Whiteheads are clogged hair follicles with sebum oil and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, they are closed pores and cannot be popped out easily.
If you’re here to check out some of the amazing home remedies for whiteheads, you have landed at the right place. But before we get started, let’s quickly understand the causes of whiteheads.
What Are The Causes of Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are caused when hair follicles, sebum and bacteria get blocked inside your pores. In simple terms, whiteheads are an unoxidised form of blackheads as they sit deep into the closed pores. Here are some of the effective reasons causing whiteheads:
- Increased oil production (sebaceous glands) in the pores
- Excess humidity in the atmosphere
- Presence of bacteria on the skin due to environmental stressors and pollutants
- Excess sweating
- Hormonal Imbalance
Home Remedies for Whiteheads
Ready to zap those pesky whiteheads on face? Try out these treatments for whitehead removal at home.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil for skin has antibacterial and antiseptic properties to fight acne-causing bacteria and remove impurities from your skin. Using it as an essential oil will work as a fool-proof whitehead removal remedy at home.
- How to Apply: Add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil into 1 tbsp of coconut oil. Use a cotton swab to apply to concerned areas. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash your face with lukewarm water. Follow this every day before sleep to see effective results.
PS, always use a diluting oil and never Tea Tree oil without mixing it with another carrier oil.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera benefits the skin in preventing whiteheads from turning into acne due to its soothing and antibacterial qualities. It controls excess oil production and contributes to helping remove whiteheads from the face.
- How to Apply: Take 1 tbsp of freshly extracted aloe vera gel. Add a few drops of lemon into it and mix well. Apply and massage this mixture to your face. Leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and pat your face dry.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has excellent exfoliating antimicrobial properties that deeply cleanse the pores and fight bacteria. It contains salicylic acid that helps control excess oil, clarifies the skin, and removes whiteheads.
- How to Apply: Take 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar. Add ½ cup of water to it. Use a cotton swab to apply it all over your face. Leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it with cool water. Repeat this process once a week for desired results.
4. Honey & Cinnamon
This mask is an effective remedy to get rid of hard whiteheads on the face. Honey is rich in antioxidants that help smooth out bumpy skin texture and moisturise it. But why honey and cinnamon mask for whiteheads? It exfoliates and scrapes off dead skin cells, stimulates collagen synthesis, thus giving you clear-looking skin.
- How to Apply: Mix honey and cinnamon powder in the ratio of 2:1 to form a smooth paste. Apply it as a face mask. Let it sit for 15 minutes until dry. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat the process 1-2 times a week for best results.
5. Turmeric, Honey, and Lemon
Turmeric is renowned for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Lemon has mild astringent properties to counteract excess sebum production in the skin. Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturising effect on your face. The power of these three ingredients in one concoction helps remove dead skin cells, minimise large pores, and control excess oil production to remove whiteheads.
- How to Apply: Take 1 tbsp of honey in a small bowl. Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric powder. Mix it well to form a face mask. Apply it evenly to your face. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
How to Prevent Whiteheads?
If you’re the one who believes in the saying “prevention is better than cure,” we have a handful of prevention tips for whiteheads:
- Exfoliate your face once every week with an organic facial scrub based on your skin type. Alternatively, you can opt for remedies to exfoliate at home.
- You can do a facial steam once a week to clear pores and remove whiteheads from your face.
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods rich in sugar & carbohydrates such as dairy products, fast foods, and more.
- If possible, cover your face when you step out to minimise the onset of bacteria on your skin resulting in clogged pores.
- Use clean pillowcases and bed sheets to ensure that your pores don’t get clogged by the dirt on it.
- You can always book a clean up appointment once in 15 days to prevent whiteheads which lead to blackheads and acne.
- Always choose a non-greasy lightweight sunscreen that doesn’t clog your pores nor leave a white cast.
- Follow a CTM routine – Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise. Ensure you cleanse your face twice in a day.
FAQs
What foods cause whiteheads?
Dairy products, chocolate, and fast food rich in sugar and carbohydrates including specific food allergies cause whiteheads.
Should you squeeze whiteheads?
No, whiteheads occur a little deep in the pores and it is always recommended to visit a dermatologist or beauticians to remove whiteheads.
Do whiteheads go away without popping?
Yes, you need to religiously follow a CTM routine and naturally exfoliate once a week to get rid of whiteheads.
Do whiteheads go away on their own?
Whiteheads respond slowly but they eventually go away on their own. The best way to get rid of whiteheads is to try home remedies.
How long do whiteheads last?
Whiteheads last for 7 days maximum.
What do whiteheads look like?
Whiteheads appear like closed pores filled with white debris and are not inflamed.
What is inside a whitehead?
Whiteheads are formed by hair follicles clogged due to dirt, oil and bacteria.
Conclusion
Next time you wonder — how to get rid of whiteheads at home?
Try these home remedies and never see yourself with whiteheads on nose. Alternatively, you can checkout products to remove whiteheads at Organic Harvest.