Whiteheads: Use your favorite ingredients from your pantry to reduce those pesky bumps on your skin.
Whiteheads are the firm skin-colored bumps that develop on your skin, especially your face. Removing them can be difficult as you cannot pop them easily. So, how to get rid of whiteheads?There are several methods to get rid of them. This article discusses some home remedies and over- the-counter treatment that may help eliminate them. Read on.
In This Article
- Cause of Whiteheads
- Where Do Whiteheads Appears?
- Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Whiteheads
- Over-The-Counter Treatment For Whiteheads
- Additional Tips To Prevent Whiteheads
- Complications Associated With Whiteheads
- Infographic:Top 5 Home Remedies To Treat Whiteheads
- Frequently Asked Question
- Key Takeaways
Causes Of Whiteheads
Whiteheads are non-inflammatory acne and appear as small, and firm skin bumps on the skin. These are formed when dirt, bacteria, and sebum are trapped in the skin pores.
Hormonal imbalances during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause are the main reasons behind acne and whiteheads. Imbalance in androgen and estrogen levels causes excess sebum production, leading to whiteheads.
Also, sweating,oily skin,non-comedogenici cosmetic, greasyfoods, high humidity levels, and contraceptives can cause whiteheads. Genetics also play a key role in developing several tyoes of acne (1), (2).
ProTips Whiteheads can also result from
Shedding cells in hair follicles. Therefore, abnormal levels of keratin
can also be a cause.
Whiteheads mostly appear on your face. However, you may get them on other body parts.
Where Do Whiteheads Appear?
Whiteheads develop on body parts that have sebaceous glands and produce excessive sebum. Other Than your T-Zone, you may develop whiteheads on:
- Upper chest
- Shoulders
- Back
- Neck
Even if you never had whiteheads as a teen, you can develop them at some point during adulthood. in the next section, Check out the home remedies you may try to eliminate whiteheads.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Whiteheads
1. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
- 1 Tablespoon of fresh Aloe Vera Gel
- 2-3 Drops of dilute lemon peel oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix both the ingredients
- Massage the affected areas with the mixture for 3-4 minutes
- Leave it on for 10-20 minutes
- Wash off your face
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a week.
Why this Works
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties. It Moinsturizes the skin,reduces pimples and blemishes, promotes collagen production and wound healing(3). Lemon Peel oil has antimicrobial properties and is effective against acne-causing bacteria (4).
Related: Using Aloe Vera For Dark Spots On Your Skin:Tips And Precautions
2. Honey
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of raw manuka honey
What You Have To Do
- Warm the honey and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every alternate day until the whiteheads go away completely.
Why This Works
Honey has wound healing and antibacterial properties. It effectively reduces the proliferation of acne-causing bacterias P. acnes and S. aureus strains (5), (6).
Related: Is Honey Good for the Face And Skin? How To Use It?
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need
- 2 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Cotton Ball
What You Have To do
Dilute the ACV and apply it directly to the whiteheads .
Let it dry naturally for a few minutes.
Do Not wash off.
Alternate Method
Mix 3 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of ACV, and 1 tablespoon of water. From a thin paste.
Apply it to the affected areas.
Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do This 2-3 Times In a fortnight.
Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and is effective against acne-causing bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the acetic acid in the vinegar also helps minimize acne and whiteheads (7), (8).
4. Tea Tree Oil
you will Need
- 2-3 drops of Tea tree oil
- 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil( olive, jojoba, almond or avocado oils)
- Cotton Swab
What You Have To Do
Dilute the tea tree oil and apply it to the affected areas.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
wash it off with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply tea tree oil 2 times a day.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can eliminate acne- causing bacteria and effectively minimize mild to moderate acne (9), (10).
5. Baking Soda
You Will Need
- 2-3 teaspoons baking soda
- water
What You Have To Do
Mix the ingredients and make a paste.
apply it to the affected areas.
Let it dry for 15-20 minutes.
wash it off with likewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this 1-2 times a week until the whiteheads go away completely.
Why This Works
Baking soda is abrasive and has exfoliating properties. It may help cleanse the impurities and skin pores and reduce whiteheads.
6. Witch Hazel
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoon of witch hazel to the affected area.
- Let it dry. Do not wash off.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply witch hazel 2 times a day.
Why This Works
Witch hazel contains tanninsi and has astringenti and antioxidant properties. It helps minimize acne inflammation. The astringent properties may also help in eliminating whiteheads (11), (12).
7. Turmeric
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of water or honey
What You Have To Do
Mix the ingredients and apply it to the whiteheads.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times a day.
Why This Works
Turmeric contains curcumin, a polyphenol with antibacterial, antioxidant, and medicinal properties.
8. Rose Water
You Will Need
- 1 Tablespoon of Rose Water
- Cotton Ball
What You Have To Do
Apply rose water ( preferably hydrosoli) on the affected area or the entire face.
Leave it on, and do not wash off.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every alternate day.
Why This Works
Rosewater is used as an alternative and complementry therapy for acne (15). The anti-inflammatory properties of rose water may help reduce whiteheads.
9. Jojoba Oil
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of Jojoba oil
- 1-2 drops tea tree oil
What You Have To Do
Mix the oils and massage your face with it.
Leave this overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night, before going to bed.
Why This Works
Jojoba oil may help repair the skin and minimize acne (16). This is a lightweight oil, and together with tea tree oil, it can help control whiteheads.
10. Garlic
You Will Need
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- Rosewater
- Cotton Pad
What You Have To Do
Crush the garlic and mix it with water. Keep this aside for a few minutes.
Apply the garlic- water mix to the whiteheads.
Leave it on 4-5 minutes.
Wipe with a cotton pad dipped in rose water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat This Once Every 2-3 Days.
Why This Works
Garlic is a natural antiseptic and has antibacterial properties that can reduce acne breakouts and prevent recurrence (17).
Natural remedies may often take time to show results. For more effective acne and whiteheads management you can use OTC treatments.
Over-The-Counter Treatment For Whiteheads
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an FDA-approved topical over-the-counter medication for acne (18). It has antibacterial activity and helps in reducing inflammation and excess oil (19). It is found in different OTC products like anti-acne creams, face washes, shower gels, and oinments. Use a products with at least 2% benzoyl peroxide to minimize whiteheads.
2. Salicylic Acid
Salicyclic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and is effective in reducing acne and whiteheads (20), (21). It promotes the natural exfoliation process of the skin and helps clear the skin pores and minimize acne.
3. Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. This prescription medicine has anti-inflammatory properties and is comedolytic (prevents comedone formation) (22). You can try OTC products that contain retinol and isotretinoin to minimize whiteheads and acne. However, retinoids can increase sun sensitivity. Hence, apply sunscreen while going out.
4. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids can help minimize whiteheads (23). AHAs dissolve the bonds between the cells and promote exfoliation. However, avoid using AHAs on open wounds or cuts. Also, AHAs can make your skin sun-sensitive. Apply sunscreen before going out.
Quick Tips
Azelatic acid is also an effective treatment for whiteheads. It kills bacteria on the skin, reduces swelling, and improves the overall health of your skin.
Proper skin care is crucial for minimizing whiteheads and preventing further inflammation. It is best to consult a dermatologist before adding active ingredients to your beauty routine. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the risk of breakouts.
Additional Tips To Prevent Whiteheads
Wash your face twice daily : Washing your face twice a day is crucial to get rid of the dirt and impurities from the skin, which might clog the pores. It is crucial for minimizing excess sebum. Ensure To use non-comedogenic, oil-free, and gentle cleansers. Make it a point to follow the cleansing, toning and moisturising (CTM) routine religiously to maintain skin health.
Exfoliate Periodically: Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the skin and promote cell regeneration. It Also improves skin texture and minimizes whiteheads. Use gentle exfoliants that contain AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids and BHA (salicylic Acid). Exfoliate no more than once a week, as over-exfoliation may irritate the skin and increase sebum production.
Wash Your Hair Regularly: Wash your hair regularly to prevent oil and product buildup on the scalp, which may cause acne and whiteheads on the forehead. Also, while using hair care products, try to keep them off your face.
Use The Right Sunscreen:
Avoid using sunscreen that have heavy and oily formulas that can clog the pores and cause breakouts.
Try Extraction: This skin care treatment can effectively extract whiteheads and reduce acne and breakouts. The process involves facial steaming to open the skin pores and then squeezing the whiteheads with the extraction tools. While you can try extraction at home, it is better to visit a skin care professional to get the whiteheads extracted.
Drink Enough Water:
Your skin should stay hydrated inside out to prevent excess sebum production. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid Eating Junk Food :
There is a link between a high glycemic index (GI), like sugary drinks, white bread, cookies, baked goodies made of white flour, and white rice, can influence the sebum secretion levels. Avoid These to prevent whiteheads.
Quick Tip
Extend hygiene management to keeping your makeup,gym equipment, and phone cases clean.
Also, clean your pillowcases, linens,and
Eyewear.
Squeeze whiteheads may lead to skin issues. Let's take a look at the complications associated with whiteheads in the next section.
Complication associated with whiteheads
Constantly picking or squeezing whiteheads may cause accidental scratches and wounds. This may cause open sores, irritation, redness and blemish. Moreover,improper use of extraction tools may also cut the skin and aggravate the inflammation. In such situations, consult a doctor immediately.
Infographic : Top 5 Home REMEDIES To Treat Whiteheads
Whiteheads are a common skin issues many people face today. The good news is there are several home remedies that help you treat and reduce the occurrence of whiteheads.
Whiteheads are skin-colored bumps that develop due to clogged pores, poor diet, or hormonal imbalance.
Whiteheads commonly develop on the T- zone , neck , and shoulders. Since whiteheads can develop at any point during your life, you can use natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey , or turmeric to reduce whiteheads . For more effective Whitehead management, you can opt for over-the-counter treatment such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
Following a proper skincare routine, drinking plenty of water , and a balanced diet can prevent whiteheads breakouts. Follow these beauty tips on how to get rid of whiteheads to get clear and healthy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don't pop a whiteheads?
If you don't pop a Whitehead,it heals in it's natural time and goes away in 3-7 days.
Can toothpaste remove whiteheads?
While the ingredients in particular toothpaste may help dry and shrink a Whitehead,it is not advisable.
Can peel off masks remove whiteheads?
Yes,peel off masks are effective in removing whiteheads and blackheads.
Which mask removes whiteheads?
Face masks with AHA, clay, charcoal, green tea, which hazel, aloe vera , or tea tree oil may help prevent the formation of whiteheads and aid their removal as well.
Key takeaways
Hormonal imbalance is one of the major causes of whiteheads ( anti-inflammatory acne).
Other causes include excess sebum production and the use of non-comedogenic products and birth control pills.
They mostly appears on the face and can be seen on the shoulders neck , etc.
Natural ingredients like aloe vera and honey are the best bet , owing to their anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you have any doubt, plz let me tell