Whiteheads are a type of acne that may appear on the face and on cystic acne. Knowing how to remove whiteheads would benefit you well enough to ease your discomfort. They are caused by the release of sebum oil, which blocks the skin’s pores and can lead to bacterial infections. Bacteria colonise in the oil, multiplying rapidly into large numbers. Whiteheads generally appear white because dead skin cells from previous acne breakouts start to break down due to the overproduction of sebum oil, creating oxygen bubbles that cause deposits of bacteria under the skin surface.
Difference Between Blackheads and Whiteheads
Blackheads are oxidised when they are exposed to air. They turn black because of oxidation. Whiteheads, on the other hand, look like tiny heads and they are not oxidised therefore they do not turn black or dark.
Even though a whitehead is better in appearance than a blackhead, it is still acne that should be removed immediately because it can cause inflammation due to infection by bacteria.
Whiteheads can also be caused by clogged hair follicles, dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt that build up inside the skin pores. Most people suffer from this type of acne during puberty or teenage years when oil production is at its highest level in the body.
What Causes Whiteheads?
When your body produces too much oil during this period, the skin that produces it tends to get clogged with the oil. The clogged pores can only be opened for a certain amount of time before the skin becomes irritated. You may find that you have whiteheads when you are getting out of bed or when you are trying to sleep.
Some notable causes of whiteheads are:
Puberty
Puberty is a key factor in aiding the growth of whiteheads because during puberty the skin is very susceptible to inflammation and as a result, whiteheads tend to grow on the skin during this period.
Hormonal Changes
Just as puberty affects body’s conditions, hormonal changes also play a big role in the growth of whiteheads on the face.
Bending over or pulling at hair or skin can also result in clogging of pores and trapping of dead skin cells inside it. When the dead cells get trapped under the skin, it causes a whitehead to appear.
The best way to prevent whiteheads from appearing is by learning to prevent acne in the first place. This should involve avoiding taking baths frequently and washing your face with soap and water twice each day.
Avoid staying up too late watching TV or reading without washing off your face, as a lot of sweat from these activities can cause excess oil production. It is also advisable to avoid using products that block pores.
There are several ways to get rid of whiteheads and cleanse them up completely. Here we will discuss ten natural ways to cleanse your face and remove whiteheads without shaving or using any other methods, which can make your skin drier and more fragile than it already is.
10 Home Remedies for Whiteheads
1. Honey
Honey is a natural antiseptic and can help you get rid of whiteheads. Apply honey directly on the facial areas where you find whiteheads appearing and leave it for about 20 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. You can also use honey along with lemon juice. Make a paste of these two ingredients and apply it on your face, wait for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. Both the methods will get rid of whiteheads and provide you with clean, healthy skin.
2. Cosmetic Clay
As we have discussed above, clogged pores are the main cause of whiteheads. Clay is a fantastic cosmetic ingredient that can help you cleanse your skin and remove whiteheads completely. Clay is an amazing natural remedy for various skin problems like acne, eczema and other skin disorders.
Apply a small amount of clay (1-2 tsp) to your face, then leave it for 5 minutes to settle on the pores of your face. After which you can wash it off with lukewarm water.
To increase the effectiveness, make sure you apply this pack at least twice a week.
3. Oatmeal
Oats mask is the most effective home remedy for whiteheads. Take a tablespoon of oats and grind it down to make a fine powder, then add a few drops of water to it to make a paste.
Oatmeal has antibacterial properties that can help in getting rid of whiteheads and smoothen your skin texture.
Take the oatmeal paste on your fingers and apply it to your face. Keep it for 10 minutes or so then rinse off with tepid water. To make this method effective, you need to use this mask once or twice every week.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another natural ingredient that can help you get rid of whiteheads completely. The key is patience.
First, spread the olive oil all over your face. Allow it to stay for 10 minutes and then rinse off with water. To get the best result, you will have to do this once or twice every week.
5. Cucumber
You can also use cucumber as a natural solution. It’s really effective in helping you know how to remove whiteheads and pimples. Choose a cucumber that is tender and small-sized; cut it into half lengthwise and take out the seeds.
Next, clean the cucumbers thoroughly by cutting them in half again from the other side and rubbing them hard against each other until they become soft. Then cut them into small pieces using a knife or peeler.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is a great ingredient for removing whiteheads from the skin.
Turmeric is a natural ingredient rich, in active anti-oxidants and antioxidants that are good for your skin. Turmeric works as a great ingredient to lighten your complexion and get rid of whiteheads.
Take one tablespoon of turmeric powder, mix it with half a teaspoon of honey and a little amount of water, and then apply it all over your face. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.
7. Facial Steaming
This is the easiest method to remove whiteheads because all you need is a bowl of hot water. There is no need to go for expensive treatments or buy costly creams because facial steaming can help you get rid of whiteheads effectively and easily.
Steaming opens up the pores of your skin and makes it easy to eliminate any dead skin present in it. As a result, you will find it easier to remove whiteheads and other substances trapped under the skin.
To make facial steam, simply boil some water in a bowl and cover your head with a towel while you are inhaling the steam coming out of the water. The steam inside will be able to penetrate deep into your pores and get rid of any substances like oil, which have accumulated there for a long time.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is yet another facial toner that you can use to get rid of whiteheads. Apple cider vinegar helps in improving the skin complexion by removing dead skin cells and reducing the oil secretion from the skin pores.
To use this method, mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water, then put it into a bowl and dip a cotton ball into it. Then apply the mixture to your face by rubbing it against your skin gently. Leave it on your face for 10 minutes; you can also add some amount of honey to make it more effective. Remember to wash off with lukewarm water after using this method.
9. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most important ingredients in skin care products that can help you in your whitehead removal quest. This is one of the best methods to aid you when you want to learn how to remove whiteheads from your face.
To use this method, buy a bottle of tea tree oil and use it on your face daily by simply taking a few drops in your palm, adding some amount of water to it and applying it on your face gently; then leave it on for a while before washing off with lukewarm water.
10. Egg White
Egg white is yet another great home remedy for whitehead removal. Egg whites are one of the natural ingredients that help you get rid of whiteheads and other impurities from under the skin pores.
Conclusion
Whiteheads are one of the most common problems of the skin. The term whitehead refers to a block of pores with dead skin, oil and many other impurities. Whiteheads are easy to recognise since they appear on the surface of your face as tiny bumps.
If you want to get begin whitehead removal completely, you will have to go beyond simply applying face packs or face creams. You need to understand that the root cause of whiteheads is clogged pores and blocked slits that appear when dead skin cells accumulate in your skin pores. If you want to eliminate whiteheads and get clear, beautiful skin, you have to cleanse your pores properly.
FAQs
How can I remove whiteheads from my face?
Whiteheads occur due to clogged pores and blocked slits that appear when dead skin cells accumulate in your skin pores. If you want to eliminate whiteheads and get clear, beautiful skin then you have to cleanse your pores properly.
Are whiteheads dangerous to health?
Whiteheads are not specifically dangerous to human health but at the same time, on the human skin, they are definitely not attractive.