Whiteheads removal and treatment is surely an issue which worries most teenagers and young adults. This story will talk about some of the effective methods that will help you in getting rid of whiteheads completely.
Whiteheads, just like blackheads and pimples, is a type of acne. Though the formation of acne is often associated with teenage years, the appearance of whiteheads is not restricted by age, as people of all ages are said to have this problem.
This form of acne is likely to appear during pregnancy, because during this period, several hormonal changes occur in the body. Whiteheads have to be removed as soon as possible, because when left untreated, they can turn into pimples.
The latter are much more difficult to remove than the former. However, before we learn about their treatment, let us take a look at how they are formed on the skin.
Formation
The sebaceous glands in our skin have the function of producing oil to help in retaining the moisture of skin, and prevents it from becoming dry. However, due to certain hormonal imbalance, which usually occurs during teenage years, the oil-producing glands become highly active, giving rise to the problem of acne.
When the hair follicles of the skin become trapped in the sebum or the excess oil produced by the skin, the dead skin is not eliminated, and thus, whiteheads are formed on the skin.
The presence of excess sebum blocks the air from entering the follicle, and hence, it remains white in color. These whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are tiny bumps containing pus, and are commonly seen on the face, shoulders, and thighs.
Treatment for Whiteheads
One must understand that cannot be done quickly. It may take weeks, and sometimes even months, for a person to get fully cured from the problem. You can also consult a dermatologist to find a solution. However, here are some remedies that you can try on your own.
Skin Care Routine
In most cases, the cause of an outbreak of whiteheads is attributed to lack of proper skin care. Though this does not need to be true for everybody, developing a skin care routine is surely an effective way of treatment
You should remove your makeup completely before cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser.
Spread the cleanser gently on your wet face. Do not scrub harshly or use excess amounts, because too much cleanser can actually increase the production of oil in your skin.
Remember to wash your face at least twice a day.
This should be followed by a good toner and moisturizer to complete the skin care regime.
Diet and Exercises
It has been observed for many years that people who eat healthy food are able to control acne and other skin problems. Hence, it is necessary that you restrict your intake of foods that are high in sugar and fats. Instead, consume lots of fruits and vegetables.
One has to stay away from oily, fried food to do away with most skin problems. As stress is one of the causes for the development of whiteheads, exercising regularly can aid in decreasing one's level of stress.
Apart from proper diet and exercises, one should also consume dietary supplements including vitamin A, E, C, and selenium which will help in preventing skin problems.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter medication that you can use to cure whiteheads. Its antibacterial properties help prevent their appearance altogether. Salicylic acid too has the same effect. However, one needs to use a good moisturizer after using this, as these chemicals have the tendency to make the skin dry.
Hot Compress
Using a hot compress is also a good way of removal. For this treatment, you need a hot compressor, sterile needle, yogurt, oatmeal, and acne lotion.
Make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any kind of infection.
Apply the hot compress on the whitehead to open its pore, and then pop it with the sterile needle.
Apply a paste made with oatmeal and yogurt on that area. Let it remain on the face for some time, and rinse it off after massaging with your fingertips.
For best results, try this home remedy 2-3 times for a week or two.
Apart from this, there are certain antibiotics available in the market, which aid in resolving this problem. However, when none of these methods work, it is best to consult your dermatologist who is sure to suggest some other methods to free you from these ugly whiteheads.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and not intended to replace the advice offered by a medical expert.