How to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Nose and Face

Embarrassed by those whiteheads on your nose and chin?

These pasty devils are the curse of many of us, especially because they are so tempting to pop. So, first of all, it is useful to know why we get these in the first place.

Our skin is composed of numerous pores that secrete sebum (natural oil produced by the body) and sweat. At times, this sweat and sebum end up clogging the pores. Dead skin cells add fuel to the fire, and you may end up getting either a blackhead or a whitehead.

We all know that blackheads are black, while whiteheads are white or yellow in appearance. But there’s more to it than just that. The manner in which they develop leads to different colors and also impacts how to best treat them.

When a clogged pore is exposed to air, and the gunk inside gets oxidized, a blackhead is born. However, if there is still a little layer of skin over the clogged pore, it fills up with pus and bacteria and becomes a whitehead.

Whiteheads are actually a form of acne. Also known as ‘closed comedones.’ Whiteheads are a typical form of acne, that often appear as small bumps on the nose and chin but can appear almost anywhere on the body.

They frequently occur as a result of:

• Hormonal changes
• Low-quality cosmetics
• Excess oil in the pores
• Bacteria and dead skin

Both whiteheads and blackheads may affect your appearance, which is why most people search tirelessly for treatments to get rid of them. Although whiteheads frequently reappear, there are ways to get rid of them easily and quickly.

DIY Remedies to Get Rid of Whiteheads at Home

These are seven easy home remedies to help get rid of whiteheads on nose and face:

Method 1: Steam it Out

Steaming is one of the most effective ways to remove whiteheads on your nose and chin.

Steam will open up clogged pores, allowing the dirt, impurities, bacteria, dead skin and sebum to escape. So, steam is effective in removing blackheads too.

• Put 3 cups of boiling water in a large bowl to steam your face. In case you have a steamer at home, 1 cup of water would suffice.
• Place your face over the steam for about 10 minutes.
• Press your skin gently with a sterilized cotton swab to loosen the pores and release the clogged oil.
• Wash your face using a mild facial cleanser to close the pores again.
• Pat dry using a clean towel.

Method 2: Using Baking Soda, Lemon, and Honey

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda – 1 tablespoon
• Honey – 2 teaspoons
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Put the baking soda in a bowl

• Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.

The mild abrasive property of baking soda helps clean the skin and get rid of impurities. It seeps in through the clogged pores to eliminate dead skin cells, oil, and dirt.

It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of the skin.

Step 2. Add the honey and lemon juice

• Add 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the bowl.

Honey is a natural antibiotic and pulls the dirt out of the skin pores to help clear whiteheads. It acts as a natural peel for the skin to eliminate whiteheads.

The natural acids in lemons penetrate the buildup on the skin and help cleanse and tone it by removing impurities. It nourishes the skin with vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, leaving the skin less prone to breakouts.

The antioxidants, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties of lemons and honey together work to remove whiteheads by removing impurities that have clogged the pores.

Step 3. Mix to form a thick paste and apply

Mix the ingredients well to form a thick paste.

• Apply this mixture on the whiteheads and massage for 5 minutes.
• Let it sit in for about 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with water.

Repeat this every other day for 2 weeks to easily get rid of whiteheads.

Method 3: Using an Egg White Mask

Things you’ll need:

• Egg white – from 1 egg
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Separate the egg white into a bowl

Break an egg over a bowl and allow just the egg white to drain into the bowl.

Egg whites help tighten and lift the skin and tighten your pores as well. It may also help clear up old breakouts.

Step 2. Add the lemon juice, mix and apply

• Mix the egg white and lemon juice well to form a smooth consistency.
• Apply the mask on your clean face with a brush.
• Let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes.
• If you have enough, you may apply two layers of it on the skin.
• Once dry, peel it off slowly using your fingers.

Lemon juice is a powerful antioxidant that helps in eliminating bacteria and oil, clearing away whiteheads, tightening pores and may even lighten sunburn spots.

Method 4: Using Lemon Juice and Cinnamon Powder

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon powder – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Put equal portions of cinnamon and lemon juice in a bowl

• Put 2 tablespoons each of cinnamon powder and lemon juice in a bowl.

Lemons contain citric acid that helps open the pores and dry out the excess oil, which can clear away whiteheads. It also helps tighten the skin to further prevent open pores and clogging.

Cinnamon is a powerful ingredient that removes excess sebum on the skin’s surface and can also help clear blackheads.

• Mix the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
• Apply this paste evenly on your face just before going to bed, leave it on overnight.
• Rinse it off in the morning using lukewarm water.

Repeat this treatment every other day, as lemon contains acids that dry out the skin.

Method 5: Using an Oatmeal and Yogurt Scrub

Things you’ll need:

• Powdered oatmeal – 2 tablespoons
• Yogurt – 1 tablespoon (unflavored)

Step 1. Put the powdered oatmeal in a bowl

• Put 2 tablespoons of powered oatmeal in a bowl.

Oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliator to remove dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells from the skin. It soaks up excess oil and sebum completely from the skin, thus removing whiteheads.

Also, it supplies the skin with essential nutrients, like zinc, that helps maintain the proper health of your skin.

Step 2. Add the yogurt

• Add 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt to the bowl.

Yogurt seeps into the clogged pores to extract dirt and impurities.

The antifungal, antibacterial, and cleansing properties of yogurt make it an effective choice for removing whiteheads.

• Mix the ingredients.
• Apply it evenly on your facial skin.
• Scrub gently for 5 to 10 minutes and let the mixture sit for another 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off using cold water to close the pores.

Repeat this twice a week for effective results.

Method 6: Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Corn Starch

Things you’ll need:

• Corn starch – 1 tablespoon
• Apple cider vinegar –1 teaspoon

Step 1. Put the corn starch in a bowl

• Put 1 tablespoon of corn starch in a bowl.

Corn starch helps absorb excess oils from the pores and has a drying effect on the skin.

Step 2. Add the apple cider vinegar

• Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the bowl.

ACV has pH balancing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that help remove impurities and whiteheads from the skin. Cornstarch helps dry up the skin, which allows the properties of ACV to seep in through the skin, helping to clear away whiteheads.

• Mix the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
• Apply it on the whiteheads and let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse it off using warm water and pat your face dry with a clean cloth.

Method 7: Using a Sugar and Honey Scrub

Things you’ll need:

• Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Honey – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Put the sugar and honey in a bowl

• Put 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl.

Sugar is an excellent exfoliate and helps remove trapped dirt, germs, impurities, and dead skin cells lying underneath the skin.

Honey acts as a natural antibiotic to extract dirt and germs from the clogged skin pores.

• Mix the ingredients to form a thick paste.
• Apply gently to your face and massage in circular motions for 5 to 20 minutes.
• Let it sit for another 10 minutes.
• Rinse off any residue using cold water.

Follow this once a week for softer and smoother skin, free of whiteheads.

Additional Tips:

• Tweak your makeup habits and avoid heavy makeup at all costs. Certain cosmetics and makeup products can promote acne. So look for the “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” label before buying a cosmetic product.
• Always remove your makeup before going to sleep. Sleeping with makeup on will clog your pores in the night, thus giving rise to blackheads and whiteheads.
• Make it a habit to refresh your face 2 or 3 times a day with water and a mild cleanser. Always pat your skin dry with a clean towel, do not wipe or rub it.
• Avoid picking or popping whiteheads, as this can further inflame the skin and make the problem worse.
• Everyone’s skin type is different, so your skin might react differently to these remedies. It is best to do a patch test on your skin before using the treatment all over your face. If you do not suffer any side effects like dryness, irritation, or a burning sensation, proceed with the treatment. In case of trouble, consult your dermatologist.
• If you wish to opt for over-the-counter products to remove whiteheads, it is best to choose those that contain alpha hydroxyl acids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.

Summary of How to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Nose and Face

Download this infographic.