What Are Whiteheads And How To Get Rid Of Them?

A common self-evident blemish on the skin, whiteheads are a type of acne that forms when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria have become trapped together in the pores, leading to pimples and acne breakouts. These blemishes are frequently located in the T-zone area, which encapsulates the nose, chin, and forehead. This is due to there being more oil in this area than in other parts of the face.

Whiteheads are able to appear just about anywhere on the body, including the shoulders, chest, back, and arms. Whereas blackheads are open pores exposed to the air, whiteheads are closed pore, shown by the color of the blemish and the buildup of bacteria in the breakouts. Whiteheads may generally disappear faster since they are not as exposed to environmental factors in the same way as blackheads.  

Succumbing to breakouts involving whiteheads might feel like the end of the world or decrease self-confidence, but with a few treatments and lifestyle changes, you’ll come to find that whiteheads are a minor annoyance rather than a symptom to be feared. By utilizing the proper preventions and remedies below, you’ll retain the power and the right to smooth radiant skin.

Causes of Whiteheads

Contrary to many myths surrounding these irritating breakouts, whiteheads are not contagious. They are primarily caused by clogged pores, which can occur due to many factors and changes happening both around and in the body. When dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria become trapped in the pores, they become clogged, ultimately leading to breakouts. Thankfully, there are lifestyle changes and treatments that can be applied to those who are especially prone to whiteheads. Not only can they be treated but they can also be prevented.

Genes play just as much a role as the build-up of bacteria in skin cells. If someone in your family currently or has suffered from acne in the past, chances are you’re going to be one of the unlucky members to experience its effects. However, modern medical treatments and lifestyle modifications are effective even when it comes to genetics.

Essential lifestyle changes include exercise, diet, ensuring your body is staying hydrated, and getting all the minerals it needs. Vitamin supplements can ensure your body isn’t lacking any crucial nutrients.

Despite these changes in daily lifestyle, there are hormonal changes that occur within the body that can lead to whiteheads. For both men and women, puberty is often a cause of breakouts during the transition from adolescence to maturity. In women, life changes such as pregnancy cycles and menstruation can trigger inflammation and unwanted skin conditions. Even contraceptives with progesterone, a hormone found in females that primarily functions in pregnancy and menstrual cycles, have been found to show flares in women.

how to get rid of whiteheads

• Be Patient

As frustrating as this option might be, sometimes simply letting the whiteheads resolve on their own is an acceptable treatment. This could take up to a week though, so as long as you are following healthy steps such as washing your face and avoiding touching your face too frequently with unwashed hands, the area on your skin should appear back to normal within a few days. Of course, if you don’t see natural results in this timeframe, consulting a skincare professional could be necessary for more intense cases.

• Chemical Peels & Laser Treatments

Making use of mild chemical peel solutions can lead to the removal of whiteheads. These treatments work to remove layers of the skin, ultimately disposing of unwanted whiteheads on the skin’s surface. Not only are these treatments rising in popularity, both in office and at home, but they are completely safe to utilize in both settings.

Another beneficial treatment for getting rid of whiteheads is laser removal. Laser skin and resurfacing treatments work to direct a short, pulsating beam that is concentrated on the affected area or areas. These beams of light are targeted on the whiteheads, ultimately removing them entirely. On top of removing the whiteheads, these beams help reduce the amount of sebum that is produced in the skin’s glands, preventing future breakouts.

Ingredients that helps get rid of whiteheads

Gentle exfoliators and cleansers containing these essential ingredients can also help to rid the skin of unwanted blemishes. Products using formulas with these core ingredients work to smooth the skin’s texture and remove excess dead skin cells, preventing the pores from clogging.

1. Aloe Vera
   This natural, plant-based ingredient can be used with other acne treatments and is soothing to the skin. When combined with other ingredients such as tea tree oil, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, whiteheads have been found to clear up due to the anti-microbial benefits found in this ingredient.
   Any type of oil should be patted on your face, not rubbed in. Tea tree, a plant that grows in southeast Australia, is an ingredient that can also be found in face masks, cleansers, and spot treatments, so there are several ways to take advantage of this remedy.
   
   
   
2. Azelaic Acid
   A natural acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye, this powerful compound kills microorganisms on the skin’s surface, reducing swelling and contributing to the overall clearance of blemishes.
   
   
   
3. Benzoyl Peroxide 
   Functioning well as a particular spot or full-face treatment, this ingredient works to remove excess oil that has been produced and lingering in the skin. By removing the oils that have built up and unwanted bacteria, this will prevent the pores from getting clogged.
   
   Aside from the prevention of build-up in the skin, benzoyl peroxide can help to reduce inflammation, further clearing up the skin and producing a smoother appearance. This ingredient works particularly well for whiteheads that have formed together in a specific spot. For the best results, at least two percent of benzoyl peroxide should be used in a product.
   
   Applying this topical antiseptic once a day is recommended and can even be applied up to twice per day once the skin becomes acclimated to the product. You should always remember to wash your hands after utilizing these products, as benzoyl peroxide can bleach your hair and clothing.
   
   
   
4. Retinoids & Vitamin A Creams
   These products work together, as retinoids are generally stronger versions of the ingredient, vitamin A. Able to be applied to the entire face, retinoids are often used to treat aging signs but can also be intended for unclogging pores.
   
   Vitamin A creams, while not as strong or reactive as retinoids, contain nutrients with intense antioxidant properties. These properties lead to a decrease in skin redness and inflammation. Be sure to use sunscreen when applying these products, as vitamin A and retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
   
   
   
5. Salicylic Acid
   Salicylic acid is a versatile, essential ingredient to include in your skincare regimen, especially when it comes to whitehead treatment. Able to be applied up to three times per day, this acid is found in numerous products, including astringents, gels, facial moisturizers, creams, and toners. They primarily work to decrease oil production in the pores, which often leads to them becoming clogged with unwanted bacteria and further irritants.
   
   Working simultaneously to decrease excess oil in the skin, as well as drying out the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells, salicylic acid treatments are preferable to use before the formation of whiteheads, not after. This ingredient is a must for preventative measures, but other products may be more beneficial once whiteheads have already appeared on the skin.
    

Conclusion : Can you get rid of whiteheads?

As you can see, there are a vast amount of options and treatments available to those who experience whiteheads, whether they are a repeated occurrence or a blemish that appears in other circumstances. Whether you want to take advantage of chemical peels, products containing powerful ingredients that target whiteheads, topical and oral treatments, both over-the-counter or prescription strength, the possibilities are plentiful to get your skin looking healthy again, free to step out of the house with that T-zone looking straight ahead rather than to the ground.