10 Ways To Get Rid Of Whiteheads + Causes & Tips To Prevent It
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 treatments that may help eliminate them.
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 cosmetics, greasy foods, high humidity levels, and contraceptives can cause whiteheads. Genetics also play a key role in developing several types of acne.
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
Confused about how whiteheads are different from blackheads? Learn more in the following section.
Difference Between Whiteheads And Blackheads
Both blackheads and whiteheads are types of non-inflammatory acne lesions, but they differ in how they appear on the skin. Whiteheads are small bumps that occur when the pores get clogged with sebum. They are closed comedones, which means they are not exposed to the air.
Blackheads, on the other hand, are open comedones, which means the pore or follicle is partially blocked by the sebum and dead skin cells, allowing air to enter. When this trapped material is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns dark in color. Blackheads usually occur on the face, shoulders, neck, and chest.
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 diluted lemon peel oil
What You Have To Do
Mix both the ingredients.
Massage the affected area 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 moisturizes 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.
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.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need
2 tablespoons 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. Form a thin paste.
Apply it to the affected area.
Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water.
