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Enlarged pores and stubborn blackheads are typical skin issues that can feel particularly hard to deal with. Caused by clogged pores and a building up of dead skin cells, oil, cosmetics and air pollutants, blackheads are enough to make any girl feel frustrated. An at-home remedy can cure the underlying causes of blackheads, while minimizing pores and improving skin tone. Try a homemade treatment and wave buh-bye to bothersome blackheads!
Clay Masks
As natural clay dries, it tightens on the skin’s surface and extracts dirt and oil – the main causes of blackheads – from pores. Adding ingredients based on your skin type can give this basic mask a powerful acne-fighting edge. Mix 3 tbsp. plain dry clay (available at health and nutrition stores) with 1/4 cup water. If you have particularly oily skin, mix 1 tsp. tea tree oil into the mask. If you have combination skin, stir in one large egg white. If your skin has dry patches, mash half a pitted, peeled avocado and add it to the clay mixture. Apply the mask to dry skin and let it soak in for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Toning Mask
Unlike most face masks and scrubs, an astringent toning mask can penetrate clogged pores and remove stubborn buildup. With use over time, astringent masks can also improve skin’s texture and make pores appear smaller. In a glass bowl, combine 1 cup fresh rose petals and 1/4 cup loose green tea leaves. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over the petals and tea leaves and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes. Remove the petals with a spoon and stir in 1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt. Apply the mask to damp, freshly-washed skin and let it soak in for 20 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
Oil-Erasing Mask
Natural oil keeps your skin supple and dewy, but too much oil can clog and enlarge your pores and cause breakouts. Breaking through the oil and cleansing it away are often effective for blackhead prevention. To whip up your own oil-erasing mask, combine 2 tbsp. liquid pink bismuth (yes, the medicine for troubled tummies) with one large egg white. Whisk together with a fork until blended, then apply to dry skin with a large paintbrush. Let the mask dry for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Baking Soda Mask
Professional chemical peels are harsh, pricey and often slightly painful – three characteristics no woman wants in her skincare routine. To try a gentler version of this pore-minimizing treatment, combine 2 tbsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp. lemon juice and a packet of flavorless gelatin in a small pan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the gelatin and baking soda dissolve, then pour the mixture into a glass bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Apply the mask to dry skin, wait 30 minutes, then gently peel off.
