You do not always have to visit a parlor to get it removed. It is possible to remove it at your home. This article discusses everything you need to know about blackheads and how to get rid of these pesky ones from your chin easily.
What Causes Blackheads On The Chin?
According to Dr. K.Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, “blackheads are nothing but a very mild form of acne (just like whiteheads).” Blocked hair follicles on your chin cause them. These bumps are called blackheads because their tips appear black due to oxidation. Blackheads can appear anywhere – on your nose, chin, shoulders, and arms. On your face, they usually occur on the nose, chin, and forehead areas. A combination of factors often causes blackheads on the chin. These factors include:
Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalance during puberty, pregnancy, or your menstrual cycle can cause blackheads on the chin. Stress: The cells that produce sebum have stress receptors. Hence, stress can easily cause blackheads. Poor drainage of the lymphatic system: This makes it difficult for your body to get rid of toxins. Poor diet: If you do not follow a balanced diet, it may cause an imbalance in the small intestine, resulting in blackheads.
You can easily hide blackheads with concealers and makeup. While it’s tempting to pick those ugly little bumps on your chin, keep your hands off and try these tips to get rid of them.
Tips To Get Rid Of Blackheads On The Chin At Home
A. Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Blackheads On The Chin
You can easily get rid of the annoying blackheads on the chin by following some simple skin care tips. The idea is to keep your skin and pores clean to keep the blackheads from coming back. Here is how you can do that:
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells from your chin, thus unclogging the pores. However, avoid over exfoliating as this may worsen the condition. Use gentle scrubs to exfoliate the area.
2. Prep The Skin By Exposing It To Steam
Before you start extracting the blackheads, prepare your skin. Pour some warm water in a bowl and bend over it. Cover your head with a towel. This will open the pores and make extraction easier. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water.
3. Avoid Squeezing The Blackhead With Your Nails
This will further aggravate the condition. Instead, use a blackhead remover or buy a blackhead removing tool.
4. Try Using Blackhead Removal Strips
There are many good quality blackhead removing strips available on the market. You can use any of them to avoid scarring your chin.
5. Use Sea Salt For Blackhead Removal
The coarse texture of the sea salt helps to exfoliate your skin and unclog the skin pores. This helps in reducing blackheads. You can mix sea salt with a few drops of lemon juice and a bit of water and then massage the mixture on your chin. This remedy will help dissolve all the dirt and dead skin cells from the pores.
6. Consume Foods Rich In Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects and nurtures your skin and prevents acne, blemishes, and blackheads. It fights the harmful free radicals and inhibits bacterial growth (1). Consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemon or any citrus fruits, red bell pepper, papaya, strawberries, and dark leafy vegetables. You can also take vitamin C supplements. They can help boost collagen.
7. Apply Orange Peel
This is a very popular home remedy used for preventing pore clogging and blackheads. Orange peel is said to tone the skin and minimize the pores. That’s why many prefer to use it. If you want to use orange peel then, dry some orange peels and powder them. Make a paste using some water and apply it to your chin. Orange peel can help with skin whitening (2). It may also help treat blackheads Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash using warm water. This prevents excess oil production and the accumulation of dirt.
8. Avoid Scrubbing The Affected Area Vigorously
Forceful scrubbing scratches your skin. Moreover, it triggers more oil production and makes your blackheads worse.
9. Utilize The Power Of Aloe
Aloe vera gel is an extremely potent remedy for acne (3). It may also help in the treatment of blackheads. Apply the gel directly to your chin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
10. Use Blackhead Strips With Milk And Honey
Milk and honey make a wonderful combination for treating blackheads. Mix raw honey with some raw milk and make a paste. Microwave it for a few seconds and let it cool. Dip a cotton strip in this mixture and apply it to your chin. Pull it off in one go after 20 minutes. Honey has antibacterial effects (4). Milk contains lactic acid that may have a mild exfoliating effect; lactic acid peeling is a procedure used in treating wrinkles (5).
11. Try Clay Masks For Blackheads
Clay masks are extremely beneficial in clearing the dirt and grime from your skin. Mix clay (Fuller’s earth or bentonite clay) with water and make a paste. Apply it to the blackheads, and once it dries, wash it off. Multani mitti helps to cleanse excess dirt and oil and prevent blackheads (6).
12. Go The Honey And Cinnamon Way
These staples from your pantry are excellent remedies for blackheads when used together. Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey. Take a thin layer of a cotton strip, dip it in the mixture, and place it on your chin. Let it rest for 20 minutes and pull it off. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties (7). These properties can help prevent blackheads.
13. Use Lemon For Blackhead Removal
Lemon is great for treating blackheads, and it also prevents blemishes and marks. All you need to do is squeeze a lemon on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the blackheads. Once it dries, reapply. Do this 3-4 times and then wash your face with lukewarm water. Lemon contains vitamin C and citric acid that can help in keeping the skin clear.
14. Try Sugar And Jojoba Oil For Chin Blackheads
Combine one teaspoon of each ingredient and apply it to your chin. Use your fingertips to massage the area gently. This not only removes blackheads but also keeps the skin moisturized. Sugar has a coarse texture that makes it an excellent exfoliator to keep the dirt away from your skin pores.
15. Mix Vinegar And Mint
For this remedy, you will need 5-6 finely chopped mint leaves. Add a teaspoon of vinegar and make a paste. Add this paste to a cup of water and store it in a bottle. Apply the water to the affected area. Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy that is widely used to keep the skin clear and toned, and mint keeps the skin refreshed.
16. Oatmeal And Sugar
Grind half a teaspoon of oatmeal and add a teaspoon of sugar to it. Add half a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil (just to moisten it) and use the mixture to exfoliate your chin. Rub it for 20 seconds and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash it off and feel the difference. Both oatmeal and sugar have a coarse texture, making this combination an excellent scrub to remove blackheads.
17. Use The Egg White Face Mask
This is a wonderful DIY peel-off face mask that you can use on your entire face. All you need is one egg white and some facial tissue. Wash your face and clean it. Place the dry tissue on the area where you have blackheads and apply the egg white over the tissue using a brush. Apply two layers of egg white and wait until it dries. Once dry, peel the tissue.
18. Baking Soda And Water For Chin Blackhead Removal
Take a teaspoon of baking soda and add water to it to make a paste. Apply it to your chin and rub it for a while. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing off. Baking soda is said to act as an exfoliator that helps to clear clogged skin pores. However, be cautious while using baking soda. It is not recommended to be applied on the skin. If you are doing it, use a small quantity, as it is abrasive and harsh. These home remedies can help you get rid of those pesky blackheads on your chin quickly. If the problem persists, visit a dermatologist who will prescribe topical and oral treatments. Usually, these treatment options are available in case you don’t want to try home remedies.
B. Medical Treatments To Clear Blackheads On The Chin
1. Drugs Containing Retinoid
Retinoid drugs are not available without prescription as these are extremely strong and should not be used without consulting a dermatologist. These drugs unclog the hair follicles and control the production of oil and sebum. These are available in gels, liquids, and creams. These drugs are mainly used to treat severe acne. Word Of Caution: Women who are pregnant or planning to conceive should be careful while using retinoids.
2. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not prescribed for treating blackheads, but they help in reducing inflammation and control and prevent infection. They help topical creams give better results. Never take any antibiotics unless they are prescribed by the doctor.
3. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment addresses the problem of blackheads from the roots. A laser beam is directed at your face, which attacks the bacteria hiding deep within the pores and follicles and extracts them. After the therapy, you may experience redness on your skin. But don’t worry, it will subside in a day or two. This procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist.
4. Extraction
Instead of squeezing those ugly black dots on your chin and aggravating them, try this method called extraction that is performed by dermatologists. They use devices that are the size of a pen to squeeze bacteria, pus, and oil from your hair follicles. The extraction process may (or may not) leave a scar. If it does, it heals within a day or two.
5. OTC Medicines
You may try using OTC medicines, face washes, and ointments with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for treating blackheads. You may even try Differin gel, an FDA-approved retinoid (prescription strength) that is now available over the counter . However, it is better not to apply any OTC medicine without consulting a doctor.
C. Other Treatment Options
In case the other ways of blackhead removal don’t work out, you can try these methods:
Dermabrasion: This is a type of skin treatment where the dermatologist uses a rotating instrument to exfoliate your skin and remove its uppermost layer to make it smooth and even out any sun damage, acne, blackheads, fine lines, and other skin issues. Chemical Peeling: Here, the dermatologist applies a chemical solution to your skin, which eventually causes blisters that can be peeled off, exposing smoother skin. Hormone Therapy: Your fluctuating hormones are to be blamed (in the first place) for any blackheads and acne. Doctors often prescribe oral contraceptives and anti-androgen medicines to control blackheads and acne.
It is easier to prevent blackheads if you follow a good skin care routine. These are just some basic skin care rules that everyone should follow if they want healthier skin.
How To Prevent Blackheads – Skin Care Tips To Follow
Cleanse Your Face Twice A Day: Use a mild cleanser with salicylic acid. It helps keep your skin pores clean and prevent blackheads and breakouts. Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Be it moisturizers, serums, or sunscreen, make sure they are non-comedogenic so that they won’t clog your skin pores. Apply Moisturizer: Use an oil-free moisturizer regularly. Apply it right after you have washed your face. Proper hydration is crucial to prevent blackheads. Stop Touching Your Blackheads: Doing so can spread the oil and give you more blackheads. Use a blackhead extractor to remove stubborn ones.
Is it possible to avoid blackheads? Yes, it is possible if you follow a proper skin care routine for treating blackheads and acne. Is it okay to squeeze the blackheads? No! Avoid squeezing blackheads, even if you are using blackhead removing tools. Let the professionals take care of that. Can scrubbing make my blackheads worse? Yes, it can, if you over-scrub the affected area. Over-scrubbing removes the sebum, and your sebaceous glands end up producing excessive sebum, thus worsening the problem. Are pore strips and masks good for skin? It depends on your skin type. In any case, these strips should be used with caution as they may irritate your skin. Is it fine to use makeup on blackhead and acne-prone skin? Yes, but ensure that you are not using oil-based makeup and skin care products. Also, remember to remove every trace of makeup at the end of the day.
