Whiteheads prevention and removal

Whiteheads are a mild form of acne that appear as small, round, white bumps on the skin's surface. Whiteheads develop when dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and dirt clog your pores. As whiteheads are closed off from the outside air, they remain white If such whiteheads were to open sufficiently to allow the outside air in, they would turn into blackheads.

White heads is a very common skin condition particularly affecting teens. This appears mostly on the face, neck, chest and back. 

  

Causes for Whiteheads

• Excessive sweating.
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and mensuration
• Genetic predisposition.
• Inferior quality cosmetics.

Prevention of Whitehead

• Ensuring a strong immune system and a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in preventing it.
• Regular meals with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid sugar and processed foods.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to hydrate the skin and get rid of all toxins. 
• Increase your Vit D level and improve your skin appearance. Consider D3 supplements if you don't get enough sunlight.

Skincare

• Keeping your skin clear is most important. Wash face 2-3 times using gentle cleanser, lukewarm water. Pat dry, do not rub.
• Exfoliate affected area a few times a week. It helps by removing dead skin that can clog pores. Avoid harsh scrubs which can cause skin irritation and spread bacteria.
• Wash your hair regularly. Oil from hair can clog pores. Keeping hair away from face will also help.

If you wear make-up, there are a few other things you should keep in mind

• Remove your makeup every night.
• Look for makeup products labeled 'oil-free' and 'noncomedogenic'. These are less likely to clog your pores.
• Never share makeup or applicators.

Whiteheads removal

Unlike blackheads, which can be pushed out, whiteheads are closed within the pore. This can make treatment a bit more challenging. 

Ironically, the first step to whitehead treatment is to do nothing, yes absolutely nothing. Touching your face not only invites more pore-clogging dirt, oil, and bacteria, but it can also cause irritation and scarring. Your best bet is to explore other removal and preventive measures. 

Home remedy

After cleansing apply mild steam to the area which softens the skin and opens up the pores for further cleaning. Apply a gentle skin toner after steaming and cleaning to close the pores again or you can apply an ice block wrapped in a soft cotton cloth to the whiteheads. You can do this 2-3 times a week till the whiteheads are completely gone. 

Tip: A glass of water with a slice of lemon in it will be a natural detox as soon as you wake up in the morning.

Natural remedies

Tea tree oil is touted as natural inflammatory and anti-microbial. These benefits could help clear up white heads. You could use the oil as is look for tea-tree oil in skin care items like cleansers and masks.

DIY Face-mask for White-head removal

Ingredients: 

Aloe-vera (fresh) - 1tsp 

Tea-tree oil - 3-4 drops

Rose water - 2tsp

Mix it all in a bowl and make a runny paste. Apply this on face after cleansing and toning, night-time. Wash off after 15min. Do this for a week to see the difference.