Although not dangerous, the appearance of whiteheads often interfere with appearance. However, you don't need to worry, because there are various ways to deal with whiteheads that you can do yourself at home. Thus, clean and smooth facial skin can be realized.
white comedones (whiteheads) usually appears on the face, chest, and back. This type of blackhead is also known as a closed comedone, because the tip is covered by the skin so that it looks like a small white spot.
Whiteheads form when oil, dirt, and dead skin cells build up in the pores of the skin. This condition will cause a lump on the surface of the skin, but is not accompanied by inflammation and pain.
Various Ways to Overcome White Blackheads
Because it is covered by the skin, how to remove whiteheads is not as easy as removing blackheads. However, there are various ways to get rid of whiteheads that you can do, from home remedies with natural ingredients to treatments by a doctor. Here are some ways:
1. Make sure to clean your face regularly
Clean your face regularly at least twice a day using a mild facial soap. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard and don't use soaps that contain alcohol, detergents or scrub. These ingredients can cause skin irritation and will actually make blackheads worse.
Also, use warm water when rinsing your face or body when whiteheads appear. You are also advised to exfoliate every week to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.
2. Use acne medication
To get rid of whiteheads, choose an acne medication that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
The content of salicylic acid serves to reduce excess oil production and clean dead skin cells so they don't clog pores. Salicylic acid is available in the form of toners and topical creams or gels.
Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide works to eradicate bacteria and excess oil. You can use products that contain benzoyl peroxide at least once a day and twice a day if your face has adapted. Choose an acne medication product with a benzoyl peroxide level of at least 2%.
Retinoid-based creams can also be used as a whitehead treatment. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that function to clean clogged pores and act as anti-aging. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try using a retinoid-based product every other day.
Before using acne medication, be sure to clean your face first. Avoid using acne medication excessively and consult a doctor if there are complaints after use, such as skin rashes, swelling, itching, or blisters.
3. Use natural ingredients
There are several natural ingredients that you can use to treat whiteheads, such as: tea tree oil, aloe vera, and witch hazel. You can find these three ingredients in facial skin care products, such as masks or facial cleansers.
Tea tree oil It is believed to be able to clear whiteheads because it has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, aloe vera is found in many skin care products for acne-prone faces.
In dealing with whiteheads, witch hazel It works by opening the skin pores. You can find content witch hazel in the form of astringent, which is enough to be rubbed on the face using cotton 2 times a day.
4. Avoid sun exposure
To prevent whiteheads from developing, avoid direct sun exposure. If you are going to be active outside, don't forget to always use sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen you use is oil-free or labeled non-comedogenic.
White comedones are annoying. However, do not squeeze it without a doctor's supervision, because it will only worsen and make blackheads more difficult to remove. In addition, squeezing whiteheads can also cause skin irritation and infection, and leave scars.
If whiteheads don't go away or develop into severe acne after doing various skin treatments as mentioned above, immediately see a doctor. White comedones can develop into nodules or cysts that are at risk of scarring.
