Who doesn’t want clear, glowing, and healthy skin? But one of the hindrances of this clean and glowing skin is blackheads and whiteheads. They are nothing more than dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria that accumulate inside your skin pores. You can remove these blackheads and whiteheads by following a few simple methods. This post will discuss the causes, treatment, and home remedies for blackheads and whiteheads.
What causes blackheads and whiteheads?
Your skin contains a natural oil called sebum, which keeps the skin moisturized and protects it from pollutants. But sometimes, a layer of dead cells blocks your skin pores and traps sebum inside. When sebum fails to find a way to clear itself, blackheads or whiteheads form on your skin.
In case of blackheads, as the name suggests, the surface of your skin pores appear black and enlarged. Whiteheads are very similar to blackheads. Usually, whiteheads are white or yellow and look like small bumps. Both blackheads and whiteheads usually appear in the T-zone of your face (mouth, forehead, nose, and chin).
10 reasons that can cause blackheads and whiteheads are:
- Excessive production of sebum.
- Clogging hair follicles are caused by dead skin cells.
- Hormonal changes, such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can affect sebum production.
- Taking birth control pills can also affect your sebum oil production, which can cause blackheads or whiteheads.
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens, stimulate sebum, leading to blackheads and whiteheads.
- Humid weather.
- Eating unhealthy food such as oily food.
- Wake the night.
- Exposure to dust and sun.
- Frequent or excessive masturbation.
Treatment for blackheads and whiteheads:
Skin brush:
Use a skin brush to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. If you regularly slough off your dead skin cells, you will be less likely to develop blackheads or whiteheads. Doctors recommend using the brush once a week with a mild cleansing face wash. You can use different types of skin brushes over the counter as per your needs and budget.
Benzyl Peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide works well as a spot treatment as well as a full face treatment. It reduces excess sebum and kills bacteria inside your skin pores. Also, benzyl peroxide reduces inflammation caused by whiteheads. Look for a product with at least 2% benzyl peroxide.
Salicylic acid:
Salicylic acid also helps reduce sebum production, which dries out your skin and removes dead skin cells. It is considered as the most effective treatment for whiteheads. Look for a product rich in salicylic acid and apply it 1 to 3 times daily. Mostly, you will find this ingredient in acne toners, creams, and gels. Some moisturizers also contain salicylic acid.
Retinoid Cream:
Retinoids are a great source of vitamin A. Besides treating blackheads and whiteheads, retinoids have anti-aging properties. Retinoid creams can be used all over your face. If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, you can try it for 2 to 3 days to check if it suits your skin. Later, you can increase the dose.
Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, always take necessary precautions and apply sunscreen before going out during the day.
Exfoliation:
Exfoliation is the most
convenient way to beat blackheads and whiteheads. It will remove 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 give you a glowing look.
Charcoal Mask:
A charcoal mask is a popular and effective way and ingredient to remove blackheads and whiteheads these days. It digs deep into your skin and draws out all the excess oil and dirt from your skin pores. It helps unclog your pores and gently removes blackheads and whiteheads.
Clay mask:
Clay masks also draw excess sebum from your skin pores. It helps you get rid of toxins and clears your skin pores, treating blackheads or whiteheads.
Clay masks work best for people with oily skin. Some clay mask products contain sulfur, a rock-solid ingredient for fighting blackheads. Apply it once a week.
Chemical Peel:
Although chemical peels are mainly used to slow down the aging process of the skin, they are also effective for blackheads. Many chemical peels contain AHAs and BHAs (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) which are great for skin exfoliation. Chemical peels can remove dead skin cells from your skin and make your skin smoother.
Home Remedies for Blackheads and Whiteheads:
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is known for its natural anti-inflammatory benefits. It also provides antimicrobial properties. So, tea tree oil is a good cure for whiteheads. You can apply the oil directly to your face or you can use products that contain tea tree oil such as cleansers, spot treatment serums, masks, etc.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera is a natural and soothing antibacterial ingredient. It can be a great partner for your skin as it can kill acne-causing bacteria. It unclogs your pores and gently soothes your skin. Aloe vera banishes the possibility of blackheads and whiteheads.
Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel is a botanical ingredient found in the leaves and bark of the Hamelis Virginiana flowering plant. It is mostly used as an astringent, a liquid formulation to reduce skin irritation. Witch hazel’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties are used to control the development of blackheads and whiteheads.
Oatmeal Face Pack:
Oatmeal is a great option if you’re looking for a homemade exfoliant. It is natural and gentle on your skin. Make your oatmeal face pack by mixing some milk or water in it. Apply it on your face and rub it for a few minutes. Leave the face pack on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash your face with clean water.
Steam:
Hot steam for the face has been a popular cosmetic technique for many years. Steam washing your face will open 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.
Toothpaste:
Toothpaste is a common home remedy for many of our problems. You will be surprised how much this product can help! Apply the toothpaste on your whitehead affected area for 30 minutes every day. This will eventually reduce your whiteheads and give you clear skin.
More ways to prevent blackheads and whiteheads:
- Remove your makeup every day before you go to bed.
- Use only non-comedogenic products.
- Do not touch your face with dirty hands.
- Cover your face whenever you go to dusty places.
- Use face wash twice a day.
- Try to use lukewarm water to wash your face every time you use facewash.
- Try to avoid chemical-based skincare products and makeup.
- Protect your face from hair care treatments.
- Clean items that touch your face often, such as phones, pillows, sunglasses, earrings, etc.
- The oil in your hair can make the skin on your face oily and cause blackheads. So keep your hair clean.
- Never share your makeup brush with anyone.
- Clean off all your make-up with warm water.
Along with the tips, treatments, and remedies given in this post, you can take the help of a dermatologist. Apart from this, we should be more aware and cautious about our skin and food.
