White bumps, acne, or chicken skin, whatever you call those pesky whiteheads, are extremely annoying and develop at the worst times. Everybody wants to get rid of whiteheads. Whitehead is the most basic acne that forms when dead skin cells and sebum (oil) get trapped within the pores of the skin. Unlike blackheads, these little white suckers are tricky to treat because they cannot be pushed out.
But, fret not; there are numerous home and natural remedies that will help you achieve that picture-perfect skin. Read on to learn about how to get rid of whiteheads.
How To Get Rid Of Whiteheads?
Let’s rewind a little; sebaceous glands are responsible for releasing natural oil/sebum that moisturizes the skin cells. Whiteheads usually develop when sebum, bacteria, grime in the hair follicles get clogged into the units of pilosebaceous.
Bacteria normally breed on the oiliest areas of the skin and result in inflammation. Hair follicles that are hemmed under the surface of the skin appear as raised white bumps.
Following are the best preventive and removal measures that you need to explore to get rid of those pesky bumps. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen with an SPF of a minimum of 15 when opting for home remedies as they make the skin sensitive to UV rays.
1- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic in nature and works wonders for the skin. It helps in drying out the excess sebum oil and has antibacterial properties that heal inflammation.
You can use it in both forms, diluted or undiluted, with an equal quantity of water. Either way, you can directly apply it to the affected area of the skin via cotton pads or dabbing clean fingers.
2- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil as a zit zapper is a great choice when it comes to getting rid of pesky white bumps because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can easily find a pure extract of tea tree oil in drug stores or even online. Also, certain skincare products, including toners, cleansers, face washes, contain extract of tea tree oil. Apply it directly to the skin condition using fingers or cotton pads.
3- Steaming
Steaming your face is a popular choice to loosen the clogged pores of the skin that helps in treating those stubborn white bumps.
You can boil the water, put it in a bowl and then hold the affected part of the body over the water bowl.
If you encounter whiteheads over your neck or face area, try making a tent of the steam by covering it using a towel.
4- Grandma’s Go-to Remedy-Honey
Honey is one of the well-known skincare ingredients that not only eliminate whiteheads but, because of its thickness and stickiness, it smoothens the pores and dribbles deep into the skin.
All you really have to do is warm up the honey in the microwave for 15 or 20 seconds and apply it directly to the whitehead-prone area of the skin and leave it for at least 15 minutes.
5- Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is well-known for treating white bumps and acne lesions. It is also an astringent that, when it penetrates the skin, starts to dissolve skin grime and decreases the production of sebum oil.
Also, it aids in pushing out the plague/dirt from the pores towards the top layer of the skin.
Many skincare products, both body as well as facial washes, have salicylic acids along with other anti-acne chemicals/compounds in them.
Since it can lead to dryness or irritation, so it’s better to start with using it one time a day and slowly increase to thrice if necessary.
6- Mild Retinoid Creams or Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps to improve problematic skin conditions such as whiteheads or acne. It also encourages the production of healthy skin cells and has powerful oxidant properties.
Facial creams and washes have Vitamin A in them. Vitamin A is also available in the form of pure oil, and you may pat it directly onto the skin.
Certain retinoid creams that are sold over the counter or even available online, for instance, adapalene, contain stronger forms of Vitamin A.
These should be applied directly to the face every second night of the week before you jump on to using them daily.
Retinoids make the skin sensitive to UV rays, so you should use them before bedtime.
7- Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a renowned ingredient in both cosmetics and toiletries that heal skin conditions because of its astringent and pore shrinking properties.
Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and dries out excess sebum (oil).
It is convenient to use it in astringent form; you just have to wet the cotton pad or use your fingers. Toners, facial forms, and other skincare products contain witch hazel.
Astringents may cause dryness and irritation, so it is best to use them once a day.
8- Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Exfoliants with AHA helps in shedding off the dead skin cells and minimize their chances of becoming trapped within the pores.
Products containing less than 10% AHA are safe to use twice or thrice a week. It’s not suitable for people with severe acne, oily prone skin, or sunburn.
How to Prevent Whiteheads?
Taking care of the skin helps in preventing whiteheads; try the following tips:
- Hands-off approach (don’t touch the affected area).
- Wash off all the makeup before bedtime.
- Don’t use hair products on the skin.
- Regular showers.
- Try to wash your skin properly when in humid areas.
- Switch to non-comedogenic products.
- Try to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or sports equipment.
- Do not go hard on your skin (aggressive scrubbing or cleansing).
- Don’t try to push out the dirt on the surface.
Takeaway
To sum it all up, whiteheads are an inevitable part of our lives. However, it’s treatable with a skincare regimen. AHA’s and salicylic acid are the biggest enemies of these pesky white suckers. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can get rid of whiteheads and let your skin glow.
Disclaimer:
Any information provided on this article or our website is for entertainment purposes only and researched from the internet. Please consult your local professional or physician before using any information provided.
