Whiteheads occur when the oil, or sebum, from the sebaceous gland does not drain to the surface and causes blocked pores or follicles. When the blockage occurs, a bacterium grows and forms a microcomedone. This causes a blemish in the skin and eventually leads to a comedone, or a whitehead, according to the Acne.org website. Many natural remedies are available to help reduce or eliminate whiteheads on your skin, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Prior to using natural treatments, consult with your health care provider to discuss any potential risks.
Aloe
Step 1
Cut a spiral leaf off the aloe plant. When cutting, start with the outer leaf and cut down at the base of the plant. Aloe is available at a nursery and can grow either in a container or in the soil of your garden. The aloe vera gel that is used for medicinal benefits comes from the aloe arborescens or aloe barbadensis plant varieties. These plants differ in the thickness of the leaf; the aloe barbadensis is the thicker of the two plants and contains a yellow latex material. Aloe contains gel inside the leaves that acts as a mild anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent and is an ingredient in beauty and cosmetic products, according to the Clayton College of Natural Health.
Step 2
Cut a slit down the center of the leaf. Open by spreading the two cut areas apart, which exposes the clear gel in the aloe arborescens, or the yellow latex in the aloe barbadensis. Let the yellow latex drain out of the barbadensis leaf to expose the gel piece. Discard the yellow latex, as it may irritate your skin or cause inflammation.
In addition, you can access the gel of the aloe barbadensis by removing the thick, outer skin using a serrated knife to expose the piece of gel. Once you expose the gel, rinse the piece under cold water to remove any yellow latex residue.
Step 3
Dip your index finger into the clear, liquid gel of the aloe arborescens, or hold the gel piece of the aloe barbadensis in your fingers, and apply it directly to the whitehead. During application, make sure you avoid the eye area.
Step 4
Squeeze any gel left from the aloe arborescens leaf into an airtight container for later use.
Step 5
Wash your hands with mild soap and water, then dry with a towel.
Tea Tree Oil
Step 1
Cleanse the skin with mild soap and water and dry with a towel. This will help to remove any dirt or oil residue from the skin.
Step 2
Dip a cotton ball in the tea tree oil. Squeeze out any excess prior to application.
Step 3
Apply tea tree oil directly to the whitehead. Let the oil sit on the skin until it dries. Tea tree oil is a natural astringent and may help to reduce bacteria, which is a cause of whiteheads. In addition, it helps to reduce inflammation and is similar in its effectiveness as benzoyl peroxide, which is an ingredient in over-the-counter acne medications, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 4
Put on a moisturizer. Tea tree oil may increase dryness in the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- You can substitute witch hazel or lavender oil for the tea tree oil. Each of these has natural astringent properties that help to reduce inflammation and bacteria. Apply a small amount of these treatments to your skin to ensure no adverse effects, such as redness or inflammation.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor prior to using aloe. Aloe may stimulate uterine contractions and may cause adverse reactions to a baby who is breastfeeding, since aloe passes through breast milk. Avoid consuming essential oils.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe arborescens or aloe barbadensis
- Scissors
- Knife
- Mild soap
- Towel
- Container, airtight
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton ball
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