Whiteheads are a common occurrence on oily and combination skin. These small, raised, red bumps with white tops appear on the face particularly on the chin, nose, cheeks and forehead. They are sometimes painful and dull the complexion by leaving behind scars. Over the counter creams and ointments for treating whiteheads and acne contain a strong percentage of chemicals. Many of these are abrasive in nature. For skin that is highly prone to breakouts, these ointments can further aggravate the problem. Home remedies are the best way to treat whiteheads especially if they occur frequently.
With the right ingredients and methods, you can make homemade mixtures and preparations that will heal the breakouts and reduce the appearance of marks and scars on the skin. Before using any of the home remedies for whiteheads mentioned below, test on a small area of your face to see whether it agrees with you or not. This will help identify ingredients that irritate the skin or worsen the condition. Always be gentle with your skin, especially while applying any paste or solution. Do not rub any whiteheads vigorously and never poke, press or squeeze them.
Home Remedies For Whiteheads
Facial Steaming
This method is recommended particularly for those who suffer from recurring whiteheads. If you see a whitehead forming on your skin, pour hot water in a large bowl and hold your face over it. Cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping. After 10 minutes, gently wipe your face with a soft flannel. The steam will coax out the oil and dirt that is blocking the pores and causing the breakout. Facial steaming is a gentle way to get rid of annoying whiteheads on your face. Do this once a week to keep your skin clean and the pores free of dirt.
Baking Soda
A common baking ingredient, baking soda has mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that makes it ideal for treating whiteheads. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to form a thick paste. Apply this to the affected area. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse well. Use a freshly made paste of baking soda everyday to quickly dry out the whiteheads. This home remedy is not recommended for those who suffer from severe acne.
Yogurt and Honey Mask
Mix two tablespoons of yogurt with one teaspoon of honey until well blended. Smooth the mixture all over your face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Yogurt contains zinc which helps heal whiteheads and other skin blemishes. Honey has a wealth of properties and a wide range of usage. Its anti-bacterial properties are excellent for clearing away whiteheads and healing the skin. Use organic or homemade yogurt and raw honey for best results.
Toothpaste
Here is an old quick-fix remedy that you can use to treat whiteheads. Toothpaste has a strong drying effect on skin breakouts. It contains triclosan, an anti-bacterial agent that is commonly found in personal care products. The best type of toothpaste in this case is the plain white chalky kind. Take a tiny amount on the tip of your finger and dab on the whitehead. Allow it to dry completely before removing it. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The topical application of apple cider vinegar works wonders on whiteheads and blackheads. It has powerful astringent properties and is known to reduce inflammation. Add 2 drops of undiluted apple cider vinegar to a cotton swab and dab on the whiteheads. You will experience a tingling or slight burning sensation. This is the work of the active ingredients present in the vinegar.
If you are afraid to experiment with the undiluted solution, add a few drops of water per drop of ACV used. It should be used in small quantities as it is very strong. Do not apply to sensitive or broken skin.
Lemon & Honey Mix
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice with one teaspoon of honey. Using a small piece of cotton wool, dab a little of the mixture on the whiteheads. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and wash with cold water. Lemon cleanses the skin of impurities and is known to clarify the complexion. It works as a natural astringent and aids in drying whiteheads.
The citric acid present in lemons has antimicrobial properties that make it a useful ingredient in treating skin problems. Since it is acidic in nature, it can cause a little irritation. Honey is added along with lemon to reduce the stinging sensation. Make a fresh mixture of lemon and honey for each use.