substances that cause blackheads. The anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make ACV suitable to remove blackheads without any inflammation and dries up the area by removing dead cells and excess oil. Apple cider vinegar also unblocks the pores, allowing them to breathe properly, by forming a protective layer on the skin.
How to use apple cider vinegar to remove blackheads
Apple cider vinegar for blackheads
Applying apple cider vinegar straight on the skin will loosen the dirt and dead skin cells to avoid blocked pores and consequently blackheads.
Procedure for using apple cider vinegar for blackheads
- Pour some organic apple cider vinegar in a bowl
- Dip a cotton ball in this vinegar and apply it on the blackheads
- Let it sit for a couple of minutes and wash the area with warm water
- Dry it and repeat it thrice a day until the blackheads disappear
Remember to mix an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. You can use apply the apple cider vinegar at night and clean it with water when you wake up in the morning.
Apple cider vinegar toner with mint for blackheads
Apple cider vinegar prevents blackheads by breaking down the buildup in the skin while the mint will provide a tightening and cooling sensation on the skin. This procedure helps in closing the skin pores to get rid of open comedones.
Procedure for using apple cider vinegar toner with mint for blackheads
- Combine three tablespoons each of fresh mint leaves (crushed) and natural apple cider vinegar in a small bottle
- Tighten the lid and leave it in a dark place to cool for a week
- Then stir & sieve it
- Add one cup of water then stir well
- Rinse your face and dry it
- Use cotton balls to apply this mix as a toner on the blackheads
- Let it sit overnight or for a number of hours and wash it properly and then apply a moisturizer
- Refrigerate the remaining mixture. Use it routinely
Apple cider vinegar toner with mint for blackheads
Sodium bicarbonate, baking soda, exfoliates the skin to clear dead cells, oil, and dirt to unclog the pores. This technique prevents blackheads by unblocking the pores and stabilizing the pH levels.
Procedure for using apple cider vinegar mask and baking soda for blackheads
- Mix 2 tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and baking soda in a bowl
- Make sure that it forms bubbles and stir well to make a nice paste
- Use your fingers to spread the paste on all over the face
- Relax for about 30 minutes or till the mask dries
- Wash it thoroughly with warm water then with a mild facial cleanser
- Dry your skin and use a moisturizer
- Repeat this remedy on a frequent basis for the best results
Make sure you avoid the eyes at all times and be gentle around the eyes when washing the face. For people with sensitive skin, do not rub the baking soda and vinegar mixture into the skin, plus you should rinse the face without scrubbing, as it might result in irritation.
Apple cider vinegar face pack with clay for blackheads
Clay has impressive absorbing properties that soak up excess sebum, dirt, and pollutants from the skin. It also closes up the skin pores, all this to get rid of blackheads.
Procedure for using apple cider vinegar face pack with clay for blackheads
- Add raw apple cider vinegar in 1 tablespoon of clay
- Stir well to make a paste and apply this to the face to form a mask. Concentrate on the impacted areas
- Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry
- Rinse your face and dry it
- Repeat this on a regularly for the best results
Consuming apple cider vinegar for blackheads
Taking apple cider vinegar will help in balancing your skin's pH and consequently avoid the secretion of excess sebum. Consuming ACV frequently will definitely be helpful in getting rid of acne and blackheads.
Procedure of consuming apple cider vinegar for blackheads
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 1 glass of lukewarm water
- Stir well and consume this ACV water to help deal with blackheads
- Regular consumption of this ACV drink helps a lot in reducing the blackheads and works wonders for oily skin
Other advantages of apple cider vinegar to the body
Apple cider vinegar helps to heal sunburns
Try adding a cup or two of apple cider vinegar to your bath to neutralize the burn. Soak in the bath for about 10 minutes. The ACV will help restore your skin's pH levels, and it will feel cool and soothed.
Apple cider vinegar helps to get rid of dandruff
Dandruff can be an embarrassment. Hair sprays are costly, however with apple cider vinegar, you have a cheap dandruff destroyer. Simply mix a quarter cup of water with the same amount of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray onto your hair after hair shampoo, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse. Use twice each week, and it should work just fine. The logic is that the acidity in the vinegar makes it harder for the fungi to grow on your scalp.
Apple cider vinegar helps to get rid of foot odor
Soak baby wipes or paper towels in one cup of apple cider vinegar. Leave it overnight in the fridge. You have yourself a decent foot wipe that will eliminate the odor. The acids in the ACV will change the pH level of your skin, which fights off bacteria that cause stinky feet. These wipes can also be used underarms. The vinegar smell wears off after it dries, so that won't be a problem. Store excess wipes in a ziplock bag for future use.
Apple cider vinegar soothes a sore throat
Sore throats can be a chronic problem. Overdosing with syrup can be an issue; what should you do then? ACV can be the solution you are looking for. For a quick elixir, mix one teaspoon apple cider vinegar, three teaspoons clover honey, and one teaspoon cayenne pepper in a glass of warm water. All three active ingredients will collaborate to fix your problem: Honey and apple cider vinegar have antibacterial properties and hot pepper capsaicin which helps relieve discomfort. If that sore throat is because of allergic reactions, the ACV will break up mucous and sinus congestion.
Apple cider vinegar will whiten your teeth
Yellow teeth are no match for ACV. For persistent stains, rub the ACV directly on your teeth then wash. Do not do this frequently, as it can break down tooth enamel. For a weaker bleaching mouthwash, mix one teaspoon of ACV with a cup of water, then move it around in your mouth.
Apple cider vinegar balances the digestive system
ACV can be the solution for your digestive problems. To reduce gas, drink diluted enzyme-rich ACV with a cup of water or tea before a meal. This will also fight constipation, given that the vinegar stimulates digestive juices that assist your body to breakdown food. You can likewise take a dose as quickly as you feel signs of heartburn. Some theories suggest that heartburn takes place due to low stomach acid levels; so vinegar brings that level up. You can add some drops of honey to make this tastier.
Conclusion and tips on using apple cider vinegar and getting rid of blackheads
Avoid using apple cider vinegar in and around the eyes, as it triggers a burning sensation and discomfort. Make sure to rinse instantly if anything occurs.
DO NOT pop or pick blackheads with your fingers or any tool, this only makes the situation worse by adding dirt and bacteria to the pores.
Avoid vigorous and rough face rubbing. This stimulates the skin to produce more sebum. Use gentle cleansers and exfoliants for getting rid of blackheads.
Always remove your makeup before bed. Remember to also steam your face twice or three times a month to open your pores and remove dead cells, excess oil, and dirt.
Apple cider vinegar is a drying agent, therefore, use moisturizer immediately after using the vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar has a strong smell but disappears after it dries up on the skin.
Other ways of removing blackheads
How to get rid of blackheads?
Gently exfoliation to remove blackheads
Exfoliation for inflammatory acne might trigger more redness and irritation. However, for blackheads, regular exfoliation can help eliminate excessive dead skin cells that cause clogged pores. The process might likewise carefully eliminate existing blackheads. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can do the job perfectly. Glycolic acid is the most common kind of AHA, and salicylic acid is a popular BHA. AHAs and BHAs work by peeling the top layer of your skin. This should improve wrinkles and age spots, all while cleaning pores and making your skin softer. BHAs are more available and affordable in the market compared to AHAs.
Topical retinoids to get rid of blackheads
Retinoids are helpful for persistent cases of acne by unclogging the pores. This will also improve the effectiveness of other OTC medications as they will be able to reach the follicle.
Clay mask for blackheads
Clay mask is essential for people with oily skin. They remove oil, dirt, and other elements deep from your pores. The mask can also loosen up the clogged pores. There are a variety to top quality masks in the market. No matter which mask you pick, you can use it once a week with your weekly exfoliating treatment.
Cleanse the blackheads with salicylic acid
Try over-the-counter products that have salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the favored active ingredient for whiteheads and blackheads due to the fact that it breaks down the products that block pores: dead skin cells and excess oil. Using salicylic acid cleansers, you can get rid of excess oil, dead skin cells together with dirt and makeup.
Consider using products with salicylic acid ones a day when you start, preferably before bed. Then in the morning, you can use your normal cleanser. Slowly by slowly, the skin will get used to it, and that is when you can use it before and after bed. Salicylic acid is very strong, and some people can not use it daily. Stop using it if your skin is too sensitive and it keeps reacting to the acid.
Charcoal mask for blackheads
Charcoal masks work by extracting dead skin cells, oil, and other impurities. Charcoal improves the effectiveness of the mask. You can use it one a week.
A dermatologist can help you remove the blackheads
A session with a dermatologist to remove acne, including blackheads, could last anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks. If symptoms persist, the dermatologist may use alternative methods or tools to extract the blackheads professionally. They may even suggest a series of dermabrasion treatments or prescription retinoids to avoid blackheads from returning.
