Hormonal imbalances during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause are the main reasons behind acne and whiteheads. Imbalance in androgen and estrogen levels causes excess sebum production, leading to whiteheads. Also, sweating, non-comedogenic cosmetics, greasy foods, high humidity levels, and contraceptives can cause whiteheads. Genetics also play a key role in developing several types of acne (1), (2). Whiteheads mostly appear on your face. However, you may get them on other body parts.
Where Do Whiteheads Appear?
Whiteheads develop on body parts that have sebaceous glands and produce excessive sebum. Other than your T-zone, you may develop whiteheads on:
Upper chest Shoulders Back Neck
Even if you never had whiteheads as a teen, you can develop them at some point during adulthood. In the next section, check out the home remedies you may try to eliminate whiteheads.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Whiteheads
1. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel 2-3 drops of diluted lemon peel oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times a week. Why This Works Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties. It moisturizes the skin and promotes collagen production and wound healing (3). Lemon peel oil has antimicrobial properties and is effective against acne-causing bacteria (4).
2. Honey
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of raw Manuka honey
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this every alternate day until the whiteheads go away completely. Why This Works Honey has wound healing and antibacterial properties. It effectively reduces the proliferation of acne-causing bacterias P. acnes and S. aureus strains (5), (6).
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of water Cotton ball
What You Have To Do Alternate Method How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times in a fortnight. Why This Works Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and is effective against acne-causing bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the acetic acid in the vinegar also helps minimize acne and whiteheads (7), (8).
4. Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (olive, jojoba, almond, or avocado oils) Cotton swab
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Apply tea tree oil 2 times a day. Why This Works Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can eliminate acne-causing bacteria and effectively minimize mild to moderate acne (9), (10).
5. Baking Soda
You Will Need
2-3 teaspoons baking soda Water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this 1-2 times a week until the whiteheads go away completely. Why This Works Baking soda is abrasive and has exfoliating properties. It may help cleanse the impurities and skin pores and reduce whiteheads.
6. Witch Hazel
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel solution Cotton balls
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Apply witch hazel 2 times a day. Why This Works Witch hazel contains tannins and has astringent and antioxidant properties. It helps minimize acne inflammation. The astringent properties may also help in eliminating whiteheads (11), (12).
7. Turmeric
You Will Need
½ teaspoon of turmeric powder ½ teaspoon of water or honey
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day. Why This Works Turmeric contains curcumin, a polyphenol with antibacterial, antioxidant, and medicinal properties. It can effectively minimize any form of acne (13), (14).
8. Rose Water
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of rose water Cotton ball
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this every alternate day. Why This Works Rosewater is used as an alternative and complementary therapy for acne (15). The anti-inflammatory properties of rose water may help reduce whiteheads.
9. Jojoba Oil
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of jojoba oil 1-2 drops tea tree oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this every night, before going to bed. Why This Works Jojoba oil may help repair the skin and minimize acne (16). This is a lightweight oil, and together with tea tree oil, it can help control whiteheads.
10. Garlic
You Will Need
2-3 garlic cloves 1-2 tablespoons water Rosewater Cotton pad
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this once every 2-3 days. Why This Works Garlic is a natural antiseptic and has antibacterial properties that can reduce acne breakouts and prevent recurrence (17). Home remedies may often take time to show results. For more effective acne and whitehead management, you can use OTC treatments.
Over-The-Counter Treatment For Whiteheads
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an FDA-approved topical over-the-counter medication for acne (18). It has antibacterial activity and helps in reducing inflammation and excess oil (19). It is found in different OTC products like anti-acne creams, face washes, shower gels, and ointments. Use a product with at least 2% benzoyl peroxide to minimize whiteheads.
2. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and is effective in reducing acne and whiteheads (20), (21 ). It promotes the natural exfoliation process of the skin and helps clear the skin pores and minimize acne.
3. Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. This prescription medicine has anti-inflammatory properties and is comedolytic (prevents comedone formation) (22). You can try OTC products that contain retinol and isotretinoin to minimize whiteheads and acne. However, retinoids can increase sun sensitivity. Hence, apply sunscreen while going out.
4. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids can help minimize whiteheads (23). AHAs dissolve the bonds between the cells and promote exfoliation. However, avoid using AHAs on open wounds or cuts. Also, AHAs can make your skin sun-sensitive. Apply sunscreen before going out. Proper skin care is crucial for minimizing whiteheads prevent further inflammation. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the risk of breakouts.
Additional Tips To Prevent Whiteheads
Squeezing whiteheads may lead to skin issues. Let’s take a look at the complications associated with whiteheads in the next section. Scroll down to know in detail.
Complications Associated With Whiteheads
Constantly picking or squeezing whiteheads may caus accidental scratches and wounds. This may cause open sores, irritation, redness, and blemish. Moreover, improper use of extraction tools may also cut the skin and aggravate the inflammation. In such situations, consult a doctor immediately. If you don’t pop a whitehead, it heals in its natural time and goes away in 3-7 days. Can toothpaste remove whiteheads? While the ingredients in particular toothpaste may help dry and shrink a whitehead, it is not advisable. Can peel-off masks remove whiteheads? Yes, peel-off masks are effective in removing whiteheads and blackheads. Which mask removes whiteheads? Face masks with AHA, clay, charcoal, green tea, witch hazel, aloe vera, or tea tree oil may help prevent the formation of whiteheads and aid their removal as well.
