Whiteheads are a mild form of acne and appear as small white bumps; they usually develop on areas of oily skin in the area of the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks. This type of blemish can be quite annoying and difficult to get rid of; Fortunately, you can easily manage it at home by sticking to a skincare routine and using commercial acne treatment products.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Set up a Skin Care Routine
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser
Whiteheads form when an excessive amount of sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells get trapped in the pores; you can therefore eliminate this material by regularly washing your face every morning and evening with a delicate product free of oily substances.
- Do not scrub too vigorously and do not use harsh alcohol-based products as this may dry out the skin and irritate it even more.
- Also, don't wash it more than twice a day, otherwise it triggers more sebum production to make up for what you lose, thereby increasing the development of whiteheads.
Step 2. Use cosmetics and moisturizers that do not contain oil, so as not to clog pores
Make-up and other oil-based skincare cosmetics are a major contributor to clogged pores. Choose make-up, sunscreen, and moisturizer that says "non-comedogenic" on the package, meaning they don't contain oils and don't clog pores.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid alcohol-based products as well
Step 3. Remove your make-up every night with a mild cleanser
Even oil-free products can clog pores if you don't clean your skin properly. If you tend to use cosmetics on your face, you must remove them at the end of each day with a product free of oils and alcohol; micellar water is also effective for this purpose.
Wash your make-up brushes and sponges every month using a mild baby shampoo; these tools can become contaminated with the bacteria responsible for whiteheads, blackheads and pimples
Step 4. Wash your hair every two to three days to avoid excess sebum
Oily hair can lead to the development of a greasy sheen on the face, increasing the chances of clogged pores and whiteheads. For most people, washing them this often is enough; however, if yours are particularly fat, do it every other day.
- However, be careful, as if you over-wash your hair you could deprive your hair of its natural moisture and stimulate the body to develop more sebum to compensate for the loss.
- If you have long hair, tie it into a ponytail when it's dirty, especially at night while you sleep. Also, it's a good idea to wear an elastic band when exercising.
Step 5. Change the pillow case two or three times a week
Over time, the sebum, dirt and bacteria on the face can accumulate on the pillowcase; even if you wash your face before bed, you can always expose yourself to such residues during the night. For this reason, it is important to replace the pillowcase with a clean one several times a week.
- If you have sensitive skin, remember to use natural detergents, free of perfumes and additives;
- Also, it can be helpful to change the sheets every week.
Method 2 of 3: Acne Care Products
Step 1. Use benzoyl peroxide products
This substance represents an effective treatment for whiteheads, blackheads and cystic acne; it works by killing the bacteria present on the epidermis and removing the accumulation of sebum and dead cells from the pores. You can find it in every pharmacy and parapharmacy on free sale, although the more concentrated formulations require a prescription.
- Benzoyl peroxide is quite aggressive on the skin; always start with the least concentrated product on the market, especially if you have sensitive skin, and apply it only on the areas of the face affected by acne.
- Be careful not to get your clothing, bedding or hair dirty with this substance, as it has a whitening effect.
Step 2. Try salicylic acid based skin care products
This compound is known for its ability to break down black and white points; it helps to slow down the fall of cells in the hair follicles, thus avoiding clogging of the pores. You can give it a try by purchasing face cleansers and creams that contain this substance.
- Salicylic acid is available in different formulations without the need for a doctor's prescription;
- It represents a treatment that can irritate the skin; apply it directly to the pimples, avoiding that it comes into contact with the surrounding skin.
Step 3. Apply a retinoid cream if you want a slightly stronger product
This type of creams and gels contain vitamin A derivatives that help treat different types of skin problems, including acne disorders. It acts on whiteheads, freeing the pores and promoting cell turnover. You can buy a low-dose cream in drugstores, but those with a higher concentration require a prescription.
- Keep in mind that these products can redden and irritate the skin during the first uses;
- Retinoids can also be taken in oral form. In this case, these are drugs that should be prescribed and used only in the presence of particularly severe acne.
Step 4. Use only one acne treatment product at a time
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids can be harsh on the skin if you use them at the same time. You should never apply more than one of these substances in the same period, otherwise you could cause severe skin irritation and will not solve the problem of white spots.
Step 5. See a dermatologist if you need more treatment
If the white spots do not go away after two months of treatment with commercial products, make an appointment with your skin specialist, who can recommend alternative options, prescribe stronger topical creams or even oral antibiotics.
- Antibiotics are typically recommended in moderate or severe cases of acne. Therapy usually lasts 4-6 weeks and is often combined with topical treatments.
- Other solutions include laser treatment, chemical peels and oral contraceptives, which should only be used when whiteheads develop in association with severe acne.
Method 3 of 3: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Dab the affected skin with some tea tree oil
This is a natural essential oil that can be effective in getting rid of whiteheads and acne. To use it, dilute it with a carrier oil (any vegetable oil is fine) up to a concentration of 5% and apply it directly to the white spots with a cotton swab.
- Use this product with great caution and always do a skin test, as an irritation or some allergic reaction may develop.
- Don't be fooled by the fact that it is an "oil"; tea tree does not clog pores like others do.
Step 2. Try honey
It is known to have antimicrobial properties and can be an effective cure for whiteheads and acne. Dab a small amount directly on the skin to be treated or you can cover the whole face by preparing a facial mask.
Many people believe that Manuka or raw is the most effective remedy, although this is not always a certainty
Step 3. Apply heat only as a last resort
Many people want to remedy the problem by having their face exposed to steam or by applying a warm compress to open the pores and thus expel the dirt that is trapped. However, it is a useful remedy in less severe cases, as the heat can irritate sensitive skin, making acne worse. A lukewarm shower or facial wash is usually more effective.
Step 4. Avoid lemon juice, vinegar and other acidic products found in the kitchen
It is not intended that acidic foods should be used for skin care; they could sting, scale or even cause serious damage if left on for too long. Lemon juice and other citrus-derived substances are even more harmful, as they can cause a reaction when the skin is exposed to sunlight, causing severe breakouts.
Step 5. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
When dehydrated it can produce more sebum to compensate for the loss of moisture, thus leading to worsening of acne. If your lips feel dry or chapped, you may be dehydrated. For a start, drinking water can be a great solution, but there are other fluids that perform the same function of ensuring the right daily intake of fluids, such as milk, tea, juices and soups. Usually, these general guidelines should be followed:
- Men should drink about 3.5-4 liters of fluid each day;
- Women at least 2, 5-3 liters.
Step 6. Change your diet if you find that certain foods trigger acne breakouts
Contrary to popular belief, there is no firm evidence that fatty foods cause acne in most people; however, if you notice a certain link between certain foods and a skin disorder, it doesn't hurt to avoid them. Just remember that there is no one-size-fits-all "acne diet" and a drastic change in diet could possibly do more harm than good.
- For example, some people experience acne breakouts when they eat dairy products.
- There is a slight and cautious correlation between the daily intake of vitamin A and a reduction in acne; However, keep in mind that in high dosages this vitamin can be dangerous, so do not take it through supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Advice
- Wash your face twice a day with an oil-free and paraben-free product.
- Most home remedies are not approved by dermatologists and do not always lead to significant results.
