I’ve had problems with blackheads and oily skin all my life.
Luckily, this simple, homemade blackhead mask can help clear them and leave your skin soft and smooth.
Homemade Blackhead Mask Ingredients
My secret to destroying blackheads is using aspirin. The main ingredient, salicylic acid, will break down blackheads in a short time. This is the reason you’ll see salicylic acid in so many “pore clearing” treatments. Oatmeal acts as a binder and skin softener in my masks, while cinnamon is antibacterial. All of these in combination will lead to clearer, softer skin.
To go totally natural, you can make a tea from black birch twigs, violet leaves and flowers (wood violets, not African violets), or white willow bark. All of these contain methyl salicylates, which are the forerunner of aspirin. Simply omit the aspirin in the following recipe and use the tea in place of the water.
Remove Blackheads with this Simple Mask
Ingredients
- 2-3 aspirin, non-buffered or coated
- ¼ cup finely ground oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (use less if it tends to irritate the skin)
- enough water to make a paste
Directions
- Crush the aspirin into a fine powder and mix with the oats and cinnamon. Add enough water to make a paste. (If you have sensitive skin, eliminate the cinnamon and use a mashed banana instead of the water.)
- Spread the paste all over your face, avoiding the eyes, lips, and nostrils. Pay special attention to the sides of the nose and chin, where most blackheads seem to live. Leave this on for 15-20 minutes.
- Just before removing, rub gently to scrub away dead skin cells. Remove with warm water. Follow with a moisturizer if needed. I use just a bit of coconut oil or grapeseed oil as my moisturizer. You can use this twice a week.
Want more natural methods for removing blackheads?
Check out our other articles:
Have you tried a natural solution for blackheads? Let us know!
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Wes says
Is it possible to use violet leaf essential oil in this mixture instead of the tea or the aspirin?
Thanks.
Mikki says
How long is this good for? Shelf life?
Debra Maslowski says
I know it will last quite a long time, Mikki. I’ve had some batches for 6 months and they are still fine. If you’re not sure if it will last very long due to humidity or temperature, you can make a smaller batch or store it in the freezer.
Karen says
Is there something that can be used in the blackhead facial mask mixture to replace oatmeal? I am very sensitive to it. Thank you.
Debra Maslowski says
Hi Karen. You can try any of the nut flours, like almond flour, rice flour or even garbanzo bean flour. All of them are effective for removing oil and helping the acid work on the skin.