Whitehead is a very common problem for Americans. Studies have shown that nearly 80 percent of people in the country have reported having suffered from acne at some time.
The problem is most prevalent between the age of 11 to 30. But the condition can affect people at any age.
There are various forms of acne of which Whitehead is one. It is a milder form of acne which appears in parts of the body like face, nose, back, chest and sometimes neck and shoulders.
They look like tiny round white bumps on the surface of the skin. This kind of acne erupts when pores of our skin get clogged with sebum, dead cells, bacteria, and debris.
These are usually not painful but may be accompanied by blackheads and acne. It has been seen that such conditions can cause great distress both emotionally and physically for the acne patients.
They feel embarrassed and turn socially anxious. Thus, it is important to know about its causes and ways of how to get rid of them.
From DIY home and natural remedies to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments and masks, you can take a variety of approaches to cure whiteheads.
Causes of Whiteheads
- A major cause of whiteheads is hormonal changes in the body which usually takes place at the turn of puberty. These hormonal changes lead to excessive secretion of sebum, which is the oil produced by the oil glands beneath the skin.
- The redundant sebum fills up the skin pores as a result of which the skin is unable to oust dead cells and bacteria. The follicles get clogged and turn into whiteheads.
- Heredity could be another reason behind such skin conditions. If parents had a similar kind of skin conditions in their younger age, then their children are likely to suffer from the same.
- Scientists and dermatologists have long observed a positive association between stress and incidences of acne breakouts. Though there is no clear study which establishes this conjecture, many studies have repeatedly observed that people tend to get problems like whitehead and pimples when they are under stressful conditions.
- Lifestyle and diet play a good role in the development of whiteheads. Unhealthy lifestyle including excessive smoking can worsen the situation. It is proven that what we eat impacts on how we look and feel.
- In recent years, pollution has been another cause of different skin condition including whiteheads.
15 Most Effective Ways to Get Rid of Whiteheads Quickly
All the below-stated remedies are rich with anti-bacterial properties. These properties are very effective to unclog your skin pores by eliminating toxins and impurities thereby removing whiteheads.
1. Steaming Remedy
Steaming opens up the pores of the skin and helps to remove the whiteheads and dirt while exfoliating. Once the skin’s surface is warm, it becomes receptive to treatments such as masks and serums.
- Take a bowl and fill it with some boiling water.
- Using a towel as a cover, expose your face to the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
- This tip will go a long way to keep your skin healthy.
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent and helps reduce irritation, and prevents bacteria from growing.
- Taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to add 8 ounces of water in it and make a mix.
- Apply this mixture over the affected area.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
3. Apply Lemon Juice
Lemon juice also has the property to dry up the skin by soaking the excess oil.
- Squeeze out some lemon juice and apply either diluted or undiluted on the affected part of the body using a cotton pad or clean hands
- Leave for 15- 20 minutes.
- Rise with warm water
- P.S: Use of Lemon juice on the skin can be harsh or irritable for some skin types.
4. Tea Tree Oil
An effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial tea tree oil are good for cleansing and toning skin. Pure oil can be applied directly to the affected skin.
DIY Home Remedy for Whiteheads
- Combine 3 drops of tea tree oil with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Apply the resulting concoction onto the affected area with whiteheads
- After 5 minutes, rinse off the material with lukewarm water.
- This remedy works the best when used on a weekly basis.Aloe Vera
Another natural ingredient helpful for skin treatment is Aloe Vera. It can be used together with other acne products to be more effective.
5. Witch Hazel
With its astringent and pore opening properties witch hazel can help heal whiteheads.
Apply witch hazel as an astringent with a cotton pad every day to make whiteheads a thing of the past.
- Just put ½ teaspoon of witch hazel in a bowl and add 2 teaspoons of distilled water to it.
- Dip a cotton ball in the resulting solution and rub it all over the affected area.
- After 5-10 minutes, rinse off the residue with cold water.
- Repeat the usage of this remedy on a weekly basis to make whiteheads a thing of the past.
Editor’s Choice: Benefits of Coconut Oil for Acne
6. Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal consists of anti-inflammatory components helping to soothe dry, rough or itchy skin.
It also effectively absorbs sebum while exfoliating the skin making a great face scrub.
- To two tablespoons of oatmeal add a tablespoon of honey.
- Apply the mixture to your skin for 15- 20 minutes.
- Clear blocked pores with lukewarm water.
7. Baking Soda
- Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water.
- Gently rub the paste all over the affected areas.
- Once done, rinse off the residue with lukewarm water.
- Apply this remedy at least 2-3 times a week for noticeable results.
8. DIY Clay Mask
- Simply combine ½ teaspoon of bentonite clay with 1 teaspoon of rose water.
- Smear the prepared paste all over the troubled areas.
- Wash away the residue with cold water.
- Repeat the usage of this remedy on a weekly basis to bid adieu to whiteheads for good.
9. Tomato
The simplest and perfect ingredient for a face mask is the tomato providing nourishment from vitamin A, C, and K.
Natural antioxidants and minerals found in the fruit can serve as a cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and dead skin build up.
Additionally, oil can be neutralized by regular use of tomato.
- Peel and mash a small tomato.
- The pureed tomato is to be applied to skin affected with whiteheads.
- This is best as an overnight treatment so leave the pulp on your face and sleep.
- Wash face with warm water in the morning to reveal clear and glowing skin.
10. Almond Face Scrub
Almonds are a rich source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acid and most importantly vitamin E.
- Grind a handful of pre-soaked almonds.
- Add 2 tablespoons of almond powder with two tablespoons honey and a squeeze of lemon make a paste.
- Exfoliate skin with the honey and almond scrub.
- Wash off after 15-20 minutes for most effective results.
11. Garlic for Whiteheads
Garlic is a natural antiseptic that can get rid of bacteria present in the whiteheads and unclog them.
- Crush the 2-3 garlic cloves in the water and leave this aside for a few minutes.
- Apply this water on the whiteheads and keep it on for 4-5 minutes.
- Using the cotton pad, wipe away the garlic water with rose water.
12. Vitamin A and Mild Retinoid Creams
Owing to its strong antioxidant properties Vitamin A has the potential to reduce redness of skin and inflammation together with promoting healthy cell growth. Retinoid creams are a stronger form of vitamin A creams.
Start with the application of the creams every second night for a week. Then apply it once daily. But never go out with these creams on as retinoids can make the skin sensitive to the sun.
13. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid acts as an astringent and helps reduce oil production. It further helps push the material in clogged pores upwards to surface.
It comes both in the form of creams and body washes. It is advisable to start this treatment once daily and then slowly increase it to thrice daily if the problem is severe.
14. Benzoyl Peroxide
Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide also has anti-bacterial properties and is effective in reducing inflammation. It can be found in toners, facial and body washes, and creams.
15. Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha hydroxy acid works in exfoliating the skin and removing the dead cells. Use products with below 10 percent concentration two to three times per week.
Keeping Your Face Free of Whiteheads
Applications of home remedies like taking steam to open up the pores, exfoliating the skin, use of toners to close the pores and keep them oil and bacterial free as mentioned previously are the most important treatment for whiteheads on the face.
While exfoliating be careful about the skin around the eyes, cheek, chin, and lips. They are very sensitive areas of the face and need gentle treatment.
Wash your face two to three times daily. Apply rose or cucumber water after washing your face.
How to Get Rid of Whiteheads From Nose
Nose is an area where whiteheads pimples thrive too often. They tend to be quite stubborn and comes back after a while. Do not try to pop them as this will lead to infection and scarring.
Try a deep cleansing technique instead to remove whiteheads.
- Take three spoons of gram flour and mix it with raw milk and a few drops of lemons.
- Scrub this on your nose gently for 6-7 minutes, leave it on for a while and then wash off.
- Repeat the process every morning every morning for a few weeks for effective results.
How to Remove Whiteheads from Chin
Apply a paste of turmeric and neem leave on your chin and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off. Daily use will provide significant results.
Skin Care Tips to Prevent Whiteheads
Taking care of your skin, in general, can go a long way in preventing whiteheads in the first place.
- Drinks lots of water and healthy fluids to flush out toxins from the body.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water at least twice a day.
- Exfoliate your face alternatively, for a healthy skin.
- Take off your makeup every night and
- Wash and keep your hair clean, oil from your hair can clog your pores.
- Clean your pillow covers, phones, and sunglasses regularly to get rid of oil, dirt, and bacteria which comes in contact with your face.
It is true that there is no permanent solution to the problem of whiteheads and they are hard to get rid of. They subside gradually over time.
Be patient and diligent in your treatment and never go for any fast or instant solutions which may cause long-term damage to the skin.
Keep a close eye on your diet and lifestyle that will go a long way to heal up the problem.
I’m Rhea, a fitness enthusiast, and a food lover. I am a housemaker, foodie, writer from NYC. I am a passionate writer and I love exploring places. Since I love cooking and working out, I am sharing my organic food recipes, fitness and beauty tips with the world. Trying to touch lives with some useful information.