Whiteheads are pesky and stubborn! But cheer up, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we have put together the simplest and painless ways of removing whiteheads.
What Causes Whiteheads?
Dirt, perhaps? Maybe not. Protecting your face from pollutants and washing too often may not be enough. It is the body’s natural mechanism that causes whiteheads. Neglecting your skincare routine and failing to cleanse your skin frequently will only act as a catalyst.
Dermatologically termed as “closed comedones”, whiteheads are a result of dead skin cells and sebum build-up over the hair follicles of the skin. A thin layer of skin covers the sebum and skin debris, giving it a bumpy appearance. But unlike pimples, whiteheads cannot be “popped.”
Sebum is the natural oil of the skin. It is necessary to hydrate the skin, but excess production of this oil blocks the opening of the pores. Excess production of sebum can be triggered by various phases of life like puberty and pregnancy.
The problem commonly occurs on oily skin. Even the usage of certain cosmetic products on the skin can result in the accumulation of sebum. Applying too much hair oil on the scalp and sweating can also lead to the occlusion of openings.
Why do whiteheads appear on the nose?
Dermatologists describe the area that encompasses the forehead, nose and chin as the T-zone. There is a higher concentration of oil forming glands in this area. Hence, the face is more prone to developing whiteheads.
Whiteheads can further develop into red acne, so it is essential to prevent them. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads remain deeply embedded in the pores, which make them difficult to extract.
Remedies to remove whiteheads
Steam and exfoliation
Cleansing your face is the foremost thing you need to do. It might seem like a lot of effort, but it is rewarding!
- Start by washing your face with a face wash. Pat your skin dry and take steam. Steaming helps in opening the pores and hydrating the skin. It becomes easier to exfoliate when the pores have loosened.
- Gently scrub your face using a circular motion. Use a mild scrub or make your DIY scrub if your face is sensitive.
- Put on any face mask. Wash it and dab the toner onto the face, followed by moisturizer.
Nose strips
Are you running late for a party? Or you don’t want to put in the efforts?
Here’s how you can get rid of your whiteheads in a jiffy!
It is a hasty remedy. The strip makes use of an adhesive that sticks to your skin and peels off the outer layer of dead skin cells. It is a painless and quick way of removing whiteheads.
Wet your nose and stick the strip onto your nose. Wetting helps the strip to get stuck on to all the creases. Leave it for 20 minutes and peel it off. Use it weekly once for best results.
Natural Remedies To Remove Whiteheads
Tea tree oil
It is time to stock up on some fragrant essential oils! Regardless to say, they possess numerous benefits for the skin. Tea tree oil is anti-microbial and is effective on all types of acne.
Dilute 2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of coconut oil. Apply it on a clean face before going to bed.
It is advisable to do a patch test on the skin before using any essential oil to test for allergy.
Apple cider vinegar
Why do you need an alcohol-based toner? Treat your skin to some fruit acid!
Apple cider vinegar is an astringent with anti-inflammatory properties. It fights bacteria and also tightens the pores.
Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 tablespoons of warm water. Apply it to the affected area and leave for 20 minutes. You can repeat this practice every time after washing your face.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a go-to ingredient for most skin problems because of its miraculous properties!
Aloe vera cleanses your skin while it also lightens blemishes and scars.
Use it in combination with lemon for better results. Lemon juice helps prevent breakouts on the skin.
Combine equal amounts of lemon juice and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the face and leave it for 10 minutes before washing.
Honey
Honey could do a lot more than making your skin smooth and baby soft! Surprisingly, honey has anti-fungal properties as well!
Heat the honey for 15 seconds, till it is warm. Apply it to the nose and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water.
Baking soda
Why search for expensive products when one of the best solutions is in your kitchen pantry!
Baking soda balances the pH of your skin while shrinking the pores. It is an exfoliator.
Make a paste with 3 teaspoons of baking soda and water. Apply and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing with warm water.
Over- the counter products
Salicylic acid
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of using acid. Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring acid obtained from the bark of a willow tree!
Salicylic acid helps in shedding dead cells and unclogging the pores. It seeps away excess oil and dirt. As a beginner, go for a product that has about 0.5-2% of salicylic acid.
Use spot treatment products. This way, you don’t have to apply it to the whole face. Test it only on specific areas.
If your skin feels too dry and irritated, use it less frequently. Never apply it on the inflamed, red areas!
Benzoyl peroxide
It is widely used for the treatment of inflammatory acne. Its ability to kill bacteria by penetrating underneath the skin makes it suitable for use on whiteheads.
It helps the pores to shed excess oil and dead skin cells. Since whiteheads are non-inflammatory acne, benzoyl peroxide may not be the best treatment.
Retinoid creams
These creams are rich in vitamin – A that effectively unclogs the pores. Unlike spot treatment products, they need to be applied all over the face.
Bear in mind that while opting for a retinoid cream, always buy a mild one! Strong creams can make your skin overly sensitive to sunlight.
Avoid squeezing your whiteheads!
Squeezing your whiteheads with fingers is the last thing you would want to do! Just as unhygienic as this could be, it could be counter-productive. Unlike pimples, whiteheads are not filled with puss, which makes it practically impossible to pop.
It would only cause the bacteria to spread over the face and result in more breakouts!
Using a needle is also not the best method. You might end up with permanent scars and inflamed skin.
These are just some of the remedies. Needless to touch upon, a healthy diet and lifestyle are also essential. Most importantly, don’t take stress! A healthy mind and healthy skin go together.
