Do you desire clear and radiant skin? But the stubborn blackheads and whiteheads are coming in the way, right?
Well, these are nothing but the clogged dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria inside your skin pores. Thankfully, you can tackle these white and blackheads by following a few simple methods.
Read on to learn some effective treatments and home remedies to cure this skin condition. Let's start, shall we?
Highlights:
What Causes Blackhead & Whiteheads?
Your skin contains a natural oil called sebum, which keeps it moisturized and protects it from pollutants. But sometimes, a dead cell layer blocks your skin pores, clogging the sebum inside. When sebum fails to find a way out, your skin develops blackheads or whiteheads.
In the case of blackheads, as the name suggests, the surface of your skin pores look black and large. Whiteheads are very similar to blackheads. Typically, whiteheads are white or yellow and look like small bumps. Both blackheads and whiteheads usually appear on the T zone (face, forehead, nose and chin) of your face.
Few factors that lead to blackheads and whiteheads include:
- Excessive production of sebum.
- Clogging in hair follicle due to dead skin cells.
- Hormonal changes can influence the sebum production during puberty, menstruation and pregnancy.
- Taking birth control pills can also affect your sebum oil production, which can trigger blackheads or whiteheads.
- Certain medication drugs such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens stimulate the sebum oil production, which leads to blackheads and whiteheads.
- Humid weather.
- Having an unhealthy diet such as eating oily food.
Treatment For Blackheads & Whiteheads
1. Skin Brush
Use a skin brush to exfoliate your skin and remove the dead skin cells. If you shed your dead skin cells regularly, your skin will be at a lower risk of getting black or whiteheads.
Doctors suggest to use the brushes once a week with a mild cleansing face wash. You can get a variety of skin brushes over the counter according to your needs and budget.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide [1] works well for spot treatment as well as a full facial treatment. It reduces excess sebum and kills the bacteria inside your skin pores. Also, benzoyl peroxide lessens the inflammation caused by whiteheads. Find a product with at least 2% of benzoyl peroxide in it.
3. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid [2] also helps reduce sebum production, which dries out your skin and removes the dead skin cells. It is considered to be the most effective treatment for whiteheads.
Look for a product enriched with salicylic acid and apply it daily 1 to 3 times. Mostly, you will find this ingredient in acne toners, creams and gels. A few moisturizers also contain salicylic acid.
4. Retinoid Creams
Retinoids [3] are a great source of vitamin A. Along with treating blackheads and whiteheads, retinoids have anti-ageing properties. Retinoid cream can be used all over your face.
In case you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, you may want to try it for 2 to 3 days to check if it’s suiting your skin. Later on, you can increase the dosage.
Retinoids tend to make your skin sensitive to the sun. Therefore, always take the required precautions and apply sunscreen before going out during the day.
5. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the most convenient way to defeat blackheads and whiteheads. It will shed all your dead skin cells and make your skin smooth.
Choose a gentle scrub that suits your skin and exfoliate at least once a week. It will reduce the dryness of your skin and also give you a glowing appearance.
6. Charcoal mask
Charcoal masks dig deep into your skin and bring out all the excessive oil and dirt from your skin pores. It helps to unclog your pores and removes blackheads and whiteheads gently.
7. Clay Mask
Clay masks also draw the extra sebum from your skin pores. It helps you get rid of the toxins and clears your skin pores, treating the black or whiteheads issue.
Clay masks work best for oily skin people. Few clay mask products have sulfur in it, which is a rock-solid ingredient to fight against blackheads. Apply it once in a week.
8. Chemical Peel
Even though chemical peels are mainly used to slow down the skin ageing process, it is effective on blackheads as well. Many chemical peels have AHA and BHA [4] (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) which are great for skin exfoliation. Chemical peels can remove the dead skin cells from your skin and make your skin smoother.
Home Remedies For Blackheads & Whiteheads
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its natural anti-inflammatory benefits. It also offers antimicrobial qualities. Thus, tea tree oil makes a good cure for whiteheads. You can apply the oil directly on your face or you can use products that contain tea tree oil such as cleansers, spot treatment serum, masks etc.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a naturally soothing antibacterial ingredient. It can be a great partner for your skin as it can kill the acne-causing bacteria. It unclogs your pores and soothes your skin gently. Aloe vera rules out the chances of blackheads and whiteheads.
3. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a botanical ingredient found in the leaves and bark of a flowering plant Hamamelis virginiana. It is mostly used as an astringent, which is a liquid formula to reduce skin irritation. Witch hazel’s calming and anti-inflammatory property is used to control the development of blackheads and whiteheads.
4. Oatmeal Face Pack
Oatmeal is an excellent option if you are looking for a homemade exfoliant. It is natural and gentle on your skin. Make your oatmeal face pack by adding some milk or water in it. Apply it on your face and rub it for a few minutes. Let the face pack stay for 10 to 15 minutes and wash your face with clean water.
5. Steam
Hot steam on your face has been a popular beauty technique for years. Steaming your face will open up your pores and make it easier for you to get rid of your blackheads and whiteheads. It removes all the dirt, bacteria, oil and pollutants from your skin pores.
6. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a common home remedy for a lot of our problems. It’s shocking how much this product can offer! Apply toothpaste on your whitehead affected area for 30 minutes everyday. It will eventually reduce your whiteheads and provide you with cleaner skin.
Tips To Prevent Blackheads & Whiteheads
- Remove your makeup daily before you go to bed.
- Only use non-comedogenic products.
- Do not touch your face with dirty hands.
- Cover your face whenever you are going to a dusty place.
- Use face wash twice a day.
- Try to use lukewarm water to wash your face every time you use a face wash.
- Avoid harsh, chemical-based skincare products and makeup.
- Keep your face safe from hair care treatments.
- Clean your belongings that touch your face often, such as phone, pillow, sunglasses, earrings, etc.
- Keep your hair clean. Oil from your hair can make your facial skin oily and cause blackheads.
- Never share your makeup brushes with anyone.
- Clean all your make-up applicators with warm water.
Wrapping Up
If your skin does not show any improvement even after the treatment and remedies we have suggested, please seek help from a dermatologist. You may need a product that is tailored to your skin type and address your particular needs. SkinKraft is the first-ever skincare brand in India to provide a customized skin care regimen. Grab your chance to have personalized skincare products at your doorstep. Order now.
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