Get Rid of Whiteheads Quickly On The Face, Nose And Chin
Acne is an everyday skin problem usually faced by teenagers, but it affects a sizable population of grown-ups as well. Face, neck, back and chest are the areas most affected by the whiteheads. Despite your desire for a smooth, radiant and flawless skin, the whiteheads mar the glow of your face, thus leaving you frustrated.
Dealing with whiteheads is aggravating, and can be one of the most exasperating experiences of your life.
This leads us to the evident question of how to get rid of whiteheads effectively and safely.
Though the question sounds daunting, the answer is not so difficult.
There are a number of tried and tested home remedies for whiteheads, readily available to restore you to your youthful appearance.
What are Whiteheads?
Causes
It is important to be aware of the skin problems you face, since it helps you in figuring out the appropriate solution. In the same vein, it is important for you to know the reasons and causes that trigger whiteheads. It will help you to decide on a regime to prevent the future occurrence of the problem, its control, and avoiding any complications thereof. Clogged pores are the basic culprit behind whiteheads, and there are various factors that can cause blockage of your pores.
The commonest and most dominant cause is hormonal changes that can often have a drastic effect on the skin, especially in the form of acne. With increasing age, your skin alters its behavior, and you may as a result face different levels of sebum, or oil, generation at various stages of your life.
Excessive oil generation is another issue that results in pore-clogging, and ultimately causes acne and whiteheads. In short, the major growth phases for acne are:
- Adolescence/puberty
- Menstruation
- Gestation/pregnancy
- Menopause
Let’s have a look at all of these life stages, and their effects on the skin individually.
- Puberty: For every teen it is frightening to witness the sudden appearance of a zit on your smooth and flawless skin. Whiteheads, pimples, blemishes and blackheads can shatter the confidence of any teen and damage their self-morale.
- Adolescence: During adolescence the body generates hormones called androgens that trigger acne. Boys grow faster than girls due to high level of testosterone, which is a kind of androgen. In girls the androgens merely functions to convert the female hormone estrogen. Besides hormones, the other factors contributing to the appearance of whiteheads during puberty include improper skin care, hygiene, allergies, and unbalanced diet.
- Menstruation: A woman’s menstrual occurrence is orderly, and usually happens regularly every month. Menstruation is an assurance that her body is functioning properly. However, the phenomenon does come with a few side-effects as well, including fatigue, distress, and acne. Always avoid scrubbing too much if your skin is suffering from acne. It is better to opt for washing, patting dry, and an application of good moisturizer afterwards. A simple routine of skin care, based on your skin type, can do wonders for you.
- Gestation/Pregnancy: Week 6 of gestation is a crucial time when acne tends to hit your skin. Hormonal overflow is the major cause of this breakout. Progesterone is the key factor that triggers the glands to react proactively towards clogged pores, excessive oil and sebum, ultimately causing acne and whiteheads. Use of a mild soap and skin-care products, along with gentle skin care, can cure the issue.
- Menopause: Menopause can create some new baffling issues for your skin, including melasma and acne; and if hormonal replacement therapy is used this can bring its own problems. The most effective way to retain your youthful glow is to maintain the collagens and elastic fibers. You can find various collagen-enriched products on shelves these days to help you combat and minimize the issue.
Prevention
Keep in mind that it is always wise to ask an expert for help when treating whiteheads, since the problem is quite different compared to managing simple pimples and acne. A forceful squeeze can leave a permanent red scar on your skin, which is the most unfortunate occurrence for any girl.
However, as we have been reiterating, an effective skin-care regime can help you prevent the causes that trigger whiteheads.
Want to know how? Have a look:
- Wash your face at least twice a day with prescribed skin-care products that fit your skin type. A salicylic acid-containing cleanser is a good choice as it acts as an anti-clogging agent.
- To have a healthy, radiant skin, exfoliation is a MUST. You can exfoliate your skin on a weekly basis. Invest in some quality exfoliating staples and use them with a circular motion on the problem areas of your skin. Be gentle!
- No matter what skin type you have, moisturizing and skin hydration are important. The natural way to achieve this is to drink lots of water, which will keep your skin supple and silk soft.
- Steaming is another helpful yet simple treatment, as it will deep-cleanse your skin and remove all the hidden debris below your skin’s surface. The process opens up the pores and makes the cleansing process easier and more effective.
- For more effective results, a comedone-removing implement is a good choice. The best part of this is that it is very handy, and inexpensive as well. You can even keep this in your handbag to rid your face of whiteheads or blackheads in your pores; however, the tool can only be used after applying steam.
- Do not waste a lot of energy if you have a limited number of whiteheads present on your skin, as usually these disappear on their own in a couple of days.
- Don’t squeeze your whiteheads. Consult a good dermatologist to be assured of safe treatment.
- Look for anti-bacterial skin-care beauty products.
- To close the pores, make sure that you apply a toner after cleansing your face.
- Always remove your makeup before going to sleep.
- Follow your skincare routine religiously.
- Incorporate the use of sunblocks to prevent sun damage from harsh sunrays.
- Always remember that through proper moisturizing and cleansing, you can have a whitehead-free skin.
- Get a facial at least once a month to keep your skin toned and maintained.
- A cleansing mask, applied once a week, can have a miraculous effect on your skin.
- Drink a lot of water to flush away all the toxins and get a pampered, well-hydrated skin.
Misconceptions
There are some misconceptions about whiteheads, acne and their associated treatments. Being aware of the dos and don’ts is crucial for getting rid of whiteheads.
- Exaggerated washing and rubbing does not prevent the occurrence of whiteheads. On the contrary, washing your face again and again can cause irritation and aggravate extant acne. The popular idea that dirt causes whiteheads is yet another false concept.
- Greasy and oily food does not trigger acne if taken in moderate quantities. A balanced diet remains the key to a healthy, fresh and dewy skin.
- Stress is not a cause of whiteheads, but it can have drastic effects on existing acne. Stress can also have a negative effect on your skin freshness, making you look dull and grey.
Major Sites of Occurrence
On The Nose
The most frequently affected areas for emergence of whiteheads include the nose and its surroundings. Whiteheads on the nose are caused by:
- Hormones: Hormonal changes caused by puberty, menstruation, menopause and pregnancy are the reasons behind pore clogging and whitehead occurrence.
- Specific medicines: Some medications also trigger hormonal imbalance, which in turn results in whitehead formation. One example of such drugs is birth-control pills.
- Anatomy: Some people are generally inclined to have acne and whitehead problems because of their genetic make-up.
- Cosmetics: The use of excessive cosmetics, particularly ones rich in petroleum ingredients, can also be a cause of increased acne and whiteheads.
Removal of Whiteheads Around the Nose
- Steaming: To open your pores, take steam. The simplest way is to cover your face with a clean towel and take steam from a pot of hot steaming water.
- Salicylic and benzoyl peroxide: To prevent the oil build-up, cleaning your face with salicylic acid is a good idea. You can find this product with a number of brand names, and can buy it from any drugstore near you. In addition, the benzoyl peroxide-based products also restrict the buildup of excessive oil.
On The Face
If your face appears rough and lacks its natural glow, it is time for you take matters into your own hands. Do you want to get rid of whiteheads on your face? Since the face is one of the most prone areas as far as the appearance of whiteheads is concerned, your beautiful looks can be in serious peril.
You can, however, get you back your natural, blemish-free, radiant skin with a proper skin-care routine.
- Washing your face regularly, but not excessively, can help you achieve a clean and dirt-free skin.
- Do not forget to remove your makeup properly before going to bed. Makeup contains chemicals that can ruin your skin if left on for extended periods of time. Invest in some good-quality cleansing milk; apply it gently with the help of a cotton bud after washing your face with some good-quality mild soap.
- Avoid touching your face again and again, as it is the major source of transferring germs from your hands to you face, and thus causing acne and whiteheads on face. Never wash your face with dirty hands, as it will shift germs from your hands to your face, which will ultimately result in generation of whiteheads.
- A good scrub can also contribute to reduction of acne and whiteheads. There are many options available on the market. Remember to select a product suitable for your own skin type.
On The Chin
A whitehead break-out on the chin is immediately noticeable. Let’s have a look at a few ways in which you can get rid of the prominently visible whiteheads on your chin. Avoid squeezing the whiteheads in general, and in your facial areas in particular.
However if you think there is no other way out, follow the right approach as follows.
- Compress the chin with the help of a soft, damp cloth.
- Wash your hands with some good-quality effective antibacterial soap or hand wash. With your finger covered with facial tissue, gently press the whitehead from the sides to burst it.
- Make sure to keep your fingers covered in order to protect your skin from any other damage.
- Last but not the least, apply any good anti-bacterial cream generously onto the affected area.
- As it is well known that “prevention is better than cure”, make sure to invest your energy and money in a good and healthy diet and quality products. Incorporate a lot of greens and fruits in your diet. Remember, drinking plenty of water solves half of your health issues naturally, and does not cost anything.
Removal
Medical Treatments
Whiteheads are regarded as being the mellower kind of acne, and are generally easy to tackle medically. With your dermatologist’s prescription you can effectively employ medications that can help you fight the problem.
Products and medicines containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide have proven to be a successful remedy for curing whiteheads effectively. As mentioned earlier, do not expect any overnight treatment for your whiteheads, as it generally takes around eight weeks to get a proper, visible effect of any medication.
You may be prescribed any of several topical or oral medications to get rid of whiteheads and typical acne problems. Retinoid is one of the options, which helps get rid of dead skin cells, and prevents clogging of pores. In addition, there are also various antibiotics that can cure the problem by assisting in the removal of skin bacteria and combating inflammation or redness.
Some of the other available treatments include:
- Isotretinoin: There are different schools of thought as far as the use of Accutane is concerned. For some it works wonders, but there are a select few who have complained about increased whitehead formation after its use. It is important to follow your doctor’s prescription strictly, and never experiment with your skin.
- Spironolactone: For a clearer, whitehead-free skin, Spironolactone is often recommended by doctors. With patience and consistency, the medication has shown to yield effective results in many patients.
- Chemical peels: Applying glycolic acid and chemical peels is another effective way to cure whiteheads and acne.
- Light therapy: This is a painless, wallet-friendly way to get rid of whiteheads, blemishes and acne. It is not exactly similar to laser, but shows effective results for killing of acne bacteria. However, it is important to invest some time in researching and weighing up the pros and cons related to the procedure.
- Whitehead extraction: Whitehead extraction is another effective way to get rid of whiteheads. The process can be performed immediately after applying steam. However, don’t try to do that at home – a good practitioner can help you do this safely and more effectively.
- Steroid injections: Those who want to get rid of their blemishes and whiteheads quickly can opt for cortisone injections. These injections contain Triamcinolone, which is an anti-inflammatory medicine. Usually no risk factors are associated with steroid injections; however, the high concentration may lead to atrophy. Their correct and accurate use can only be directed by an experienced dermatologist.
Home Remedies
Whiteheads are most common in those with an oily skin. Unhealthy eating habits, depression, smoking, and lack of skin maintenance are some of the other reasons behind whiteheads and acne.
The good news is that these symptoms and effects can be conveniently controlled by various home remedies.
The plus point of opting for home remedies for whitehead treatment is that these are free of side effects – and very inexpensive.
Tomatoes
Oatmeal
Milk
Toothpaste
Baking Soda
Lemon
Almonds and Rose-Water Scrub
Corn Starch and Vinegar Mask
Wet Towel Treatment
Gram Flour Mask
Rose Water
Yogurt
Sandalwood Mask
Egg and Honey Mask
Apple Cider Vinegar
Rice Scrub
Soap and Salt
Jojoba Oil and Green Gram Flour Mask
Tea Tree Oil
Herbal Remedies
There are various herbal remedies as well that can have terrific effects on overall skin glow, and help you get rid of whiteheads.
- Combining and applying coriander leaves with turmeric powder and a little water is a herbal way to get rid of both white- and blackheads.
- Aloe Vera gel keeps your skin silky soft and smooth. Incorporate it in your daily beauty regime.
- Sandalwood powder when mixed with rose water can do wonders for your skin.
- Scrub empty tea bags onto the whitehead-affected areas to prevent inflammation and cure redness and swelling.
How to Get Rid Of Whiteheads Overnight
As a matter of fact, it is not possible to get rid of whiteheads overnight. However by following this four-step skin-care regime, you will be able to see immediate results after application. Follow the process twice a week and you will be all set to have the perfect whitehead-free skin you’ve always wished for.
- Steaming: Take steam to open the pores. Open pores help in better absorption of any remedial products you may apply.
- Baking soda and water mixture: To make your home-made exfoliator, combine baking powder and water and apply onto your skin – it will help unclog your pores.
- Scrubbing: Use any of the above-mentioned scrubs. You may select from gram flour, oatmeal or almond to get a fairer, more radiant skin. Use circular movements, massage gently with your fingertips, and never rinse with hot water.
- Whitehead removal: Take the white of one egg and whisk it up till the bubbles form; apply it over the affected areas; and cover it up with thin strips of your facial tissues. Once dried, pull it off in the opposite direction to get rid of whiteheads instantly.
Conclusion
Possible Complications
Your method of tackling whiteheads will have a profound effect on your overall skin condition. Any pressurized scrubbing and pulling may result in permanent scars, and you might need to go for surgery to get rid of that. Try to stick to the natural and herbal remedies as much as you can. On the one hand, these are usually free of side effects; and on the other, they cost you little to nothing at all.
Consult Your Dermatologist
Make sure to consult your doctor on a regular basis. Nothing can beat an expert’s advice. Don’t experiment too much with your skin. Always opt for tested and tried formulas.
