Have whiteheads taken up residence on your skin? The right skincare strategies will send them packing. Whether you prefer a DIY approach using ingredients in your pantry or over-the-counter products that fetch results, here are five easy ways to remove whiteheads at home.
Whitehead basics: What you need to know
Whiteheads are a form of non-inflammatory acne. A whitehead is not a pimple, but rather, a close cousin of the blackhead. It appears like a white bump on the skin’s surface.
Both blackheads and whiteheads form when the pores get clogged with oil, grime, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The outer layer of the skin remains open in blackheads, which makes them easier to clear. In the case of whiteheads, however, the outer layer on the skin’s surface closes up. That makes removing whiteheads a bit of a challenge.
How to remove whiteheads at home
With the right home treatments, you can make even stubborn whiteheads disappear. Here are some easy methods to chase those white bumps away.
1. Wash your face without fail
The golden rule is to wash your face twice daily. Do it once in the morning and again right before going to bed. You could add one more cleanse if you get sweaty and grimy—post your office commute or after a workout session, for example. Just don’t overdo it.
Go for a mild cleanser that clears the oil and grime gently. Washing in lukewarm water is your best bet—it loosens up the oil deposits and enhances cleansing.
2. Treat your skin to steam
Steam can perk up your skin like nothing else. Just boil some water and pour it into a large bowl. Place a large towel over your head and around the bowl. This creates a steam tent and directs the vapour to the affected area on your face.
You could also try placing a hot towel on the head. The steam will slowly travel to your face and open up clogged pores.
3. Raid the kitchen pantry
Ordinary kitchen ingredients could be your secret weapon against whiteheads. Just exercise caution while using these—you wouldn’t want to aggravate your skin woes.
- An anti-bacterial like honey can be applied warm after washing the face to draw out impurities.
- Acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice soak up extra oil while fighting inflammation and bacteria. Avoid these if your skin is sensitive, though—they could dry out and irritate the skin.
- A paste of baking soda is a popular home remedy for whiteheads. However, it could be harsh on acne-prone and sensitive skin.
4. Spot treat with tea tree oil
Studies show tea tree oil’s effectiveness against mild to moderate acne. It clears bacteria, brings down inflammation, and controls oil levels—all of which helps with your whitehead problem.
When using tea tree essential oil on the skin, dilute it in a carrier like almond, coconut, or olive oil. Otherwise, it could cause your skin to break out. You could also buy an over-the-counter product that includes tea tree oil among its active ingredients. Pick a cleanser, a cream, an exfoliant—there is plenty to choose from.
5. Read the product labels
When it comes to acne-prone skin, a minimal routine works best. That means picking a few products but the right products. Here are some key ingredients to look out for:
- Salicylic acid: This is very effective against whiteheads because it clears the pores of dead skin cells, reduces oil production, and promotes cell development.
- Benzoyl peroxide: Although benzoyl peroxide eliminates bacteria and extra oil, it has bleaching properties and can be harsh on the skin. So, start with products containing 2% benzoyl peroxide and apply just once a day.
- Retinoids: They promote cell growth, fight inflammation, and have antioxidant properties. However, they leave the skin very sensitive to the sun. Should you apply retinoid products, use sunscreen when going out.
Have complicated ingredient lists got you confused? Make life simpler by investing in an acne-control product like Clearica Anti-Acne Cream. It fights acne bacteria, clears the pores, as well as calms and revives the skin. Use consistently after your cleansing routine and watch the whiteheads disappear.
Watch out for triggers
Combatting whiteheads is one part of the picture. The other part is prevention. Here are some tips to bolster your whitehead treatment plan:
- Check for and avoid any cosmetics, hair products, detergents, or fragrances that trigger your acne.
- Clean your smartphone, spectacles, and bedlinen frequently to keep dirt and bacteria off your face.
- Resist the urge to squeeze those whiteheads. Picking at them will only make things worse.
Combine preventive measures with an anti-acne plan to achieve a smooth and healthy complexion—one that is completely free of whiteheads!