4 Home Remedies to Remove Whiteheads
Written by Jessica Lal on May 24, 2023
Whiteheads are a type of mild, noninflammatory acne that develops when sebum, dead cells, and dirt build up inside a skin pore or hair follicle and remain trapped there due to a closed opening.
The collection of oil and dead cells inside the closed pore can then attract bacteria that feed on them and multiply, causing an infection.
To keep that from happening, it is best not to undermine the problem of clogged pores and address it through proper skin care measures. If the condition persists, consult your dermatologist about more advanced treatments.
Home Remedies to Help Reduce Whiteheads
Whiteheads are a common skin complaint but nothing that can’t be fixed through proper skin care using the right products and the following home remedies.
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a commonly used ingredient in skin products that are specifically formulated for acne, from cleansers and toners to gels.
How to use:
- Mix 2–3 drops of tea tree oil in 2 tbsp of coconut oil.
- Apply this oil blend to the affected areas with a Q-tip.
- Leave it on overnight and wash your face the next morning.
Note: Tea tree oil, like any other essential oil, is very strong and can irritate or damage your skin when used in its original potency. It is essential that you dilute it with a carrier oil before topical use.
2. Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that removes excess sebum from your skin and tightens your pores to minimize buildup inside. Both these effects are useful in reducing whitehead formation, especially in people with naturally greasy skin. Use witch hazel like a regular toner.
How to use:
- Cleanse your face and let it dry.
- Pour a few drops of witch hazel on a cotton pad and gently sweep it all over your skin.
- Apply a good moisturizer, and do the rest of your skin care routine.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is deeply hydrating for the skin. This property is highly beneficial for whitehead control as dryness causes overproduction of sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture. The excess sebum ends up congesting your pores, leading to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
Plus, aloe gel is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that help detox, repair, and soothe your skin.
How to use:
- Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract its gel.
- Apply the aloe vera gel to the affected area or your entire face.
- Let it absorb into your skin for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.
- Do this remedy once a day until the whitehead disappears.
4. Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient in facial masks due to its skin-purifying properties. It draws out the sebum, dead cells, dirt, and other impurities settled deep inside your pores and binds them to its surface for easy removal.
It is also credited with antibacterial activity that can eliminate acne-causing bacteria to prevent breakouts.
How to use:
- Put some activated charcoal, aloe vera gel, and 1 drop of tea tree oil in a small bowl, and mix them well to form a smooth paste.
- Gently massage this mixture all over your face in circular motions for 1 minute.
- Leave the mask on for 10–15 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
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