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Whiteheads are a form of acne brought on by clogged pores that are filled with bacteria, dead skin cells, or excess oil. They are also known as comedones or pimples. They often appear without any visible signs of inflammation, such as redness or swelling, in contrast to other forms of acne like pustules (pus-filled acne lesions) or papules (raised red bumps). Whiteheads are generally easier to treat and control than other inflammatory forms of acne since they are a milder version of the condition.
Whiteheads are very small, soft, yellow or white pimples that are visible beneath the skin’s surface. They are typical in the greasy areas of the face, such as the chin, nose, and cheeks.
Whiteheads are categorised as ‘Kshudra Rogas’ or ‘Youvana Pidaka’ in Ayurveda—a moderate form of acne that falls under minor skin ailments.
What Causes Whiteheads?
- When dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria accumulate and block pore openings, whiteheads ensue.
- Certain diets, hormonal imbalances, sleep deprivation, and stress can all exacerbate whiteheads and other forms of acne.
- Whiteheads that resemble acne can also be brought on by oil-containing skincare, haircare, or cosmetic products.
- Whiteheads can appear at any age, although they’re more common in teenagers due to hormonal changes in the body that lead to more oil secretion in the skin.
- Given that acne tends to run in families, you may be more prone to get whiteheads if your parents do.
- Apart from this, exposure to pollutants, humidity, and other environmental factors can also contribute to the development of whiteheads.
- Kapha aggravating diet and lifestyle choices can also contribute to the formation of white heads over a period of time.
Do Whiteheads Go Away Naturally?
Generally, whiteheads do not go away naturally. Whiteheads removal via Udwarthnam or exfoliation is recommended in Ayurveda. If they are deep, and can’t be removed by exfoliation, they can be medically removed. Leaving them untreated for a long time may cause sebum and bacteria to build-up in your pores, leading to other skin problems.
Ayurvedic Herbs to Prevent and Manage Whiteheads
- Mesua ferra, or Nagkesar, with its laghu and drying qualities, makes it a very efficient herb for an oily skin, as it balances the oil production, helps in minimising open pores, and clarifies the skin. Mix it with Rose water and Sandalwood powder. Gently massage over the affected area in a circular motion for 3–4 minutes.
- Multani Mitti has active elements that absorb oil, dirt, sweat, and impurities and leave the skin clean, soft, and supple. Multani Mitti removes excess sebum, controls oil production in the skin, and clears acne, comedones and breakouts. Make a paste using Multani Mitti with neem water and apply it over the affected area. You can also try Forest Essentials’ Anti Acne Blend Facial Ubtan.
Anti Acne Blend Facial Ubtan
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- Neem, because of its antiseptic and astringent properties, is especially helpful in protecting and healing the skin. Take 12-15 Neem leaves and grind them to form a paste. Apply this lepa to the affected area and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with water and repeat till the whiteheads are removed.
- Orange peel’s dry (ruksha), light (laghu), and astringent properties make it a wonderful choice for oily skin. A paste of Orange peel powder and Aloe Vera juice can be applied to white heads, massaged well, and then rinsed off.
- Tea Tree oil possesses antimicrobial properties. It is known to reduce the occurrence of whiteheads. Combine any carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil, with Tea Tree oil in a basin and stir well. Apply this mixture to the affected area using a clean cotton swab and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Pat dry after rinsing with lukewarm water.
Ayurvedic Modalities for Whitehead Treatment
Ayurvedic Mukh Prakshalan
Ayurvedic texts cite the need for a good skincare routine to rejuvenate your skin and keep your skin problems at bay. Regular face cleansing with a delicate face cleanser or ubtan (herbal powder) prevents dead skin and oil build-up in your pores. Look for Kapha and Pitta balancing herbs that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties such as Neem, Nagkesar, Turmeric, Triphala, and Cinnamon in your face washes or ubtans. Forest Essentials’ ubtans can be incorporated in the night skincare regime as cleansers.
Herbal Exfoliation or Udwarthnam
Herbal powders and mixture, or a gel, or oil are mixed together and massaged onto skin in an upward direction in Udvarthanam. This special technique not only exfoliates skin but also removes harmful toxins that cause skin inflammations, acne, whiteheads and blackheads. The goodness of the herb’s seeps into your skin, relieving stress, signs of aging, damage and dryness.
Herbal Steaming or Swedana
An ancient detoxification technique in Ayurveda, Swedana, is often used to treat the skin problems that can be the result of toxin accumulation and Dosha imbalances in your body. The medicated steam opens up the pores and purges your body through sweating. This is best for treating whiteheads that appear anywhere in the body as well as face.
At home, you can add antibacterial herbs such as Neem, Tulsi, and Triphala to boiling water and let the skin on your face soak up the steam. This will open up the pores and help in the whiteheads removal on the face easily.
How to Do Facial Steam at Home for Whiteheads
The process of steaming helps congested pores to open and expel bacteria and debris. You can follow the below steps to practice facial steaming at home to remove whiteheads.
Step 1: Boil some water and add Tulsi and Neem leaves to it, placing it in a bowl.
Step 2: Cover the affected part of your body with the bowl.
Step 3: To make the process easier, you can also use a steamer and add a few drops of Tea Tree oil.
Disclaimer: When using a facial steamer, one should exercise caution to avoid scorching their skin.
FAQs
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads are a form of acne that appear as tiny, white pimples on the skin. Although they don’t cause harm, they can be unappealing and challenging to treat.
How to get rid of whiteheads?
1.Adopting a regular exfoliation regime and steaming will help tremendously.
2. By not touching or picking at your whiteheads.
3. Regularly cleaning items that touch your face, including your cell phone, sports helmets, sunglasses, clothing and pillowcases.
How to remove whiteheads?
As discussed above, try incorporating skincare best-practices such as facial cleansing twice a day, weekly exfoliation (2-3 times a week), facial steaming once a week or fortnight.
What products help with whiteheads?
One can use Forest Essentials’ Anti Acne Blend Facial Ubtan, Shudhi Skin Clarifying Facial Spray, Neem Varnya Lepa, Revitalizing Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub, or Nourishing Facial Scrub with Jaggery and Sesame if you have dry skin.
How to prevent whiteheads?
Whether its whiteheads on nose or whitehead son face, the following guidelines can help you prevent whiteheads.
Washing the skin, particularly the face, with a mild cleanser twice a day.
1.Removing all makeup diligently.
2.Resisting the urge to scrub the skin too frequently.
3.Using oil-free makeup, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
4.Choosing noncomedogenic products for the face.
5. Avoid getting hair products, such as sprays and gels, on the face.
6.Avoiding picking at the skin or squeezing whiteheads and pimples.
7.Reducing stress and have more bitter, astringent and pungent foods.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189
https://europepmc.org/article/med/2145499
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22039-whiteheads
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