Whiteheads aren’t pretty, and most people make sure to “pop”
them before showing their faces in public. Although they are very similar to
blackheads, there’s something about whiteheads that make us all avoid them
however possible.
Luckily, there are natural ways to prevent whiteheads or
treat them if they’re already occurring. Age-old remedies for acne do work,
like cleansing your skin and improving your diet.
There also are natural topical treatments that can help you
avoid popping those whiteheads altogether.
What Are Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are comedones that are closed and occur when oil
develops beneath the hair follicle opening. They have a white or yellowish head
because air doesn’t enter the closed comedo (or single lesion), so the oil and
bacteria buildup remains a whiteish color.
An open comedo, on the other hand, is a blackhead because
the skin pigment melanin reacts with oxygen in the air and turns it black or
dark brown.
If oil builds up in a whitehead, it’s likely to cause an
increase of bacteria, which can lead to inflamed lesions or pimples. Acne
that’s inflamed and filled with yellow pus are called “pustules.”
Whiteheads can appear on your face, especially your T-zone,
as well as your chest, back and shoulders. Any age group can experience
whiteheads, especially during certain life phases that alter oil production.
Related: How to Get Rid of Nodular Acne
Causes
What causes whiteheads? The main cause of whiteheads is the
buildup of keratin (a protein found in skin), oil and bacteria because of a
blocked or clogged pore.
This blockage usually occurs due to an increase of oil
production or because dirt, grime and bacteria sit on the face and clog pores.
When sebum, your body’s natural oils, mix with dirt and
debris — which can be from makeup, the environment, sunscreen or any other
substance that comes into contact with your skin — it can form a plug that
clogs the pores and causes a blemish.
Increased oil production is common during puberty,
menstruation and pregnancy, which explains acne flare-ups during these times.
Other factors that can cause whiteheads include:
• environmental/air
pollution
• poor diet
• friction
and irritation to skin
• skin care
products
• poor
hygiene/face washing
• smoking
• chronic
stress
How to Get Rid of Whiteheads Naturally
1. Wash Your Face Twice Daily
To avoid clogged pores, cleansing your body and face with a
gentle cleanser is essential. Avoid harsh skin care products that contain
chemicals, as these can trigger breakouts and skin irritation.
Cleansers containing natural, soothing ingredients, like
jojoba oil, olive oil, tea tree essential oil and honey, remove buildup from
makeup and pollutants. You should wash your skin morning and night.
You can also try double cleansing, which involves washing
your face with an oil (like jojoba) first and then following up with a gentle
cleanser.
2. Exfoliate One to Two Times Per Week
Using a gentle exfoliator one to two times per week reduces
dead skin cells and allows for new cells to emerge. Not only does this promote
the overall health of your skin, but it helps clear your pores and prevent
whiteheads from emerging.
Make sure not to use a harsh exfoliator or scrub roughly
because it may cause skin irritation and make whiteheads worse. The point is to
gently scrub away dead skin cells and buildup on the skin.
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