by Harsha Dewa

Created on: January 13, 2009

What are they?

Tiny, white raised spots which have a big sign saying pop me, pop me'. Always their when you don't need them. They are like an uninvited guest that never leaves, and if they do, they leave their mark.

They are caused by skin pore blockage, a combination of sebum, excess oils and cellular fragments that plug the open skin pores. Due to the lack of oxygen, they do not discolour hence the white / yellowish colour and are named as whiteheads. They are most common on the nose, forehead, cheekbones and temples. Whiteheads are also commonly known as pimples'.

How can you treat them?

There are many methods to treat whiteheads and prevent any new ones forming but how do you know the method works? Well, without trying, you don't.

You can pop into your local high street pharmacy and see the hundreds of products on the shelf that rid blackheads and whiteheads, so many brands, different prices and you seem to get more and more confused.

I've suffered in the past with whiteheads (and i still do), and I have tried many products, from cleansers, wipes, pore strips and creams but not really worth the money and time wasted. If you want a quick, cheap way of getting rid of whiteheads, all you need is a big bowl, hot water and a towel.

Steaming your face on a regular basis is the perfect answer. Fill your bowl (or even your sink) with hot water, cover your head with a towel over the bowl and steam your face for no longer than 6-8minutes. The steam will irritate the whiteheads which you will be able to press lightly to get rid of them. Remember to sanitize the area (an alcohol wipe or a toner) as bacteria will be attracted to the open pores.

Alternatively, a good exfoliate or a peel for the face are a good way of removing unwanted elements from the skin and by splashing cold water on the water afterwards will ensure the pores close.

Herbal remedies are another cheap way of keeping whiteheads at bay, but, simple, basic rules like washing your face every day to wash away dirt, makeup and pollution which can be accumulated throughout the day.

Keep a balanced diet, eat healthy foods and try to avoid fried and oily foods. Sometimes, getting whiteheads can be a part of your lifestyle and difficult to change. Too much stress, certain medications, your menstrual cycle and hormonal activities are all things that can aggravate whiteheads, blackheads and acne in general. There is no statistical evidence known as to why we get them and who is prone to them but is part of human life.

Learn more about this author, Harsha Dewa.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.