No one likes to look in the mirror and see whiteheads or blackheads on the face. As you go throughout your day, the pores on your skin can get clogged with sweat, oils, and dirt, causing tiny hairs to get trapped and creating whiteheads.
You can help get rid of these wonderful additions to your face by taking care of your skin and being smart about your facial cleansing routine. Some home remedies work just as well as over-the-counter treatments and are much less expensive.
Check out 6 ways to get rid of your whiteheads easily.
- Facial Steam or hot compress. Getting rid of whiteheads can sometimes be as simple as squeezing the infections out. LIVESTRONG recommends placing your face over a pot of steam for 6 to 8 minutes, draping a towel over your head to create a tent. The steam will open the pores on your face. Then gently squeeze the stuff out of the pores and dab alcohol or witch hazel on to help get rid of bacteria.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Although apple cider vinegar is touted for all kinds of treatments, Medical News Today says that it is actually good for fighting whiteheads. Never use it undiluted as it can burn the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water. Apply this directly to the skin and let it sit for 20 minutes before gently rinsing it off.
- Lemon Juice. Lemon juice is another natural astringent that helps shrink pores and is recommended by Facingacne.com. You can use the lemon juice straight. LIVESTRONG takes a fresh lemon and juices it. Apply the juice directly to the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.
- Tea Tree Oil. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make this an excellent choice for fighting acne, according to Stylecraze. You can make your own treatment by combining 1 1/2 teaspoons aloe vera gel with 2 to 3 drops tea tree oil. Use a cotton swab to apply this to your face, and let it dry. Then wash it off.
- Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If these remedies aren’t working, the Mayo Clinic recommends trying some over-the-counter products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in them.
- Mild Cleanser. If you have a lot of trouble with whiteheads, the Mayo Clinic says to be sure to use mild cleansers and warm water. Strong astringents can actually cause your face to create extra oil which just exacerbates the problem.
