Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Whiteheads, orheads, are mild acne like small, white particles on the skin.Like blackheads, whiteheads are caused by an accumulation of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in the pores. Whiteheads usually appear on oily areas of the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks. Whiteheads can be effectively treated at home if you know how to properly care for your skin, combine hygiene and use topical cream.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Effective treatments

1. 

   Wash your face twice daily. Whiteheads appear when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells become trapped in the pores. You can get rid of these substances from the surface of your skin by washing your face twice a day, using a mild, oil-free cleanser. Avoid scrubbing too hard or using harsh chemical skin care products as they dry out and irritate the skin.
   • While washing your face regularly sounds reasonable, the fact that washing your face more than twice each can dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil to compensate, leading to more whiteheads appearing.
   • Not all oils are harmful. Facial skin needs a certain amount of natural oils to stay healthy. Washing your face twice a day only helps to get rid of excess oil.

2. 

   
   
   Wash your hair regularly. Oily hair can contribute to the extra oil on the skin's surface, increasing the risk of clogging pores. Similar to washing your face, make sure you wash your hair regularly to prevent excess oil from accumulating on your face. Washing your hair every two to three days is fine, unless your hair is too greasy.
   • Remember that washing your hair too often causes your body to produce more oil to compensate. Therefore, daily washing is considered too much.
   • If your hair is long, tie a ponytail back if you haven't washed it in time, especially when you're going to bed. Wearing a headband is also a good idea when you exercise to reduce facial sweat.

3. 

   
   
   Use oil-free makeup and lotions. Makeup and oil-based skin care products are among the biggest culprits in clogging pores. Look for makeup, sunscreens, and face lotions on the label that say "pore-free," meaning that the product is oil-free and doesn't clog pores.
   • Also, be sure to wash makeup brushes and sponges regularly as these can be a haven for acne-causing bacteria, whiteheads, and blackheads.
   • Remember to always remove makeup with a mild but effective cleanser at the end of the day. Makeup remover keeps skin clear at night and reduces the risk of clogging pores.

4. 

   
   
   Use benzoyl peroxide cream. Benzoyl peroxide cream is an effective acne treatment that can be used to remove whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes. The cream works by killing bacteria on the skin's surface while removing oil and dead skin cells in the pores. Benzoyl peroxide cream is available in a variety of different forms, some of which are over-the-counter and some require a prescription from a doctor.
   • Benzoyl peroxide can be quite strong on the skin, causing it to burn, itch or become dry and scaly. Always start using creams of the lowest strength, especially for sensitive skin types and apply only on acne prone areas.
   • Try not to get the benzoyl peroxide cream on your clothes, fabrics, or hair because benzoyl peroxide has bleaching properties.

5. 

   Try salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps break down whiteheads and blackheads. This acid also helps slow the peeling of skin cells in hair follicles, thus preventing pores from clogging in the first place.
   • Salycilic acid is also available in the form of over-the-counter creams and ointments in varying strengths.
   • Treatment with salycylic acid can irritate the skin, so make sure to only apply it to the pimple and avoid the surrounding skin.

6. 

   Apply retinoid cream. Retinoid creams and gels are made from vitamin A derivatives and are considered a versatile solution to a wide range of skin problems, from wrinkles, blemishes, to surface scarring and discoloration, and even Lice are acne-related problems. Retinoid creams can help clear whiteheads by reducing pore clogging and stimulating skin cell renewal.
   • Retinoid creams can cause skin redness and irritation when first applied. These symptoms usually subside as the skin adapts to the cream.
   • Retinoids can be used orally and are very effective at reducing oil secretion and killing bacteria from the inside. However, oral retinoids are usually prescribed only for severe acne.

7. 

   Ask a dermatologist to squeeze whiteheads. In some cases, you can see a dermatologist for help squeezing whiteheads. Your doctor will use an antiseptic device called a “head plunger” to suck the whiteheads and remove the sebum and dead skin cells that build up inside.
   • Do not do it yourself at home.

8. 

   Ask your dermatologist to use stronger treatments. If your whiteheads don't go away after 8 weeks, you should see a dermatologist. If you follow the skin care instructions properly and use one of the above mentioned creams or treatments, you should see a significant improvement in your skin after a few months. However, if your acne doesn't change or gets worse, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or prescribe a stronger topical cream or even oral antibiotics.
   • Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed only for moderate or severe acne. The oral dose usually lasts 4-6 weeks and is combined with topical medication.
   • Other treatments, including laser treatments, chemical peels, and oral contraceptives, are only recommended for whiteheads and severe acne. Not arbitrarily used at home.
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Part 2 of 3: Treatments That Can Be Effective

1. 

   Apply a little tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that has shown promise in several scientific studies and traditional treatments. Use essential oils with caution and test on one area of ​​your skin first, as they can cause irritation or allergic reaction. How to use essential oils: dilute the essential oil to 5% with carrier oil (any vegetable oil) and apply it directly to whiteheads using a cotton swab.
   • Don't let the word "oil" make you wary because tea tree oil does not clog pores like other oils.

2. 

   Change the pillowcase once a week. Oil, dirt, and bacteria from your face can build up on the pillowcase over time. So even when you go to bed with your face rinsed off, you can expose your face to unwanted oil and dirt. To avoid this, you should replace the pillowcase once a week.
   • This step may not be important in preventing acne from worsening as in most cases it is not the main cause of acne.

3. 

   Try honey. Honey has antibacterial properties, but most research has yet to focus on honey's ability to treat acne. You can try applying some honey directly to whiteheads or as a face mask.
   • Although it is unconfirmed, many people believe that using Manuka honey or pure honey is the most effective way.

4. 

   Change your diet. Contrary to popular belief, there is currently no evidence that greasy foods can cause acne. However, if there is a link between a particular food and acne, it's best to stop eating that food. On the other hand, keep in mind that there is no "acne prevention diet" that applies to all and that excessive dietary changes often do more harm than good.
   • There is a small, uncertain relationship between a vitamin A-rich diet and the ability to reduce acne. However, taking high doses of vitamin A can be dangerous, so don't take supplements yourself without consulting your doctor.

5. 

   Add enough water. Dehydrated skin can produce excess oil to compensate for the loss of moisture and worsen acne. If your skin feels dry or your lips are chapped, drink more water to compensate. However, if you have enough water, drinking more is not very effective.
   • Don't take the advice of "drink 8 glasses of water a day". You just drink when you feel thirsty.
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Part 3 of 3: Decoding rumors

1. 

   Do not squeeze whiteheads by yourself. You should not pick or squeeze whiteheads with your fingernails, as this will only irritate or infect the acne, leading to blisters and scarring. Even using a beauty store's "head shaping tool" can cause scarring if you are inexperienced.

2. 

   Use only a hot compress as a last resort. Many people try sunbathing on the hot steam or applying a hot compress to loosen pores so accumulated dirt can escape. This is only useful in mild cases. On the other hand, heat can irritate sensitive skin cases, making acne worse. Bathing and washing your face with mild, warm water is usually more effective.

3. 

   Avoid using lemon juice, vinegar or other acidic ingredients in the kitchen. Acidic foods should not be used on the skin as they can cause irritation, peeling or even serious damage if left on for a long time. Lemon juice and other citrus fruits are even more dangerous because they react with sunlight, leading to a severe rash. advertisement

Advice

• Wash your face twice daily with a mild, oil-free, paraben-free cleanser.
• Understand that most home remedies are not recognized by a dermatologist and may not yield significant results.
• Jojoba oil is an excellent natural ingredient to help reduce pore clogging and sebum reduction.
• Squeezing pimples but not taking the whiteheads out will leave a hard film (scab) on the skin.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands as oil from your hands can clog your pores and cause problems.
• Stress can contribute to acne. If necessary, practice stress management.
• You can try using toothpaste, but not near your eyes, to avoid burning.

Warning

• If your skin is dark, you should not use lemon juice because the strong acid in the juice acts as a bleach, which can affect skin pigmentation.
• Absolutely do not take acne medicine without the consent of a dermatologist.
• Use only 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, unless your doctor recommends a stronger one to avoid peeling and irritating your face.