Facial Solutions: Learn How To Get Rid Of Whiteheads
Contents
Whiteheads are a common nuisance. Generally we think of them as an issue that we’ll deal with during adolescence, because one cause is a change in hormones.
Because we go through various hormonal changes throughout our lives, however, these annoying skin blemishes appear well into adulthood, and drive us crazy! You could start suffering from acne during adulthood even if you've never suffered from it before.
Genetics play a part, so if someone in your family suffered from acne, your chances of having issues unfortunately increase.
Wearing a thick layer of foundation or excessively oily makeup can do harm and result in a breakout. Oily moisturizers are a culprit as well.
Diet may play a smaller role.
Food doesn't cause acne, but some studies suggest certain foods may make it worse.
Whiteheads are plugged hair follicles that stay beneath the skin and form a small white bump. They most commonly appear on the face, but can also be found on our chests, shoulders, arms, and backs.
It can be hard to leave these blemishes alone, but picking at them can result in irritated, infected skin, or even scarring.
So how do you get rid of whiteheads? Help is on the way; I’ve researched the best whitehead treatments to be found on Amazon to make it easier for you to find a solution that works.
Over-the-counter products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are the usual first step. The American Academy of Dermatology advises giving any acne treatment 6 to 8 weeks before switching.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing
The Low Down
I know, I know – you weren’t exactly expecting a clay to make it to number one on the list for how to get rid of whiteheads, right? It’s not your typical 3-step system that we’re used to seeing advertized.
Don't be so quick to discount it; clay masks have been part of skin care for a very long time.
Certainly the use of mud wraps and baths have increased over the decades, but they're also an ancient practise.
The only ingredient is bentonite clay, which absorbs oil from the skin's surface.
As it dries, skin feels tighter, though clay doesn't permanently shrink pores.
Specifically…
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay by Aztec Secret comes in a 1lb jar.
You'll mix the clay with a liquid to form a paste. Many people use apple cider vinegar, but it's acidic and can dry and irritate skin, so plain water is gentler.
Massage it into your skin, leave it to dry and then rinse off!
The brand says its clay comes from Death Valley in California and contains no fragrance, additives, or animal products.
It's a good fit for anyone wanting a simple, natural option for oily skin. It isn't a treatment for eczema, psoriasis or chickenpox, and it can be drying.
Pros and Cons
So here’s the upside; this product features one natural ingredient. No harsh chemicals, no chemical smell that some acne treatments offer.
You can mix the paste as thick or as thin as you please and you can even experiment with different carrier oils, (or with plain water) depending on what results you’re looking for. And there aren’t a million steps to remember.
The clay suits oily skin best and can be drying for dry or sensitive skin, so follow with a moisturizer.
One of the cons is that this product can be hard to remove and it can plug your drain. I suggest leaving it to dry long enough that you can flake off most of it over a garbage can, then rinse the rest away.
Alternatively, flake off most over a garbage can and then use wipes to get the remainder before giving your face a rinse. Problem solved.
In Conclusion
I like natural ingredients, and simplicity. This product covers both. There isn’t much to remember, no complicated steps you have to follow in perfect sequence.
You can control the density of the paste, and even what you’re mixing it with for added benefits. (Oils can clog pores in acne-prone skin, so water is the safer mixer.)
I like a multi-use product and since this one aids other skin issues, it fits the bill. I also like the idea of following such an ancient tradition in skin care.
Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System
The Low Down
This is probably more in line with what people think of as an acne treatment – a cleanser, a lotion and an acne cream.
There's a straightforward system to this type of product that people appreciate; and specific steps to treat specific skin ailments, making it easy to target exactly what you need on any given day.
Don’t want extra moisturizer, for example? Just skip that step.
As the most recognized system, most people gravitating towards it find the pattern of twice-daily use consistent enough to remember. Its medicated ingredients, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, are proven acne fighters.
Specifically…
Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System is a long-time customer favorite. It gives you everything you need to cleanse, treat, and moisturize.
It contains a 5.1oz bottle of salicylic acid acne treatment cleanser (salicylic acid helps to unclog pores), a 1.7oz bottle of lotion (SPF 15 and oil free!) and a 1.4oz bottle of peroxide lotion (peroxide helps to kill bacteria).
Don't expect overnight results: acne treatments usually need 6 to 8 weeks to show their full effect. You won't need a prescription.
Pros and Cons
This product has 3 steps, which is easy for anyone to remember and follow. The ingredients don’t include harsh chemicals which will leave a smell on your skin, and Neutrogena is a well respected and trusted company when it comes to facial and skin products.
It targets whiteheads on the nose, chin and forehead (the most obvious zones for most people) as well as the more delicate skin on the cheeks.
One con I’ve identified with this product is that it can dry your skin out with repeated use. Just be aware of how often you’re using it; if you find you’re suffering dry skin when using twice a day, drop to once a day and see if that helps. Be conscious of using enough moisturizer afterwards; it’s oil free so it won’t clog your pores. Be consistent so your skin gets used to the system.
In Conclusion
As I stated above, Neutrogena is a trusted household name and it’s good to have that behind a product. The fact that you can balance your skin care and adjust each treatment as needed is a bonus. I like the ease, the cleanup, and the effectiveness of the Acne Therapy System.
Most people want clear skin as soon as possible. No kit clears whiteheads in days, but with consistent use over several weeks, this one delivers. Thumbs up!
Acne Scar Cream from New York Biology
The Low Down
For those looking at a one-step process on the more modern side, an acne scar cream aims to improve the look of marks left by breakouts.
It isn't a proven whitehead treatment, so use it alongside an acne product.
It also includes a moisturizing agent.
Specifically…
Acne Scar Cream from New York Biology is a one-jar product.
The key ingredient is EGF (epidermal growth factor), a naturally occurring protein whose discovery earned Stanley Cohen a share of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Evidence that EGF creams improve acne marks is limited.
It was designed for daily use, making it easy to incorporate into your daily skin care regimen.
Pros and Cons
I like that it's simple and includes some naturally occurring proteins.
The fact that it's gentle enough for daily use makes it easy to incorporate into my schedule and it’s a quick fix towards the skin I’m looking to achieve. No drying time, no waiting around…
One con is that it can leave your skin feeling slightly oily, so I’d recommend an extra rinse and gentle buff with a soft facecloth afterwards.
In Conclusion
When it comes to one-step treatments, I think this one’s a winner. It’s good for all skin types, making it an accessible solution for many.
The pump on the jar helps keep the product clean and is easy to use.
I like that it targets the marks old breakouts leave behind. People worry not only about outbreaks to come but those that have been and gone and left their mark.
We’re flooded these days with advertisements for products and it can be hard to navigate through the bombardment. We have trouble deciphering which products are better than others and often just wing it and hope for the best.
When we’re already struggling with skin ailments, all we want is a fix that will work and leave us looking healthier and blemish free!
I hope that that this has helped you find your way through the maze of whitehead treatment products. They each aim for the same results but in very different ways.
One's a completely natural one step fix from ancient times, one is a more traditional 3 step process and the last is a one step using only the most modern technology.
Between the three, there's a product that’s just right for you and for your skin type. Don't give up. If whiteheads don't improve after a couple of months, or you get deep, painful bumps, see a dermatologist.
Sources
- Acne, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health
- 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne, American Academy of Dermatology
- Home Remedies for Acne: Do They Work?, Cleveland Clinic
