White comedones are mild pimples in the form of white spots. White comedones usually appear on oily areas of the face, such as the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks. This type of acne is very annoying and difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, you can treat whiteheads on your own by following a skin care routine and using over-the-counter acne treatment products.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Regular Skin Care
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser
Whiteheads develop when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells get trapped in the pores. Remove the build-up of these substances by washing your face in the morning and evening with a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser.
- Don't scrub too hard or use products that contain alcohol, which can dry out and irritate the skin.
- Washing your face more than twice a day can dry out your skin and produce more oil to replace it, and that can lead to blackheads.
Step 2. Use oil-free cosmetics and moisturizers to prevent clogged pores
Oily cosmetics and grooming products are a major cause of clogged pores. Look for cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizers that say they are non-comedogenic. This means that the product is non-greasy and will not clog pores.
Avoid products that contain alcohol if your skin is dry or sensitive
Step 3. Remove makeup every night with a soft eraser
Oil-free cosmetics can still clog pores if they are not removed thoroughly. If you're used to applying makeup, remove it at the end of the day with an oil-free, alcohol-free makeup remover. One option is micellar water.
Wash makeup brushes and sponges with baby shampoo. Brushes and sponges can harbor bacteria that cause whiteheads, blackheads, and acne
Step 4. Wash hair every 2 to 3 days to prevent oil build-up
Oily hair can cause oil to build up on the skin's surface and increase the chances of clogged pores and whiteheads. Shampooing every two to three days is sufficient for most people. If your hair is very oily, try to wash it every other day.
- Washing too often can erode natural moisture and make the body produce more oil to compensate.
- If you have long hair, tie it into a ponytail if it gets dirty, especially at night. For exercise, you can use a headband.
Step 5. Change pillowcases 2 to 3 times a week
Oil, dirt, and bacteria from your face will accumulate on the pillowcase over time. Even if you sleep with a clean face, oil and dirt from the pillowcase will still stick to it. Change pillowcases with clean ones several times a week.
- Use a natural or fragrance-free detergent if your skin is sensitive.
- It's also a good idea to change sheets every week.
Method 2 of 3: Using Acne Treatment Products
Step 1. Use a product that contains benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne treatment for whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne. The way it works is by killing bacteria on the surface of the skin and removing oil deposits and dead skin cells from the pores. You can get benzoyl peroxide acne medication over the counter, but higher concentrations require a prescription.
- Benzoyl peroxide is sometimes a bit harsh on the skin. Start with the lowest concentration, especially if you have sensitive skin, and apply it to blackheads only.
- Do not let benzoyl peroxide get on clothes, sheets, or hair as it has a bleaching effect.
Step 2. Try skin care products that contain salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is known to be able to remove whiteheads and blackheads. Salicylic acid also slows down the shedding of skin cells in hair follicles, which can prevent clogging of pores. Try a facial cleanser that contains this ingredient.
- Salicylic acid is available in various concentrations and can be purchased without a prescription.
- This material can irritate the skin. Apply it on the pimple and avoid the surrounding skin.
Step 3. Apply a retinoid cream for a stronger effect
Retinoid creams and gels are made from vitamin A derivatives and help treat a variety of skin problems, including acne. Retinoid creams treat whiteheads by clearing pores and promoting skin cell replacement. Low-dose creams are available over-the-counter, but higher doses require a prescription.
- Retinoid creams can cause redness and irritation on first use.
- Retinoids are also available in pill form. This medication is usually only prescribed for severe acne.
Step 4. Use only one product at a time
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids are hard enough when used alone. So, never use more than one product at a time as it can cause serious skin irritation and won't solve the whitehead problem.
Step 5. Ask for a stronger product from a dermatologist
If the whiteheads don't go away after 8 weeks with either product, make an appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist can suggest alternative options, or provide a prescription for stronger creams or oral antibiotics.
- Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed for moderate to severe acne. You should take it for 4 to 6 weeks and it is usually combined with a topical treatment.
- Other options such as lasers, chemical peels, and oral contraceptives are usually only recommended when whiteheads appear with severe acne. If you are taking oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor about their possible effects on fertility and the menstrual cycle.
Step 6. Go for a facial wash treatment
Visit a dermatologist, spa or esthetician for a professional facial wash. This treatment treats whiteheads in a clean and sterile environment. The most noticeable effect is in the nose area. Your skin will be smoother and cleaner.
If whiteheads are serious, you can do this treatment every month
Method 3 of 3: Try Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply a little tea tree oil on the blackhead area
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that is effective against whiteheads and acne. Dissolve 5% tea tree oil in a carrier oil (such as vegetable oil), then apply it to the whiteheads with a cotton swab.
- Use tea tree oil with caution and test on the skin first as there is a possibility of irritation or an allergic reaction.
- Don't be afraid of the term oil, tea tree oil won't clog pores like other oils.
Step 2. Try applying honey
Honey is known to have antimicrobial properties that are effective against whiteheads and acne. Apply a little honey on whiteheads or all over the face like a mask.
Many people find manuka honey or pure honey the most effective, but that's no guarantee
Step 3. Use heat only as a last resort
Many people steam their face or use a warm compress to open the pores and remove the clogged particles. However, heat can irritate sensitive skin, which in turn can make acne breakouts worse. A lukewarm bath and facial cleanser are usually more effective.
Step 4. Avoid lemon juice, vinegar, and other kitchen acids
Acidic foods are not made for the skin. Homemade types of acids can cause itching, peeling, or serious damage if left on for too long. Lemon juice and other citrus ingredients are very dangerous because they react with sunlight and cause severe rashes.
Step 5. Keep skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
Dehydrated skin will produce excess oil to overcome the lack of moisture, and eventually aggravate acne. If your skin feels dry or your lips are chapped, you may be dehydrated. The best option is water, but milk, tea, juice, and soup are also included in the fluid intake. In general, follow these guidelines:
- Men should drink 16 glasses (3.7 liters) daily.
- Women should drink 12 glasses (2.7 liters) daily.
Step 6. Change your diet if you notice that certain foods cause acne
Despite popular belief, there is no evidence that oily foods cause acne in most people, but there is a strong correlation between the two. If you're concerned about a possible link between certain foods and acne, there's nothing wrong with avoiding those foods.
- For example, there are some people who get acne when they eat dairy products.
- There is a slightly uncertain relationship between vitamin A and acne reduction. However, high doses of vitamin A are potentially dangerous. So, don't take supplements without consulting your doctor.
Tips
- Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle, oil-free, and paraben-free cleanser.
- Most home remedies are not approved by dermatologists and do not give significant results.
