Photo: Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Clogged pores stuffed with black oil, dead skin and other debris spell skincare trouble. Apple-cider vinegar gently cleans out existing blackheads and makes your skin less inviting to newbies. Add this all-natural treatment to your beauty routine to bust blackheads before they get big enough to see. Weekly treatments may bring visible relief without irritating the skin.
Significance
Apple-cider vinegar is naturally astringent and naturally acidic. The bacteria that clog pores and cause blackheads, on the other hand, loathe acid. Giving your skin a weekly vinegar treatment sends bacteria packing before blackheads develop. It also soaks up excess facial oil before it clogs pores and causes blackheads. One additional beauty benefit: it's inexpensive and widely available.
Vinegar Wipe
Apple-cider vinegar pinch hits for astringents for blackheads, bacne and other zit woes. Wet a cotton ball with apple-cider vinegar, then wipe your skin. You can also dilute 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water, for a less-concentrated vinegar rinse. Do this after you shower or wash your face. The vinegar lifts dead skin cells, pore-clogging debris and other blackhead causers before problems arise.
Vinegar Steam
An apple-cider vinegar facial steam opens pores, deep cleaning out gunk and grime. Not only does this cut down on blackheads going forward, it gives you the chance to steam-clean existing ones. To steam, mix 1 quart of water with 3 tablespoons of vinegar and heat to steaming. Drape a towel over your head and position your face over the steam. Steam for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe apple-cider vinegar over your face with a cotton swab. Steam a second time if needed. After the steam treatment, squeeze blackheads to release trapped oil.
Alternatives
Pore strips go deep into problem areas to lift out blackheads. A salicylic or glycolic acid facial cleanser fights these zits while cleaning your face. If you're blackhead-prone, exfoliate a few times a week using a scrub with micrograins. The little grains get into clogged pores to clean them. Retinol creams cleanse and tighten pores, reducing the size of blackheads.
