How to Get Rid of Whiteheads on the Face

Acne is a common skin problem, which of all us are aware of. It can be manifested as whiteheads (or milia), blackheads and the most striking red bumps. In short, whiteheads are types of acne, caused due to clogging of skin pores with sebum and dead skin cells. They have a tiny opening and the inner material remains unoxidized, thus, giving the white color. While they are not so prominent like the nasty, red outbreaks, they too are cosmetic problems for many people.

Tips to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Face

Not all of us are lucky to have blemish free skin. But, if the causes of facial spots are something to do with whiteheads, you can certainly follow home treatments for removing them. As they occur due to excess oil secretions, the prime focus is addressing oily skin. Whiteheads may appear in any part of the body, though nose, chin, cheeks, forehead and shoulder are the commonly affected areas. The following are some effectual ways concerning how to get rid of whiteheads on the face at home.

Face Washing
A few instances of whiteheads are caused due to poor hygiene and lack of skin care. But, gentle washing of face for two times daily is indicated for all people having these less prominent forms of acne. The objective is to remove excess oil as soon as it builds up, which otherwise trigger whiteheads. Always wash face with a mild soap, and at the same time, avoid using perfume laden soaps.

Steam the Face
As aforementioned, one of the triggering factors for whiteheads is plugging of the follicles and skin pores. Thus, letting them open is a prompt step for removing the deposited material from the pores. Taking steam is a simple tip to unclog them, before you try other methods for getting rid of whiteheads. Take a bowl of hot water and add a few drops of tea tree oil in it. Cover your head with a towel and steam face, 2-3 times in a week.

Use Baking Soda
Many people get prompt results in acne treatment by using baking soda. For the same, you will need 2 teaspoons of baking soda and ½ cup hot water. Prior to applying this mixture, consider taking steam for a few minutes to open up the skin pores. Apply warm baking soda mixture over the affected areas, and leave it like that for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer.

Exfoliate Skin
Skin exfoliation is effectual to remove clogged sebum and dead skins that fill up the follicles. So, consider exfoliating skin at regular intervals (3 times a week) with a facial scrub. Using a mild antibacterial cleanser for face helps in minimizing risks of skin infections and further worsening of whiteheads. However, do not scrub excessively, or the skin will become irritated and painful.

Using an Extractor
Another method for getting rid of whiteheads on the face fast is by using an extractor. To start with, steam therapy is taken for not more 5 minutes to warm facial skin and open the plugged follicles. Gently press the loop of extractor over the whitehead, and it will come out. No doubt, it actually works in getting rid of unwanted milia. But, the downside story is leaving behind red skin and scars, which are again skin problems.

Whitehead Removal Products
Another tip is to use skin care products, especially, formulated for whitehead removal. They contain tretinoin, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or some other chemicals. These active ingredients work by clearing the clogged skin pores. Follow the directions mentioned in the leaflet to get good results. Frequent use of these products is associated with side effects, especially, in sensitive skin.

The best approach for getting rid of whiteheads on face is treating the cause, not only the symptoms. Otherwise, the unsightly white spots will return within a matter of few weeks or months time. Pay attention to reducing your stress level, as it aggravates oil secretion and acne outbreaks. Also, plan your diet properly with limited serving of oily foods, follow correct skin care regimen, and surely you will flaunt blemish free skin very soon. If at all, home treatments are not giving satisfactory results, seek advice from a dermatologist.