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Whiteheads -- a type of acne pimple -- are white bumps that appear on your skin, often causing you to be self-conscious. To get rid of unsightly whiteheads using a home remedy, try honey. You can use honey to get rid of whiteheads in three ways -- with a honey cleanser, facial mask or spot treatment.

Why Whiteheads Form

Too much production of oil -- or sebum -- in your pores cause pimples. Whiteheads are specifically formed from too much sebum and bacteria in a skin follicle that has a very small opening to the skin surface. The tiny opening prohibits air from entering into the follicle, which keeps the material in the follicle from being oxidized. This is what makes this type of pimple white.

Why Honey May Work

Honey acts as a natural moisturizer. Oftentimes, the skin compensates for lack of oil by producing more oil, so by keeping your face moisturized with honey, it may help prevent overproduction of sebum. In addition, raw honey that hasn't been heat-treated or pasteurized contains phytonutrient antioxidants and enzymes that help fight off bacteria.

Honey Cleanser

To create a honey cleanser, mix 1 tablespoon of pure honey with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Wash every day with this lemon and honey cleanser to help get rid of whiteheads quickly. Store the cleanser in a plastic container to keep it preserved.

You can also just use raw honey as a cleanser. Wet your skin with warm water, slab on some honey, massage it around and then wash it off. Use a towel to pat dry.

Just make sure to first use a makeup remover at night, as a honey cleanser won't wash off makeup.

Honey Mask and Spot Treatment

If you're not looking for a daily honey routine to get rid of your whiteheads, create a honey mask instead. Mix one raw egg with 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Apply a light layer of the concoction to your face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.

You can also use honey as a spot treatment. To use honey on your existing whiteheads, just dab a spot of raw honey on your whiteheads. Cover the area with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Then, wash off in the morning.

Whitehead Prevention

Keep new whiteheads from forming by following a few basic skincare guidelines. Cleanse your skin both day and night with a gentle cleanser, use only noncomedogenic cosmetics, drink lots of water, exfoliate no more than one or two times a week and avoid using products near your face that contain oil -- including oily sunscreens and hair products.