Effective Home Remedies Using Oatmeal For Blackheads

Blackheads, also known as open comedones are a type of acne caused due to over-production of sebum. Excess sebum combines with the dead skin cells and dirt to form plugs in the skin pores. These plugs contain melanin that gets oxidized once it comes in contact with the air and renders the black tint.

Blackheads are most commonly found on the face – nose, cheeks and chin. But it can also appear on other parts of the body – neck, back, chest and shoulders. Hormonal changes during puberty are one of the main causes of blackheads because it triggers excess sebum production in the skin. Using oatmeal for blackheads is becoming increasingly popular.

Does Oatmeal Really Work in Removing Blackheads?

• Saponin present in oatmeal sucks out accumulated dirt, impurities and dead skin cells from inside the skin pores which lead to formation of blackheads.
• The mild abrasive nature of dry oatmeal exfoliates the impurities on the skin without damaging the skin.
• It works as a natural absorbent that soaks excess amount of oil from the face which in turn helps to reduce acne, blackheads and other skin problems related to oily skin.
• The anti-inflammatory property of oatmeal helps to reduce inflammation caused by blackheads and acne.

How to Use Oatmeal for Blackheads?

There are several ways of using oatmeal to remove blackheads. We have listed them below with a detailed description.

1. Oatmeal Mask For Blackheads

Oatmeal can be used in various ways – raw and cooked in order to get rid of blackheads.

• Take a cup of rolled oats (cooked or uncooked) and add some water to it to make a thick paste.
• Apply this oatmeal paste all over your face.
• Gently massage your face with your finger tips for 5 minutes.
• Dip a clean cloth in lukewarm water, wring out the excess water and lay it over your face.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash off with water.
• Follow this procedure 3 to 4 times a week.

2. Oatmeal and Honey Pack

Natural cleansing property of honey pulls out dirt and sebum from the skin pores and helps to clear the blackheads.

• Take 2 tablespoons of soft-cooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add a tablespoon of raw honey to it and mix thoroughly with a spoon.
• Apply a thin coat of this mixture on your nose, cheeks and other areas of the face containing black heads.
• Let it dry on its own and then rinse with water.
• Repeat this remedy once in a day for few days.

3. Yogurt And Oatmeal Scrub For Blackheads

Lactic acid present in yogurt sucks out dirt and oil from the skin pores and unclogs them which prevents the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.

• Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of uncooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt to it and mix with a spoon.
• Apply this mixture all over your face and massage in circular motions for 5 minutes.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
• Repeat this process 2 to 3 times in a week.

4. Oatmeal and Lemon Pack

Citric acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) present in lemon juice breaks down the impurities that clog the pores and cause blackheads.

• Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of soft-cooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to it and mix with a spoon.
• Apply this mixture to your nose and other areas of the face containing blackheads.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off with water.
• Repeat this remedy 3 to 4 times a week.

Note – Don’t go out in the sun immediately after using this remedy because it contains lemon juice that may lead to phototoxic reaction.

5. Oatmeal and Almonds Scrub

The combination of ground almonds and oatmeal creates a mild abrasive exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt and impurities from the skin pores. In addition, vitamin E in almonds nourishes the skin and protects it against damage caused by environmental factors.

• Add 1/2 cup each of oatmeal and almonds in a blender.
• Blend it to make a coarse powder.
• Add a small amount of water to this powder to make a paste.
• Apply this paste all over your face.
• Massage with your finger tips for 5 to 8 minutes.
• Leave it on for another 10 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat this remedy 2 to 3 times in a week.

6. Oatmeal and Egg Whites Pack

Albumin and proteins present in egg whites help to tighten the skin and minimize the skin pores. Egg whites act as an astringent that draws out sebum and dirt from skin pores and minimizes the chances of blackheads formation.

• Take 2 tablespoons of soft-cooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Break an egg and carefully separate the egg white from the yolk.
• Add the egg white to the cooked oatmeal and mix with a spoon.
• Apply a thin coat of this mixture all over your face and let it dry on its own.
• Wash off with cool water.
• Repeat this process 2 to 3 times in a week.

7. Oatmeal and Apple Cider Vinegar Pack

Acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar dissolves the dead skin cells and removes other impurities which can clog the skin pores and cause blackheads. Apple cider vinegar also balances the pH of the skin and controls sebum production which helps to prevent the formation of blackheads.

• Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of water and apple cider vinegar to it and mix thoroughly.
• Apply this mixture all over your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse with cool water.
• Repeat this remedy twice in a week.

Note – Use raw and unrefined organic apple cider vinegar for this remedy to get maximum result.

8. Oatmeal and Cinnamon Pack

The anti-bacterial property of cinnamon fights off the bacteria that feed on the impurities in skin pores.

• Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of soft-cooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder to it and mix with a spoon.
• Apply a thin coat of this mixture on your entire face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Wash off with cool water.
• Repeat this remedy every other day for a couple of weeks.

9. Oatmeal and Baking Soda Scrub

The mild exfoliating properties of baking soda remove dead skin cells and impurities that clog the pores. Baking soda is a natural absorbent that sucks out excess sebum from the skin pores and reduce the chance of blackheads formation.

• Grind a tablespoon of oatmeal in a coffee grinder to make a fine powder.
• Add a tablespoon of baking soda and enough amounts of water into it.
• Mix well until the ingredients get incorporated.
• Apply this paste all over your nose and other areas of the face containing blackheads.
• Massage for 5 minutes, let it dry on its own and then wash off with water.
• Repeat the process few times in a week.

10. Oatmeal and Green Tea Pack

The tannins present in green tea removes excess oil accumulated on the skin and reduces the chances of blackheads formation. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents present in green tea helps to get rid of the existing blackheads and acne.

• Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of uncooked oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add some lukewarm green tea to it so that it forms a thick paste.
• Mix it with a spoon and apply this mixture all over your face.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash off with water.
• Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week.

Tips and Precautions:

• Oatmeal can dry out the skin, so don’t apply it to sensitive areas of the face such as eyelids and under the eyes.
• Before applying these oatmeal packs, wash your face with lukewarm water in order to open up the skin pores.
• Choose whole organic oatmeal for your remedies for more effective results.
• People suffering from celiac diseases or those having gluten intolerance might experience allergic reaction to oatmeal. Therefore, it is always recommended to perform a small patch test before using these remedies.
• People suffering from eczema should avoid oatmeal remedies because it can cause skin irritation and worsen eczema.
• Follow a daily skin care routine that includes cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
• Don’t use harsh, chemical-laden skin care products to treat your skin.
• Over cleansing strips away the natural oils form the skin and triggers over-activity of the sebaceous glands. So, it is enough cleanse your face 2 – 3 times maximum in a day.
• Wear light, non-comedogenic makeup that does not clog the pores and make sure to remove all traces of makeup from the face before going to bed.
• Wash your pillowcase at least once a week to get rid of the oil, dead skin cells and dirt that builds up on the pillow case.
• Use an astringent-based toner such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar after cleansing your face to close the enlarged skin pores.

So, try an oatmeal mask for acne scars and blackheads and say goodbye to pesky imperfections naturally without damaging your skin. Do share your suggestions and blackheads removal tips with us in the comments section below.