Advice for How to Get Rid of Whiteheads

If you want to know how to get rid of whiteheads, there are a couple of options at your disposal.

Whiteheads are hideous little creatures that pop up at the most inopportune times and in the most inopportune places. Formed by clogged pores that fill with pus and bacteria, they form little pearly-white bumps on your skin. Even those without chronic acne problems struggle with them occasionally, so knowing how to get rid of whiteheads the right way is a useful bit of information to have.

Successfully treating acne is a very individualistic thing. What works well for one may not work for another. So it may take a little experimentation and patience to find out the most effective approach for you. How to get rid of whiteheads is no exception.
 
1. Benzoyl Peroxide or a retinoid cream are common options that seem to work well for mild to moderate cases. If you've never used a particular product before, test on a small area first to make sure you're not allergic to it. And be sure to avoid getting it in or near your eyes. Medications can contribute in a number of ways, such as breaking up the whitehead, combating bacterial infection, and reducing inflammation.

2. Apply a clay mask a couple of times a week to reduce the oiliness of your skin. There are many inexpensive over-the-counter products or you can make a homemade one.

3. You can always opt to wait it out. Whiteheads will eventually clear up on their own, usually within a day or so.

4. For severe cases, you may want to seek the help of a dermatologist or other skin care professional.

Most discussions on how to get rid of whiteheads tell you to avoid popping whiteheads yourself. But if you must, follow these rules to minimize the chance of broken veins, scarring or infection. The last thing you want to do is to make the problem worse:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
2. Steam your face for about 10 minutes to open up your pores
3. Dry your face with a soft, clean towel
4. Use a tool called a sterilized extractor (found in most drug stores) to squeeze the whitehead
5. Apply an antiseptic to remove pus and bacteria

Don't use needles and fingernails, as you could cause more damage to your skin.

Avoiding Whiteheads

Knowing how to get rid of whiteheads is practical knowledge, but there are things you can do to avoid them altogether or at lease minimize their occurrence.

The best way to keep whiteheads from forming is to keep your skin clean and free from excess oil. Find a skin care regimen that includes a good cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer. Remember to keep your hair and hands away from your face and change your linens often. And avoid makeup and other facial products that contain oily ingredients. Taking care of your body also helps, so be sure to practice a healthy lifestyle.