Those blackheads nestled happily in your skin pores that you just can’t seem to get rid of, are nothing but accumulated dirt and oils produced by your own skin clogging your skin pores. They appear black because of the fact that these oils and dirt oxidize upon exposure to air, just like potatoes and apples do when left out in the air for some time. So why is it that no amount of effort works to get them off your skin for good?

Can Coconut Oil Really Help Get Rid of Blackheads?

With an effective remedial measure like coconut oil blackheads are but history. Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric and caprylic acid, medium-chain fatty acids that possess potent anti-microbial, especially anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, potential that helps you say goodbye to all those nasty skin problems like blackheads, pimples and acne for good.

The natural goodness of coconut oil seeps into your skin to strengthen the structural components of your skin. It nurtures your skin from within, removing all the dead skin cells that make your skin appear dull and parched and restores the health and natural glow of your skin.

Nature bestowed coconut oil with the following beneficial ingredients.  

1.      Lauric acid

With a concentration of about 40% to 59%, coconut oil is the richest natural source of lauric acid. Lauric acid has miraculous anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that ward off a myriad of skin problems by killing the harmful microbes plugging the skin pores. No wonder, lauric acid has been hailed as one of the most effective agents for healing eczema, fungal skin infections, allergies and inflammatory skin disorders. 

2.      Capric acid

Another incredible component of coconut oil, capric acid, is a miraculous anti-microbial agent that keeps various sorts of bacteria, viruses and fungi at bay. Capric acid also helps lock the moisture inside the skin, keeping it soft and supple. Being a natural emollient, capric acid also aids the healing of skin wounds.

3.      Antioxidants

An opulent source of natural anti-oxidants, coconut oil protects the skin against the damage caused by harmful free radicals and UV radiation. It keeps the oil produced by the skin glands from oxidizing, keeping the skin free of acne and bothersome blackheads.

A Detailed Guide on How to Apply Coconut Oil

Yes, with coconut oil blackheads can be effectively managed. However, the way you apply it matters a lot. Here's a detailed guide to help you get your desired result:

• Always use 100% pure and organic extra virgin coconut oil for optimal benefits.
• A quick steam blast by putting your head under a towel over steaming water in a pan can help open up your skin pores to allow the coconut oil to enter them. Alternatively, you can dip a washcloth (or towel) in hot water, squeeze out the excess water completely and place the cloth over your face for achieving the same effect.
• Pour a teaspoon full of coconut oil on your palm and with gentle, circular motion of the fingers of your other hand, start applying the coconut oil over your face. Avoid the skin near the mouth and around the eyes.
• Massage the oil on your face thoroughly to allow it to sink in.
• Afterwards, wash your face with a cold-processed soap so that the oil is rinsed off completely without leaving any residue. 

Are There Other Natural Ways to Help?

With regular use of coconut oil blackheads can be made to vanish within days. The thing is blackheads can also be tackled with other natural remedies that are free of the harsh chemicals in the products being marketed for removing blackheads. These include:

1.      Apple Cider Vinegar

Obtained by the fermentation of apple juice, apple cider vinegar (ACV) includes 4 to 8% acetic acid. Its rigorous action cuts through the layers of grime on the skin, cleansing it thoroughly. Besides, ACV restores the pH of the skin, inhibiting the formation of acne and blackheads quite effectively. You can not only apply ACV directly to the skin but can also drink 2-3 tablespoons of diluted ACV as it acts as a natural tonic.

2.     Lemon Juice

The natural anti-oxidant and exfoliating properties of lemon juice make it ideal for cleaning out the clogged skin pores, preventing the formation of acne and blackheads. Dab the lemon juice with a cotton ball over the affected areas of your face and leave it on overnight. Rinse away in the morning for a healthy, impeccable glow. 

3.      Baking Soda

In addition to coconut oil blackheads can also be efficiently eliminated with baking soda. A miracle worker, baking soda washes away the dirt, dead cells and bacteria blocking the skin pores, providing intense protection against blackheads and acne. Simply add two teaspoons of baking soda to water and apply the resulting paste on the affected areas, leaving it on till it dries. Afterwards, wash the face with lukewarm water.

4.      Cinnamon

The anti-oxidant capacity of cinnamon makes it an excellent remedy for blackheads. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a teaspoon of lemon juice to make a paste and apply it on the affected skin. Leave the mixture on for ten minutes and then wash the area. Apply regularly for at least 15 days for maximal effects.

5.      Oatmeal

Oatmeal, together with yogurt, works wonders to remove those irksome blackheads from your skin. Combining two tablespoons oatmeal with three tablespoons yogurt, and a few drops each of lemon juice and olive oil together into a paste is the trick. Spread the paste evenly on your skin, let it remain for about 20 minutes and then wash off thoroughly with plenty of lukewarm water.

6.      Honey

After cleaning out the skin pores, honey serves to tighten the skin pores, preventing the blackheads from appearing again. The best way to use it is to apply pure honey directly to the affected skin and to leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water later. Honey also makes the skin soft and pliant.

7.      Green Tea

Weird as it may sound, green tea is an excellent remedy for blackheads. Simply combine one teaspoon of dried green tea leaves with few drops of water to make a paste. Scrub the affected skin with this paste to cleanse your skin effectively and then wash the skin with lukewarm water.