Whiteheads are nothing but mild acne that are formed by accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, debris and bacteria clogging the pores. Sebum is the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands. Whiteheads are round shaped small white bumps on your face, neck, shoulders or back. If you have acne you are likely to get whiteheads.
Initially they are tiny invisible bumps that grow over time to get noticed. Although whiteheads are generally painless, they are blemishes on your face that you want to remove as soon as possible.
you can easily get rid of these whiteheads with many natural home remedies and other over the counter treatments.
We will focus here on the natural methods of removing whiteheads.
But before that...
Table of Contents
- What Causes Whiteheads?
- What is the Difference Between Whiteheads and Blackheads?
- How to Get Rid of Whiteheads Naturally?
- How to Prevent whiteheads?
- Do you Need to See Your Dermatologist?
- Other Tips and Precautions
What Causes Whiteheads?
Although genetics play a vital role in the formation of whiteheads, your lifestyle and skin care routine or lack of it also has a big big impact in the formation of whiteheads.
They are also affected by your age. At certain ages such as at puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, your hormonal changes trigger sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Higher the level of sebum higher the risks of whiteheads.
Your lifestyle that includes food habits and stress levels also can be responsible for excess production of sebum.
Therefore whatever is the underlying cause of excess production of sebum whiteheads are formed due to the combination of sebum, dead skin cells and debris clogging the pores and causing infection.
Whiteheads are physical manifestations of body signal to push out infections through the skin pores.
What is the Difference Between Whiteheads and Blackheads?
Both whiteheads and blackheads are mild forms of acne classified as comedones.
If you look at the formation process of whiteheads and blackheads you will realize that they both are caused by excess production of sebum by sebaceous glands, dead skin cells and debris.
Then what is the difference between whiteheads and blackheads?
The difference lies in the way whiteheads and blackheads finally formed.
When the top of the pores is closed, it causes Whiteheads and it stays inside the skin.
But, when the pores are open and exposed to air the infection gets oxidised. Colors turn to gray and black. These bumps formed above the skin are called Blackheads.
How to Get Rid of Whiteheads Naturally?
1. Tea Tree oil
This natural antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory essential oil is a powerhouse of goodness for your skin and overall health. It helps to remove whiteheads.
- Clean your face with slightly warm water and dab it dry
- Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil
- Apply the mix on the affected skin area.
- Do it twice daily
- Gradually increase tea tree oil drops in the coconut oil until you get the optimum concentration
Direct application of tea tree oil without a carrier oil like coconut oil can burn your skin.
2. Honey
You can add tea tree oil with Honey to remove whiteheads. Honey is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
- Wash your face clean with lukewarm water
- Mix 5 drops of tea tree oil with 5 drops of honey to make a thick paste
- Apply the mx on affected area with q-tip
You may get a burning sensation if your skin is sensitive.
3. Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera
Witch hazel reduces inflammation and removes excess oil from the skin. It has astringent properties to tighten skin pores as result the trapped material gets pushed out.
- Wash your face with water
- Apply witch hazel with qtip on affected area
- Keep it for 30 minutes
- Wash you face again
- Apply aloe vera gel
How to Prevent whiteheads?
You can maintain clean and healthy skin and reduce the risk of future breakouts of whiteheads by making certain Lifestyle changes.
Use of water based mild cosmetics on your face and hair will significantly reduce chances of getting whiteheads as compared to using oil based creams and lotions.
in addition the following tips and precautions will also help to prevent whiteheads.
Do you Need to See Your Dermatologist?
Well, sometime you may have to...
if you can't get rid of whiteheads with natural remedies, then you need to see a dermatologist who can prescribe the right medications for your skin type. When you begin to use these strong chemical based medicines you need to take extra precautions particularly from sun exposure.
However, if you really take care of your skin and use the above home remedies, you may never need to see a dermatologist for removal of whiteheads.
Other Tips and Precautions
Maintaining good hygiene and proper skin care not only removes whiteheads, blackheads, acne and other skin blemishes, but also keeps your skin smooth and glowing.
Take following precautions:
- Wash your face at least once daily in the evening before retiring to the bed.
- Wash your face after every long to atmospheric pollution, sun exposure, exercise and after playing any sports.
- Exfoliate 2-3 times a week
- Don't scrub your face too harsh
- Never pop whiteheads
- Wash your hair regularly
- Don't use harsh chemical based skin and hair care products