by Erika Cormier

Created on: April 29, 2009

Most of the time, we like to believe that professional treatments can be alternatively made at home. Usually this isn't the case except for blackheads. Yes, I know....Good news. Blackheads are a result of bacteria, oil , dead skin and products. When these build up from a lack of regular exfoliation, they are oxidized and create the dreadful "black" appearance.

The home treatment that is exactly the same as what you would get from an expensive salon treatment? Baking soda and water. Yes, you read this correctly. I have been a licensed esthetician for ten years and an educator for over eight. Many product lines who make the professional-only use products for blackhead treatments are comprised of much the same. In a nut shell, in order to create a chemical change in the skin, you need to change the pH, temporarily. This requires an alkaline product, as the skin is naturally acidic. A safe, effective alkaline substance is regular, plain, cheap, accessible Baking Soda. This works because when the skin is alkaline is becomes extremely soft and pliable. Anything on the skin results in the same action, being the blackheads which are just hardened liquids. These blackhead literally "liquefy" and are then dissolved by the actions of this pH change. Trust me- the result is truly amazing. It is completely safe for all skins, and it is fine to get it on the lashes or brows, but may cause slight temporary sensitivity in some skins.

You want to mix approximately 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to craete a medium-thickness paste. The consistency comparable to gel toothpaste. You want to mix these two wonderfully affordable ingredients together and apply to all areas of the face containing blackheads and excessive oil buildup.

This should remain in contact with the skin for up to ten minutes. You will feel a slight to moderate "tingly" sensation. This is normal. It is the reaction of your skin's Ph changing to alkaline. After 10 minutes (or less), you want to wash the mixture off the skin with water and cleanser. I suggest also wiping the areas treated, with a mild toner or astringent to remove and residue or oils that were dissolved during the treatment that may be left after cleansing. You may notice a slight pink flushing tot he skin after removal of the mixture, this will return after the skin naturally returns to its acidic pH which generally takes up to 30 minutes.

Immediately afterwards, apply a light moisturizer. This treatment is suitable for use 1-3 times per week, depending on the tolerance of your individual skin. You will not believe your eyes after you perform this easy, at home treatment. You're welcome.

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