How to Use Sandalwood and Turmeric to Treat Blackheads

Blackheads are a type of pimple usually filled with dead skin cells and oil. The oil and dead cells clog the inside of pores and react with air in a process called oxidation. That process produces the characteristic dark color that identifies blackheads. Turmeric and sandalwood are well known among the home remedy crowd as effective herbs to treat blackheads. They may be used separately or combined into a soothing mask.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sandalwood powder
• Turmeric powder
• Mint Juice
• Rosewater
• Coconut oil

Treat Affected Skin Every Day

1. Wash each morning with a scrub made from sandalwood powder and rosewater.
2. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry using a clean towel or washcloth.
3. Use clean water in blackhead treatments. Boil or filter to kill or remove bacteria that could contribute to the skin condition.

Use a Weekly Mask

4. Make a thick paste by mixing turmeric powder with mint juice until it reaches the consistency of commercial toothpaste.
5. Apply a thin layer over the affected area. Allow to dry.
6. Leave on for several minutes or overnight. Rinse with warm water to remove.
7. Alternate every other week with a turmeric and sandalwood mask.
8. Mix 5 tsp. turmeric powder and 5 tsp. sandalwood powder with enough rosewater to make a stiff paste.
9. Apply the paste evenly over areas of the skin with and prone to blackheads.
10. Leave on overnight and rinse away in the morning.

Spot Treat Blackheads as Needed

11. Combine turmeric with enough coconut oil to make a creamy paste.
12. Smooth over the affected area at least 30 minutes before bed.
13. Allow the paste to dry and remain on overnight.
14. Rinse away in the morning and proceed with regular skin care regimen.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash affected skin daily with a gentle cleanser, an herbal rinse, or plain water.
• Check with local Indian grocers for creams made from turmeric and sandalwood.
• Sandalwood powder can sometimes be found in new age shops, health food stores and Asian grocers.
• Try to avoid cosmetics and lotions during and after treatment.
• Never towel dry skin by rubbing. This is irritating and may create additional problems.
• Never wash with hot water or excessively use chemicals or home remedies to treat skin maladies.
• Stop using any treatment that causes pain, discomfort or swelling. Contact a dermatologist if daily treatment regimens prove ineffective.
• Do not pick at or scratch blackheads.