how to remove blackheads from face

Question

For the last few months, I’ve been struggling with blackheads, mostly on my nose and chin. No matter how much I wash my face, they keep coming back. I tried scrubbing with a face wash, but that only made my skin dry and irritated. I even tried one of those blackhead strips, and it pulled some out, but after a few days, they came right back. I don’t want to keep using chemical products, so now I’m wondering how to remove blackheads from face naturally using Ayurveda.

I have combination skin—oily around my nose and forehead, but dry on my cheeks. I think that’s making it worse because my T-zone gets shiny, and the blackheads just sit there. I read that Ayurveda talks about doshas, and I’m guessing this is a Pitta or Kapha issue? Could an imbalance be causing excess oil production?

Also, I have noticed that my skin looks dull lately, and there are small bumps around my nose. I don’t get a lot of acne, but these blackheads just don’t go away. I want to understand how to remove blackheads from face in a way that actually prevents them from coming back instead of just removing them temporarily.

Does Ayurveda recommend any herbal scrubs or face packs for this? I have heard about neem and turmeric being good for the skin, but how should I use them for blackheads? Also, is there any internal remedy, like a diet or detox, that can help control excessive oil production? If anyone has tried an Ayurvedic approach for how to remove blackheads from face, please share what worked. I just want clear skin without using harsh treatments.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Blackheads are often caused by excess oil (Kapha) and heat (Pitta) accumulation, leading to clogged pores. Washing your face too much or using harsh scrubs can strip natural oils, making the skin produce even more oil. Ayurveda suggests gentle exfoliation with herbal powders like besan (gram flour), multani mitti (Fuller’s earth), and sandalwood powder, which absorb excess oil and cleanse pores naturally. A simple scrub made with honey and fine turmeric powder can help remove blackheads while keeping your skin balanced.

For a deeper cleanse, try an Ayurvedic face pack using neem, turmeric, and multani mitti mixed with rose water. Neem has antibacterial properties, while turmeric reduces inflammation and controls excess oil. Applying fresh aloe vera gel daily can also soothe and hydrate your skin without making it greasy. Since blackheads are often linked to digestion and toxin buildup, drinking warm water with lemon in the morning and consuming Triphala powder at night can help detox the body and improve skin clarity from within.

To prevent blackheads from coming back, avoid fried, spicy, and dairy-heavy foods, which can increase Pitta and worsen oiliness. Include cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens in your diet. Also, steaming your face once a week with neem or tulsi-infused water can open up pores and help remove trapped dirt naturally. Following a consistent Ayurvedic skincare routine with gentle cleansing, herbal exfoliation, and proper hydration will help keep your skin clear and prevent blackheads in the long run.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, blackheads are often related to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which governs excess oil and congestion in the skin. Your combination skin suggests that there may be a buildup of excess oil in the T-zone, while dryness in the cheeks could be due to a lack of proper hydration or a weak digestive system. To address this, Ayurveda recommends balancing both oil production and skin hydration. You can use a gentle scrub made of oats and turmeric, which will help exfoliate dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Neem and turmeric, both known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, can be combined into a paste with honey or rose water and applied as a mask to help purify the skin and reduce blackheads. Internally, consuming herbs like Triphala or Aloe Vera can support digestion and detoxification, which in turn can help regulate oil production. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and hydrating foods, along with avoiding greasy and spicy foods, can help maintain skin health. Regular hydration and keeping the skin clean without over-stripping it are key to preventing blackheads in the long term.

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