Whiteheads, also called closed comedones, are the result of completely blocked skin pores. They occur below the surface of your skin when oil, dead skin cells and bacteria clog pores, and appear as small white bumps. Although a whitehead can heal on its own, it can just as easily become inflamed and lead to the papules and pustules common in mild to moderate acne. Removing whiteheads from your skin can lead to scarring if not performed correctly.
Cleansing Routine
Step 1
Wash affected areas, usually your face, neck and shoulders, a minimum of two times per day. Open your skin pores before cleansing by splashing your face with warm water or letting the steam from shower water open them. Choose oil-free products, such as cleansers and toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, often referred to as AHAs. Salicylic acid works to slow the shedding of skin cells that can clog pores and AHAs help break down the oils and cells clogging pores.
Step 2
Deep clean your skin by applying an exfoliating facial mask two or three times per week. Facial masks work to draw impurities such as oils, dirt and dead skin cells from beneath the surface of your skin and encourage new cell growth.
Step 3
Apply topical ointments that contain benzoyl peroxide. According to AcneTalks.com, benzoyl peroxide performs two important functions. First, it has antibacterial properties that work to kill bacteria in whiteheads. Second, benzoyl peroxide helps prevent the development of whiteheads by reducing chemical reactions within pores that promote their development.
Home Remedies
Step 1
Pour a small amount of rosewater into the palm of your hand and then sprinkle in enough sandalwood powder to form a paste. Massage the paste into affected areas and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2
Wet a bar of baby soap and create some lather in your hand. Pour a small amount of salt into the lather. Use a moistened, soft toothbrush or your finger and massage the paste gently into areas affected by whiteheads. Rinse well with lukewarm water after a few minutes of massaging.
Step 3
Make an apple-honey exfoliating facial mask by pureeing a small apple and adding 3 tbsp. of honey to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to your whole face or to affected areas only. Leave the mask on for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Tips and Warnings
- Beauty-Advices.com suggests that if you have only a few whiteheads, you can wait and see if they go away by themselves before taking measures other than routine washing. If whiteheads fail to respond to home treatment, see a cosmetologist or dermatologist to have them professionally removed.
- Never squeeze a whitehead. Whiteheads occur below the surface of your skin. Breaking the skin pore open can cause inflammation, infection and scarring.
Things You'll Need
- Facial cleanser, toner
- Topical ointment
- Rosewater
- Sandalwood powder
- Baby soap
- Salt
- Toothbrush
- Apple
- Honey
