Ultimate home remedies for whiteheads

What exactly are whiteheads?

 Whiteheads are a form of acne that appears on the skin in faces, necks, backs, and chests of young adults and teens as bumps. Like any other acne, whiteheads are caused by dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that chokes pores and hair follicles on your skin. Often they show up as tiny white spots on your skin. Either white or yellowish in color, it is quite firm and cannot be squeezed out. In general, whiteheads do not become inflamed but can cause serious scars on the skin if not attended in time.

Why whiteheads occur?

There is no clear evidence to prove why whiteheads occur. Puberty and hormonal changes are considered to be one of the major reasons for the same. Other understandable reasons are like high levels of humidity, use of cosmetics, sweating, stress and improper hygiene conditions are also considered as possible causes. However, greasy foods, chocolates or diet have no related evidence to acne. Certain medication, scrubbing and scratching, and backpacks can worsen the whiteheads.

Home remedies for removing whiteheads

There are a wide variety of treatments and medication available to treat whiteheads, but these medications can cause side effects like skin irritations, redness, and burning sensations. There are a lot of home remedies available for effective treatment of whiteheads.
Listed below are a few tips that can be undertaken at home to get rid of whiteheads:-

Facial Steam –

Considered as one of the best remedies to treat whiteheads, facial steam helps open up the blocked pores and hair follicles thus preventing dead skin cells, oil or dirt to block them. This method is very effective for oily skin types and can be done in two ways –
Method :

1. Boil water in a pan and cover your face with the towel over the pan, allowing the steam to get trapped and your face getting exposed to it.  Allow the steam to get soaked in your face for few minutes. Remove your face and pat dry with a clean towel.

       2. Else, you can soak a clean towel and squeeze out the excess water. Place the hot towel over your face to cover it. Repeat for a few times per session.

Oatmeal paste–

A natural exfoliate, oatmeal helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and dirt, thus opening the blocked skin pores causing whiteheads and acne. It also removes excess oil from the skin.
Method:
1. A paste is to be made using lemon juice, honey, yogurt and powdered oatmeal. A few drops of apple cider vinegar can also be added for better results. Dampen your skin before you apply the paste mixture and keep it on for a few minutes. Rinse and pat dry later. Use once or twice a week for better results. 

Sugar scrub–

Make out a paste out of a mixture of sugar, honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste on the skin and massage in a circular motion before leaving it for few minutes. Rinse and pat dry using a wet towel. Repeat the process once or twice a week on regular basis.This sugar scrub will work wonders for your skin. It helps in removing debris and excess oil from the pores and does not cause dryness.

Whiteheads and other acne types are always a concern for skins and as earlier discussed, if not treated and taken care of in time, can be painful and leave permanent scars on the skin. Home remedial solutions are in a way preventive measures that help in maintaining a healthy skin type and prevent the whiteheads from affecting you.However, it is always suggested that in case the remedial precautions undertaken at home does not give you relief, it is advised to consult a medical practitioner without delay.

Precautionary habits for beautiful skin

Apart from home remedies or medical aids suggested below are a few precautionary habits that will ensure and healthy and beautiful skin:-

• Wash your skin with a mild soap and lukewarm water twice daily.
• Try to avoid using cosmetics and skin enhancers.
• Use oil-free products for skins.
• Avoid squeezing acne and touching them.
• Take due precautions while shaving.
• Avoid sun exposure as much possible, this leads to skin irritations and burns.
• Wear loose clothes and cotton over non-synthetic fabrics.

It is very important to know the cause of the acne. If the same is because of hormonal changes, medical care is important like oral contraceptives. In the case of infections and inflammation, antibiotics are recommended by doctors.