11 At-Home Remedies That Can Easily Remove Deep Whiteheads
Wondering how to remove deep whiteheads permanently? Look no further, we've got you covered.
Although we should appreciate our skin’s texture (enlarged pores, hyperpigmention and all that), we cannot deny our turbulent relationship with whiteheads. Those pesky little buggers that sit right at the surface and are often the most challenging to get rid off, no matter how many times you try to pop ’em. Luckily, we can teach you how to remove deep whiteheads and get a flawless texture.
What Are Whiteheads?
Generally, when a combination of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil clog your pores, that is when whiteheads develop.
They are different from blackheads because they do not have a defined opening and remain at the surface of your skin with all that gunk inside. And unlike blackheads, trying to pop a whitehead can lead to infection and worse bleeding.
The good thing is that there are a variety of treatments for whiteheads. From home and natural remedies, to prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, you can try a bunch of things.
Scroll down to see the 11 ways that show you exactly how to remove deep whiteheads.
How To Remove Deep Whiteheads: 11 Easy Ways
1. Do nothing
One of the best ways is simply to be hands-off and do nothing. Touching your face may cause more irritation and permanent scarring. It can also result in nasty, clogged pores.
Instead, explore the not-touching option, as popping and picking at whiteheads will just end up harming the skin more. You can go to a dermatologist to get it either lasered or removed. But refrain from being the doctor yourself.
2. Home treatments
Home remedies are a convenient way to treat whiteheads. You can try creating a mixture of water and baking soda or sugar crystals and scrubbing your face gently with it. Or apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for 15 minutes each day. But be careful of the ingredients that do not suit your skin type.
Depending on the type of skin, realise that some items may still cause irritation. So be gentle, even if you end up using these ingredients.
3. Natural treatments- Vitamin A cream
With increasing popularity as alternative skin treatments, natural remedies should still be used with caution due to the lack of proper testing standards involved. Great for skin health, one such natural treatment involves the Vitamin A nutrient that possesses powerful antioxidant properties that reduce redness and inflammation.
It is found in certain creams sold over the counter and in natural health stores. It is also advisable to always wear a daily sunblock over, as products containing Vitamin A may increase redness in skin and sun sensitivity.
4. Natural treatments- Tea tree oil
Commonly found in some skin care items like cleansers and masks, tea tree oil is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient with antimicrobial benefits that could potentially help remove whiteheads.
Image courtesy: Stock image
5. Natural treatments- Aloe vera
Similar to tea tree oil, plant-based ingredient aloe vera is found as an extract or in OTC skin care items. It is most effective when used along with other acne products, the debate on its efficacy alone is still inconclusive.
6. Natural treatments- Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a compound that is packed with medicinal properties. It can remove whiteheads and be easily applied with a wet cotton ball, while using it twice daily.
7. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies- Benzoyl peroxide
OTC treatments may be better suited for whitehead removal if alternative natural and home remedies fail to do so. But you should not use all ingredients at once, as doing so can dry out the skin. As treatments need months to work, you need to be patient with their use.
One such OTC remedy is benzoyl peroxide, which doubles up as a spot and full face treatment, while eliminating excess oil and bacteria. Most effective with at least 2 percent benzoyl peroxide, the product can also decrease inflammation in surrounding areas which makes it effective for those with multiple whiteheads in one spot.
Image courtesy: Stock image
8. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies- Salicylic acid
Best used as a form of preventive measure against whiteheads, salicylic acid can reduce oil production in pores, much like benzoyl peroxide.
In addition, it eliminates dead skin cells that clog up the pores by drying out the skin surface. Found in acne creams and gels, salicylic acid is also available in certain face moisturisers.
9. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies- Retinoid creams
Appropriate for application to the entire face, retinoids are stronger versions of Vitamin A. Additionally, the face cream contains anti-ageing benefits when used daily.
10. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies- Gentle exfoliants
With the ability to eliminate excess dead skin cells and smoothing the skin, exfoliants also tackle whiteheads. But to prevent from undesired skin dryness and irritation, it is critical to choose a gentle formula to assist in this process.
11. See your dermatologist
Desperate times call for desperate measures, so go see your dermatologist if all else fails. They can assist you with prescribing stronger whitehead removal medications such as topical treatments or oral tablets. It is advisable to wear sunscreen daily, as such medications can increase the skin’s sun sensitivity.
Also read: This Acid Is The Ultimate Magic Eraser For Your Blackheads