The nose and T-zone (forehead and nose part) of facial skin are the most oily. When the sebaceous glands of the skin start producing excessive sebum or natural oil, this oil along with dead skin cells and dust gets trapped in the pores of the skin. When this pore remains closed from above and does not come in contact with air, it emerges in the form of small white pimples, which are called ‘Whiteheads’ (Whiteheads or Closed Comedones). Often people make the mistake of removing them by pressing or scratching them with nails, which causes redness, swelling, infection and permanent dark spots on the skin. With the help of home and gentle remedies, these stubborn whiteheads can be easily removed without any pain and side effects.
Steaming is the most basic and effective method for loosening whiteheads and deeply cleansing the skin. When hot steam comes in contact with the skin, the clogged pores open and the dry oil and dirt trapped in them starts melting.
- Method of use: Boil water in a vessel. If you want, you can also add a few drops of tea tree oil in it. Cover your head with a towel and keep your face at a distance of about one foot from the vessel and inhale the steam for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Bearing: Immediately after taking steam, gently wipe around the nose with a clean cotton cloth or cotton pad. Due to the opening of the pores, the whiteheads that come to the surface are easily cleaned without any strain. It is considered best to do this twice a week.
Baking soda has natural exfoliating and antibacterial properties, which help in removing dead cells from the upper surface of the skin and balancing the pH level of the skin.
- Method of use: Prepare a thick paste by mixing a few drops of plain water or rose water in one spoon of baking soda. Apply this paste on the areas with whiteheads on both sides of the nose and massage in circular motion with very light pressure with the fingertips for 2 minutes.
- Caution: After massage, wash the face with lukewarm water. Keep in mind that if your skin is very sensitive or cracked, then do a patch test before trying this remedy and do not use it more than once a week.
Oatmeal acts as a natural and gentle cleanser for the skin, while the lactic acid present in curd works to dissolve dead skin cells without rubbing.
- Method of use: Make a paste by mixing two spoons of ground oats with one spoon of fresh curd and half a spoon of honey. Apply this paste thoroughly on the nose and affected areas. Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bearing: After drying, gently rub the sides of the nose with slightly wet hands and then wash the face with cold water. It not only removes whiteheads from the roots but also makes the rough skin of the nose extremely soft and nourished.
Tea tree oil is known for its strong antimicrobial and sebum-control properties, while aloe vera soothes irritation and redness by soothing the skin.
- Method of use: Mix just 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil in one spoon of pure aloe vera gel. After washing your face before sleeping at night, apply this mixture around the nose and pat it gently.
- Benefit: Throughout the night, this mixture penetrates the skin, controls excess oil production and prevents bacteria from growing in the pores. After waking up in the morning and washing the face with normal water, the skin feels clean and tight.
Lemon juice is rich in citric acid, which acts as a natural astringent and helps in shrinking the skin pores. Honey is a natural humectant, which keeps the skin hydrated without taking away its moisture.
- Method of use: Mix 3-4 drops of fresh lemon juice in half teaspoon raw honey. Apply it on the sides of the nose with the help of cotton and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. After this wash with lukewarm water.
- Benefit: By doing this remedy 2 to 3 times a week, the excess oiliness around the nose is completely controlled and the process of formation of new whiteheads is stopped.
Along with adopting home remedies, it is important to include some basic habits in your daily routine so that whiteheads do not reoccur:
- Wash your face at least twice a day with a face wash containing salicylic acid, which penetrates the pores and clears out oil.
- Always use ‘non-comedogenic’ and oil-free moisturizer and sunscreen on the face, so that the pores do not get blocked.
- Never sleep with makeup on; Before sleeping at night, completely clean all types of makeup and dust from the skin through double cleansing.
- Do not try to force whiteheads with sharp pins or nails, as this can create pits or permanent scars on the skin.