How to Remove Blackheads and Whiteheads?

Whiteheads and blackheads are the dead cells of your skin that occur when your dead cells of skin and oil clog your pores. Whiteheads are also called closed comedones and are the most basic form of acne lesion. You get whiteheads and blackheads because sebaceous glands produce a natural oil called sebum on your skin's surface. This happens at pore structures called the pilosebaceous units (PSUs). The PSUs are most common on the face, chest, and back, all of which are areas where acne can appear.

A whitehead or blackhead appears when sebum, hair, and skin cells make a plugin the hair follicles and clog it.

Bacteria that live on the outer layer are attracted to the clogged pores and PSU gets clogged.

If the enlarged follicle remains closed under the skin’s surface, it will seem like a raised white bump called a whitehead.

You can treat them with plenty of methods and prevent the new forming of whiteheads and blackheads. However, they are quite rigid but the right treatment and home remedies will work on them.

But remember, don't pick, squeeze pop whiteheads and blackheads. This kind of approach makes the condition a lot worse. Try some of these home remedies instead:

Home Remedies

Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 while trying home treatments for whiteheads, as most make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Facial steam 

Steam can open clogged pores and help to remove whiteheads and blackheads easily. You can try some boiling water, put water in the bowl, and keep your affected area over the bowl. You can also use a steamer if you have one.

In the case of the head and neck part, you can make a steam tent by putting a towel over their head, to concentrate the steam onto their upper body.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is acidic and works as an astringent. It is capable of drying out and shrinking the pores. Apple cider vinegar also helps decrease inflammation and has antibacterial and anti-microbial properties.

Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix with 8 ounces (oz) of warm water, then apply on the affected area and leave for 20 minutes. You can also repeat it when your face is washed.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is also acidic and can dry out the skin and remove excess oils. It also contains antibacterial compounds and helps minimize inflammation. One can use diluted and undiluted or equal parts of water. In either case, it can be directly applied to the affected skin using a cotton pad or clean fingers and left on 20 minutes.

Tea tree oil 

Tea tree oil has both an anti-inflammatory and an antimicrobial. Many facial cleansers, washes, and toners contain tea tree extract. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the affected skin using a clean finger or cotton pad.

Honey

Honey contains powerful antibacterial properties. Its sticky, thick skin can make smothers pores and stays in place, allowing it to go deep into the skin.

You can use heated 1 tablespoon honey but touch it by hand before applying warm honey to the affected area.

Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera is another ingredient that can help you in removing white and blackheads. Like tree tea oil, aloe vera is also used as an extract in many skincare products. However, the efficacy of aloe vera is inconclusive but it may be helpful in acne-based skin problems.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is derived from a flowering plant, it can help in whiteheads with its astringent, pore-opening qualities. Witch hazel is most convenient to use in the astringent form. Simply wet a ball of cotton wool with it and apply it twice per day