Facial whiteheads are really persistent customers. They tend to appear out of no where and once they set up camp, its hard for them to leave. Whiteheads are also called closed comedones. Whiteheads are actually blocked follicles with a tiny, almost microscopic opening on the skin surface. Since whiteheads are totally cut off from inside, the accumulated sebum and pus is not oxidized, like blackheads, remaining white in colour.
Whiteheads occur from the accumulation of harden sebum/oil beneath the surface skin layer. Make-up and oil-based creams block pores and will worsen your whitehead condition so try to use minimal makeup.
Facial whiteheads tend to gather around the nose and the T-zone area. However, a lot of people also get whiteheads around the cheeks and chin area. Whiteheads at the cheeks and whiteheads on the chin are usually exacerbated by the oil and bacteria on the hair which touches these areas of the face. If you have whiteheads around these areas, it is wise to adopt a hairstyle that prevents your face from coming in contact with your hair.
Facial whiteheads can be gotten rid of with the help of powerful exfoliants beta hydroxy acid-salicylic acid; Apple Cider Vinegar; juice of lemons and limes; gentle and fine scrubs such as oatmeal and honey, microdermabrasion.
Application of a sulphur-based mask for 20 minutes a day will also stimulate the ripening of whiteheads. Once a whitehead has ripen, extraction of the whitehead can drain out the sebum within which is causing the protrusion.
Topical application of diluted Apple Cider Vinegar toner twice daily after cleansing will help dissolve whiteheads. Alternatively, you can use lime or lemon juice on whiteheads but remember to wash it off after 10-15 minutes.
The most powerful cure for whiteheads has to be a high concentration of the beta hydroxy acid- salicylic acid at 20% or higher. This will eliminate whiteheads overnight without the need for external extraction. Use a high concentration salicylic acid peel once a week for best results against facial whiteheads. Or you may want to use a lower concentration of salicylic acid gel at 2% or more for daily exfoliation. Do remember to wear a sunscreen of 30SPF or higher during the day as your skin will be sun sensitive under an acid treatment.
Topical application of A retinoid cream (vitamin A) will help skin cell turnover and aid the removal of facial whiteheads. Use it before a moisturizer nightly (Vitamin A is photo-sensitive) but not on days when you do an acid peel.
Sometimes you may find that physical extraction of a whitehead is necessary. You can do this by doing a 2 minute facial steam to open up your pores. When pores have expanded, take a sterilized needle (with surgical alcohol) and prick the top of the whitehead. Pressing two fingers by the sides of whitehead gently will make extraction easier. Wipe away the excretion and sterilize the surface of the skin where the whitehead was.
You can also make a oatmeal honey mask and scrub to treat whiteheads. Add 1 tablespoons of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoons of oatmeal. Apply this mask on your face and leave for 10 minutes. Next, scrub your face gently for 2 minutes and wash the mask off. Using the mask and scrub twice a week will also ease your whitehead dilemma.
Working on exfoliating your skin will dramatically help diminish your facial whiteheads. Never pick them with your nails or bare fingers as they can cause bacteria infestation and scarring.
Incoming search terms:
- whiteheads on nose
- facial whiteheads
- images of whiteheads
- best face wash for whiteheads
- best face scrub whiteheads
- whiteheads how to get rid of them
- whitehead exfoliation
- white heads on nose
- oatmeal and honey for whiteheads
- nose whiteheads photos
More tips on acne care:
