Materials

• A liquid base for your cleanser that contains alpha-hydroxy acids will help to remove surface blackheads by exfoliating the skin; alpha-hydroxy acids can also help to increase cell renewal on the face and reduce future blackhead outbreaks. Fruit juices such as apple juice, tomato juice, grape juice, blackberry juice or orange juice all provide good sources of alpha-hydroxy acids. Milk and vinegar may also be used as a liquid base, as they both contain hydroxy acids.
  
  Beneficial herbs that help to remove blackheads and prevent future blackheads through their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties include coriander, cinnamon, fenugreek and turmeric. Use fresh organic herbs for your homemade blackhead cleanser.
  
  Baking soda adds a small amount of scrubbing exfoliation qualities to the cleanser, without irritating the skin, and helps to remove surface blackheads. Regular cooking baking soda may be used in this recipe.
  
  Honey is a natural antibacterial that will help to clean and moisturize the skin; healthy skin nourished by honey is less vulnerable to the formation of blackheads. All-natural raw honey retains all of the natural beneficial components of honey and should be used to enhance your cleanser.
  
  

Making the Cleanser

• Pour the liquid juice base of your choice into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, and fill the container to about three quarters full of juice. Add a few teaspoons each of the herbs of your choice; you can add as many herbs as you wish to, or only one herb, to create an effective blackhead cleanser.
  
  Keep the jar in the refrigerator for one week, and vigorously shake the jar at least twice a day. After one week, strain out the herbs and place the juice in a clean jar. Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda and 1 tbsp. of honey, and shake the jar well. Apply the cleanser to your face using a soft cloth or cotton ball; leave the cleanser on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Use the cleanser as often as you wish, but keep the cleanser in the refrigerator and always shake it before using.