How to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Face

Whiteheads are a mixture of oils, sebum and cellular debris that form firm plugs inside hair follicles. They are usually closed from the skin's outside by cellular debris where they open. Because they are blocked and have no contact with oxygen, therefore, they do not oxidize brown as blackheads do. Instead they form a glow or yellow white bump and are called milia. When bacteria adhere to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne, especially cystic acne.

Causes of Whiteheads

The key to efficiently treating whiteheads is determining the cause of the whiteheads. While a whitehead may appear to have appeared suddenly, its creation might take up to two months. Because the little bulge of an infected pore shows that your skin is attempting to push out bacteria, the answer to what causes whiteheads is stated below.

1. Increased Sebum Production

Whiteheads are caused by extreme cell shedding that blocks or rapidly clog follicles. Whiteheads create sebum that is drier than usual and leads to the formation of solid plugs. Sebaceous glands normally produce sebum with linoleic acid, which is a necessary fatty acid. It soothes the skin and does not cause follicle irritation, which leads to blockages.

If linoleic acid is not available, then the sebaceous glands approve the endorse with oleic acid. This oily form of sebum irritates the skin and promotes clogging. This causes the formation of whiteheads, which can further lead to acne infection.

2. Puberty

The majority of whiteheads appear during adolescence, when hormonal changes produce an increase in sebum production. The brain produces the GnRH hormone, which instructs the oil glands beneath the skin to generate more oil. As sebum accumulates in the pores, the skin is unable to remove dead skin cells and microorganisms entirely, resulting in clogged follicles.

3. Genetics

Children of acne-prone parents are more likely to have the same skin condition. Your inflammatory response may be influenced by your genetics. Acne severity can vary depending on who has a higher inflammatory response to bacteria than others.

4. Hormonal Changes

Many women also notice an increase in the appearance of whiteheads and other types of acne throughout their menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels rise when estrogen's levels fall, signaling the glands to create more oil. Pregnancy, menopause, and contraception prescriptions are hormonal reasons for whiteheads.

5. Lifestyle Habits

Whiteheads have been linked to specific foods in a number of studies, even though it hasn't been proven that diet is directly responsible. There is also evidence to suggest that bad habits like smoking, drinking, and sleeping irregularly could make existing outbreaks worse.

6. Stress

Whiteheads are more likely to appear when you are stressed out. Stress hormones are absorbed by the sebum glands. Stress causes these oil-producing cells to lose control, leading to excessive sebum production and an increased risk of pore blockage, which can cause breakouts.

Whiteheads on the face make the skin bumpy and uneven. They dilate the pores, which can permanently damage them, and they don't shrink back even after the blackheads are removed.

One of the most important don’ts is the squeezing of whiteheads. There is a high risk of damaging your skin if you do this. Whiteheads are harder to squeeze out than blackheads because they are covered by skin. And there's a good chance you'll squeeze them instead of squashing them. In this case, you risk that a pimple will appear instead of a whitehead. Squeezing comedones can irritate and inflame your skin.

How Do you Deal with Whiteheads?

Choosing the best whiteheads treatment procedure is critical for keeping your skin soft, clean, and healthy. If you have severe acne or extremely sensitive skin, you should visit your doctor before attempting any of the below mentioned remedies.

Comedone Extractors

Whitehead remover devices are called comedone extractors. These are small metal rods with loops on one or both ends. Using a whitehead remover is a great solution, especially if you know how to do it right. It does not damage the skin and does not scar it when removing the white bumps off your face. This tool can help you to make your skin clean and smooth.

The extractors can be sterilized easily in boiling water, spirit, or both. Some of them may have a titanium gloss over them. You should open your pores before using the extractor. If your whiteheads are on your nose or face, you can treat them with a warm towel or steam your face with hot water. 

You can also use cosmetic creams or lotions to assist your pores exfoliate more quickly and soften the comedones. The extractor is then pressed against the whitehead to pop it out.

Using a whitehead remover is an excellent remedy, especially if done correctly. When removing the white pimples from your face, it does not harm or scar the skin. This item can assist you in keeping your skin clean and smooth.

Topical Treatments and Products

There are also many topical products and treatments that you can use to get rid of whiteheads. Use the medication to treat the affected region. If the whiteheads are minor, they will heal quickly. However, in some circumstances, medication may be required for up to 8 weeks. Remember that getting rid of whiteheads takes time.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Whiteheads can also be removed with benzoyl peroxide. This medicine serves two functions. Because it contains antibacterial properties, it promotes the healing of whiteheads. Future occurrences are also reduced as the chemical reaction in the skin's pores changes.

Sulphur and Resorcinol:  These are two other effective whitehead removers. Salicylic acid-based medications reduce the number of dead skin cells. They are extremely beneficial if dead skin is the primary source of whiteheads.

Tretonoin: It is a vitamin A derivative. It is also used to remove whiteheads. It aids in the process of cell renewal. It also aids in the removal of blocked substances from the skin.

However, most OTC or prescription products have side effects. Products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can dry out skin, remove excess oil, help exfoliate skin faster, and unclog clogged pores. Most of them dry out the skin to remove excess sebum. And, this can dry out the skin too much and lead to skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. This can worsen your acne problem instead of improving it. Thus, select the safest and most effective treatment for you and you can keep your skin clean and smooth.

Natural Methods for Whitehead Removal

There are numerous natural remedies for removing whiteheads. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can be used to cure whiteheads. You can also use lemon juice, honey, oats, egg white, baking soda, and a variety of other household items. If you are very frustrated with the ugly whiteheads on your face and skin, then you can apply an effective natural remedy for all skin problems.

1. Cleansing

It all starts with a daily cleaning routine. You should wash your skin frequently to remove excess dirt and oil, but don't over dry it. In this case, you stimulate your oil glands and they will start producing more sebum. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse your skin twice a day. You can use different acne washes to do this. These scrubs or washes will help you unclog your pores and help your skin get rid of excess dead cells and dirt.

2. Drink Water

The most important thing you should do to treat whiteheads is to drink about 2 liters of water every day. Water will help your body flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is very important to prevent your skin from getting whiteheads.

3. Rice Facial Scrub

Rice flour is an excellent exfoliator for the skin and has the potential to treat whiteheads. Rice flour is coarse enough to exfoliate all of your dead skin cells without tearing your skin. The following DIY remedy cleans facial pores while also providing a gorgeous glow to the skin.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoons of rice flour
• 2 teaspoons of milk
• A pinch of turmeric powder

What You Have To Do

• In a bowl, add rice powder, milk and turmeric powder and make a smooth paste.
• After applying it, keep it on for five minutes.
• Apply a small amount of water to loosen the mask, then gently rub to exfoliate the skin.
• And finally wash it off with water. 

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat the process thrice a week to rid yourself of whiteheads completely.

4. Cinnamon Honey Mask

This is one of the best natural ways to get rid of whiteheads. Honey and cinnamon both contain antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits for removing whiteheads. The combination will remove dirt from the pores and fight whiteheads and acne.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

What You Have To Do

• Mix honey and cinnamon until it forms a paste-like substance.
• Apply it over the whitehead-prone area and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• And then wash it off with lukewarm water.

5.  Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful ingredient that balances the skin's PH level. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, baking soda may help minimize acne outbreaks and manage pain and inflammation of the skin. It helps to remove whiteheads from nose because it can remove anything clogging your skin pores.

You Will Need

• 3 teaspoons of baking soda
• Required amount of water

What You Have To Do

• Take baking soda and add enough water to make a thick paste.
• Apply and allow it to sit on your face for at least five minutes.
• Once it turns semi-dry, use wet fingers for massaging the face in circular motions.
• Then, wash your face with lukewarm water.

Alternatively,

• Make a paste of castor oil and baking soda for whitehead pimple removal.
• Apply this paste on the affected areas and wash it off after 30 minutes.

6. Pomegranate Peel Scrub

Pomegranate peel has antibacterial qualities and helps to prevent acne and other skin disorders. Use roasted pomegranate peel powder as a facial scrub. It can help in removing dead skin, black and white heads from your face when used in form of a facial scrub.

The peels are rich in antioxidants and help in keeping bacteria and other infections at bay. Use the peel powder mixed with rose water to remove dead skin, whiteheads and blackheads from your face.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of pomegranate peel powder
• 2 tablespoons of of rose water

What You Have To Do

• Take pomegranate peel powder into a bowl and add rose water to make a paste out of it.
• Apply it all over your face, especially on your pimples or acne.
• Leave on 5-10 minutes or until dry and rinse with warm water. 

How Often You Should Do This

Use three times a week or as often as needed.

7. Honey And Egg

Applying egg whites can clear up acne and tighten your pores. Eggs and honey when mixed with each other will have the power to remove whiteheads from your skin. Honey is a great natural exfoliator and moisturizer. Egg white dries the skin, repairs it and acts as a micro-lifting agent. The combination of these ingredients unclogs pores and removes whiteheads from the forehead, chin, and nose.

You Will Need

• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons of of honey

What You Have To Do

• Crack the egg white into a bowl and pour in honey, before mixing together.
• Whisk thoroughly for a while and apply a thin layer of the mask on your face.
• Keep the facial mask there and relax for 30 minutes.
• Once it is dry, take steam and gently remove this mask with the help of a cotton swab.

8. Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal is another easy and effective way to exfoliate the skin gently. This natural ingredient help to free the pores of excess sebum, dead skin cells that clog your pores and and will remove your hard whiteheads. You can make your own homemade face scrub with oatmeal to get rid of whiteheads.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1 teaspoon of fine salt
• 1 tablespoon of lavender essential oil 

What You Have To Do

• Add 1/2 cup of oats to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
• Mix fine salt with ground oatmeal and lavender oil.
• Then apply it on your face and scrub the whitehead pimples on face for a minute or so.
• Leave it on for some time and finally wash it off with hot water to open pores, then rinse with cold water to close them.

Alternatively, wrap cotton cloth around an ice cube and run it over your face to close your pores.This natural remedy will help you to get rid of whiteheads on nose.

9. Salt and Lemon Scrub

Salt is a natural exfoliator that helps to remove dead skin. It also contains minerals that soften and hydrate the skin. It suppresses the growth of microorganisms found in sweat and oils emitted by the skin. Salt aids in the removal of whiteheads on the face, and lemon includes a high level of Vitamin C, which is known to have acne-fighting effects. The DIY sugar scrub recipe below is a great way to remove whiteheads.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of regular table salt
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

What You Have To Do

• Take some fresh lemon juice and add salt to it and mix them well.
• Massage the mixture into the skin around your nose and other other areas.
• After that, rinse your face with warm water.

Avoid pressing your fingernail on the affected area as this can result in ruptured blood vessels or scar tissue later on.

10. Clay Mask

Clay masks can help prevent mild acne such pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Excessive sebum secretion causes blackheads and whiteheads. The clay mask acts as an excellent absorbent, absorbing excess oil and sebum from your skin and assisting in the removal of small whiteheads.

What You Have To Do

• Make a clay mask using enough water and clay to make a paste.
• Apply a thin layer and let it sit for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Conclusion

You can use the above-mentioned home remedies or other natural treatments that are safe and effective. Having a poor skin care routine can increase your chances of getting blackheads and whiteheads. One of the best ways to keep skin clean and healthy and prevent whiteheads is to wash your face twice a day. Do regular facials to keep your pores clean, help remove whiteheads, and prevent more breakouts.