What causes whiteheads?
Whiteheads develop when pores become blocked with oils, bacteria and dead skin cells. This can happen due to hormonal changes such as puberty or menstruation, certain medical conditions and medications, or simply down to a bad diet.
Remedies
Steam
Facial steaming will help to open up your pores and release any trapped dirt and grime that is trapped. You should always wash your face first to prevent any extra dirt from entering your pores.
- Heat up a pan of water until it starts to steam.
- Turn off the heat and sit over the steam with a towel draped over your head to keep the steam in.
- Allow the steam to open up your pores over 5-10 minutes or so.
- Wash the loosened grime from your face with warm water and then splash your face with cold water to close your pores.
Cinnamon Mask
Cinnamon is antimicrobial and also helps to boost collagen production in your skin. Bicarbonate of soda works well as an exfoliator, and lemon juice has antibacterial properties to help kill off bacteria.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a paste.
- Apply to your face and affected areas and leave on for 30-60 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and a natural soap.
- Repeat weekly for best results.
Yogurt & Oatmeal
Oatmeal works as a gentle exfoliator which will help to remove the stubborn grime from your pores and skin. Yogurt contains lactic acid which can aid in destroying any bad bacteria that has built up and it also acts as a moisturiser. Use plain, natural yogurt without any flavourings for best results.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with enough natural yogurt to form a paste.
- Apply to your face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes or so.
- Before rinsing off with warm water, rub the paste in circular motions to remove any excess grime.
- Repeat these steps once a week and you should notice the difference within a couple of weeks.
Egg Whites & Honey
Egg whites help to tighten up pores and they act as a moisturiser. Honey is known for its antibacterial properties and is also a humectant so it attracts extra moisture.
- Mix together the whites from 2 eggs with a tablespoon of raw honey.
- Apply to your face and leave it to set for 30-60 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and a natural soap.
Rose Water
This fragrant water contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is made by distilling crushed rose petals and is used for anything from perfumes and skin care, to flavourings in food. It is important to buy only 100% pure rose water, or you can even make your own.
- Mix rose water with lemon juice in equal parts for best results.
- Apply to your clean, dry face with a wash cloth and allow it to dry for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is excellent at curing skin problems. It kills off bacteria and microbes that become trapped in your pores. Be sure to use 100% natural tea tree oil for best results. For whiteheads it can be applied directly with a clean cotton bud, twice a day until the problem clears up. You can also use tea tree soaps for an extra kick.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can help to reduce inflammation in your pores. It has been used across the ages as a treatment for acne, burns, bites and all kinds of other skin issues. It is best to use the pure Aloe Vera gel, which you can buy or harvest yourself easily from a plant.
- Apply the Aloe Vera gel to the affected area on your face.
- Leave to soak in for 30-60 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and a natural soap if necessary.
- Repeat weekly for best results.
How to prevent whiteheads?
Because whiteheads are the result of oils and grime building up in your pores, the best way to prevent them in to reduce the amount of oils present on your skin. You can do this by reducing the amount of oily make-up you use, washing your face a couple of times a day with either rose water or a natural soap containing tea tree oil, and also by steaming once a week to open up your pores.
