What are Whiteheads? Its Causes, Natural & Home Remedies, Removal with Precaution.
We all are familiar with blackheads but very few of us have proper knowledge about how to deal with whiteheads. White spots are not visible at our skin but this doesn’t mean that we can ignore them. Whiteheads are a type of acne that normally occurs in various parts of the face, chest, back, neck, and shoulders. The blemishes with something white in the center are usually called a ‘whitehead’. This is a common problem that affects almost every human being. If not treated on time, they may leave a permanent scar.
What are Whiteheads?
A whitehead is formed when oil is trapped in our skin. It is a very tiny bump just beneath the surface of the skin. These are not red but are white bumps, no larger than the tip of a pen. When a blocked pore closes, a whitehead will develop.
Most people try to squeeze whiteheads but this is wrong especially with fingers, as it causes rashes and even permanent scars. After knowing such bad impacts we should never squeeze whiteheads either with hands or with any object. There are many home remedies and medicines available with the help of which we can easily cure whiteheads. But before learning the treatment, one should know the factors which led to the occurrence of whiteheads.
What Causes Whiteheads?
It occurs due to the following factors:
Hormonal Changes
When a person enters the teenage, the level of male and female hormones increase which stimulates the oil-producing glands in the skin.
Genes
Normally, those people who suffer from acne at an earlier age have some kind of family history related to such scars.
Medicines
When someone starts or stops taking some prescription medications, the problem of acne or whiteheads took place.
Exposure to Pollution
Long term exposure to polluted air leads to bacteria on the skin which when combined with oil and dead skin cells causes whiteheads.
Diet
Over-consumption of dairy, sugar and processed food within a large number of preservatives and additives is also a prime contributor of whiteheads.
Oily Cosmetics
The use of all those beauty products which contain an excessive amount of oil in them also causes whiteheads.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Whiteheads
Treating a whitehead at home is not only possible but also very easy and affordable. Almost all the ingredients you need will be available at home.
Honey and Cinnamon
Simply mix three tablespoons of manuka honey with one tablespoon of true cinnamon to make a mask. Then microwave it for at least 30 seconds. Apply the same on the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with normal water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
Diet
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water. Include healthy fat items in your everyday diets like clove oil, avocados fish, nuts and seeds. Also, avoid deep-fried and junk food.
Lemon
Apply lemon juice on your face every day in the morning and leave it there for a few minutes. Skin will derive Vitamin C from it which will not only remove whiteheads but also blackheads.
Neem Leaves and Turmeric
Crush few neem leaves and add a teaspoon of turmeric into it. Mix well and apply the same for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water. Repeat this every day for 5-7 days and you can see the improvement.
Egg Whites
Take an egg and remove the yolk from the egg white. Then, whisk the white till it becomes fluffy and nice. Apply this on your face for 20 minutes, till it becomes completely dry. Then, wash off with normal water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It is acidic and is capable of shrinking and drying the pores. Mix two tablespoons of it with 8 ounces of warm water. Now apply it directly to the affected skin and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Repeat this every time while washing your face.
Honey
It has a thick consistency and is very sticky. It also possesses anti-bacterial properties. Heat one tablespoon of honey in the microwave for 15 seconds or till it becomes slightly warm to touch. Now apply it on the skin directly and leave for 15 minutes. Repeat it as often as necessary.
Baking Soda
It helps in the reduction of the occurrence of whiteheads. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with water and prepare a thick paste. Apply it all over your face and let it dry for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Whiteheads
In addition to home remedies, natural remedies can also be used to cure whiteheads. The term itself implies the meaning that it includes the use of natural and safe products to solve the problem of whiteheads.
Vitamin A Cream
It has antioxidant properties. It is very useful to reduce inflammation and redness leading to healthy cell growth. Wash your face and apply it directly once or twice a day.
Tea Tree Oil
It has antimicrobial benefits which means it can be used to treat whiteheads. Normally it is available in extract form in the market which you can pat directly on your face.
Aloe Vera
It is a plant-based product that is also available in extract form. It is more effective when used with other acne products as it alone is not sufficient to treat.
Witch Hazel
It is obtained from a flowering plant and possesses some astringent and pore-opening qualities. Put it on a cotton ball and apply twice every day.
Salicylic Acid
It is also a kind of astringent that reduces the oil production of the skin. It absorbs up excess oil from the skin making it dry and helps get rid of dead skin cells. It is normally found in many body washes and creams. In the starting period, it should only be used once a day, and after some time use can be increased up to three times a day.
Sulphur
It is used to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It assists in breaking down of whiteheads as it slowly oxidizes to become sulphurous acid which possesses many antibacterial properties.
How to Remove Whiteheads from Nose?
Before going to any medical shop we can try these remedies so that we can remove whiteheads naturally without using any medicine. There are various ways to get rid of it from the nose which are as follows-
Steam
As we all know steam is used for facials as it helps to open the pores of our skin and let the dirt out which is very beneficial to pull out whiteheads. The process of this is very simple as firstly boil some water in the pot and then place that pot on the sink. Then lean your face over it for 5-8 minutes. To get better results, repeat the process 2-3 times a week.
Oatmeal Scrub
Most of the beauty products contain this ingredient as it helps put an end to various skin related problems. To prepare this remedy we have to combine an equal amount of oats and plain yogurt and we have to apply it on our nose and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then wash it with warm water and repeat this task a few times per week.
How to Remove Pimples?
Most people try different ways to get rid of pimples but they do not get adequate results. Pimples often occur in the age of adolescence, but this does not mean that they can’t affect any other age. Mostly it occurs on oily skin. So here are some remedies to remove them.
Neem and rose water
Take some fresh neem leaves and grind them into a paste and then add a few drops of rose water in it. After the paste gets ready to apply it on the skin and leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash it with warm water. The antibacterial properties of neem help to remove pimples and rose water helps to reduce irritation.
Ice Pack
The ice pack is also one of the easiest ways to get rid of pimples. Take a clean cloth and wrap ice in it. Then apply it on the skin. It will shrink the size of pores and helps in the reduction of pimples.
How to Get Spotless Skin?
All of us wish to have skin without any kind of spots on it. Many remedies help in improving the tone of the skin. Before spending a lot of money on any medical treatments, try the underwritten ways once.
Lime
Lime is rich in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant for our skin. This remedy can be prepared in less than 1 minute. Cut 1 lime into two halves and apply it on the affected area of the skin. Apply it for 20 minutes and wash your skin with warm water. But keep in mind you have to do this only once a week. In case any kind of irritation on the skin, discontinue using it.
Tomato
Tomato is also rich in vitamin C. Take one tomato and wash it properly. After washing it, cut it into two pieces and then massage it on your face properly and left it for 25 minutes and then wash your face with warm water which helps in the removal of acne from skin and makes your skin look young and fair.
Strawberry and Yogurt
Strawberry is also very rich in Vitamin C and the mixture of it with yogurt helps to remove acne. Put some strawberries in the blender and add yogurt in it to make a thick paste. Then apply that paste on the face for 20 minutes. This mask also helps in reducing oil from the skin. The natural ingredients of this mask help to remove dead skin cells and thus results in fair glowing skin.
Prevention is Better than Cure
It is a famous proverb that “Prevention is better than cure”. If one is very careful regarding the right handling of the skin, then he/she will not have to suffer from such problems. Instead of spending money on the treatment of skin problems after their occurrence, one can prevent their outbursts ahead of time by following some simple steps which are mentioned below:
- Wash your face every day
- Use mild products only
- Use lukewarm water for bathing
- Exfoliate your skin at least once every week
- Wash your hair regularly
- Don’t use hair products on your face
- Clean your stuff like mobile phone, sunglasses, purse to get rid of bacteria
- Wash your make-up off before going to bed
- Don’t touch your skin unnecessarily
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing
- Use oil-free skin products only
- Wash your bed sheets frequently
- Wear loose clothing
Overall, it is not a long-term skin disease, and if cured on time will not leave any scar. The appearance of it on the face may lead to anxiety, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem. Genetics can be considered as a primary cause behind its occurrence in about 80% of the cases. Different kinds of treatments are available to get rid of these pimples. Apart from the above-mentioned home and natural remedies, many drugs are also available in the market. But those drugs are not only expensive but can also put some negative side-effects.