Do tiny, little bumps on your face get in the way of having clear skin? These small bumps, also known as whiteheads, are a type of acne that can appear on the face, neck, back, and chest. They can be quite frustrating, especially if you’re not sure how to properly get rid of them. Luckily, there are a vast number of treatments available to banish them. 

However, if you’re unsure of how to remove them or what to look for when buying skin products, let this be your quick guide on how to get rid of whiteheads. 

How to Get Rid of Whiteheads

What are Whiteheads

Whiteheads are a type of acne that appears when pores get clogged. It’s also referred to as “closed comedones,” where there is a layer of skin on top of the skin (clogged pores) that produces a white bump. The pore gets congested with dead skin cells, sebum, oil, dirt, and bacteria that cause the layer of the hair follicle opening to be closed. These white bumps are usually found on larger areas of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing the skin’s sebum and oils, which can accumulate along with dirt and skin cells and clog the pores or follicles. 

The usual triggers for whiteheads to form all come down to diet and lifestyle. When we eat an excessive amount of dairy, sugar, and unhealthy processed foods, it can cause the glands to produce more oils and cause inflammation, which then leads to acne formation. Other common causes of acne can be attributed to stress and lack of sleep, which can disrupt hormonal balance and trigger more breakouts.

How to Remove Whiteheads

Whiteheads are temporary skin issues that can be treated and prevented in many ways. Whether it’s home remedies, over-the-counter products, serums, spot treatments, or prescribed treatments, there’s a solution available for any skin type dealing with pesky whiteheads. Generally, for more serious types of acne and skin concerns, we also recommend visiting your dermatologist to have them professionally treated. But aside from that, you can check out remedies that will work best for your skin type. 

Home Remedies and Natural Remedies

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a plant extract that’s known to be a natural astringent. Its antioxidant and astringent properties help get rid of acne, minimise skin cells, and reduce oil production. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects to prevent breakouts and blemishes. It’s a popular ingredient typically found in cleansers, toners, and serums.

Featured product: ZarZou Beauty Repairing & Soothing Facial Serum, RM49.00, Available here

Grapeseed Oil

Don’t be afraid to use oil to combat the oils on your face! This natural plant oil contains high amounts of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, that is great for controlling acne control and preventing clogged pores. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another popular ingredient that’s rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Its diluted form can be found in serums, toners, and cleansers in order for it to be effective and tolerable on the skin. It is ideally used for those dealing with mild to moderate acne, including whiteheads.

Over-The-Counter Products

These over-the-counter products usually contain active ingredients that are usually used to treat acne. If it’s your first time using products that contain them, be sure to do a skin test and introduce them to your skin gradually. Be sure to start with lower concentrations to let your skin get used to it and prevent it from drying or irritating the skin.

Retinol

Retinols, or retinoids, are a known powerful treatment for acne. They contain antioxidants to reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin cells, and minimise oil production to prevent clogging of pores. They come in different types of products like serums or creams, but the stronger versions of this are usually prescription-strength ointments ideal for those with severe acne. 

The milder versions of retinoids are generally labelled as retinol and can be found in over-the-counter products that are safe for daily use. 

Benzoyl Peroxide

Another powerful treatment for acne is benzoyl peroxide! They’re rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce excess oils and unclog pores. Depending on the severity of the acne, products can contain concentrations of benzoyl peroxide at up to 10%. 

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are acid exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells and the buildup of keratin. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) come in different types such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid – each has its own level of exfoliating the skin. They can be mild or do more harm, so be sure to conduct a patch test to see if it’s compatible with your skin.

On the other hand, Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) also have different types such as salicylic acid that help promote healthy skin renewal, reduce sebum and oils, and prevent clogged pores that cause whiteheads. 

AHA and BHA are common active exfoliants that can be found in skincare products such as cleansers like the ZarZou Daily Deep Cleanser that is gentle enough for daily use and help soothe the skin as well. With each wash, dead skin cells, dirt, impurities, and bacteria are rinsed off to leave behind a smoother, cleaner complexion. 

Featured product: ZarZou Beauty Daily Deep Cleanser, RM44.00, Available here

Conclusion

Whiteheads are tiny acne bumps that are the result of clogged pores. When excess oils, sebum, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells accumulate in the hair follicles, they can cause these closed comedones or whiteheads to appear as bumps on the skin. Its causes are usually rooted in diet, lifestyle, stress, and lack of sleep. Thankfully, there are many treatments available for getting rid of these comedones and preventing them at the same time. They can be used on any skin type, but some ingredients may be more harsh and irritating on dry and sensitive skin types. If it’s your first time using actives, be sure to do a patch test for any sensitivity and gradually increase the number of times you can apply them to the skin weekly. Look for these ingredients when buying products to help address whiteheads and help you achieve a smooth, clear complexion!