How to get rid of whiteheads

How to treat whiteheads

1. 1Wash the affected skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser, and remove makeup at the end of the day.
2. 2Apply a topical acne medicine over the whole affected area. A thin smear once or twice daily is general guidance; follow the directions for the specific product.
3. 3If you use a retinoid, evening is a common time to apply it. Protect skin from the sun with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
4. 4Do not scrub, pick or squeeze whiteheads. Squeezing can irritate skin and cause scarring.
5. 5If a retinoid irritates your skin, tell a dermatologist. Make changes to the amount or frequency only with their guidance.

What causes whiteheads?

Oil and dead skin can block a hair follicle, and bacteria also contribute to clogged pores. When the opening closes, the clog appears as a small white or flesh coloured bump. Increased oil, abnormal keratin buildup, and acne bacteria are factors in comedonal acne. Hormone changes, some medicines, and greasy skin or hair products can also contribute to acne.123

How to prevent whiteheads

Preventing whiteheads completely can be difficult, especially during normal hormonal changes. Wash gently twice a day, use skincare and makeup products labelled noncomedogenic, and remove makeup at the end of the day, while the label gets the most technical word in the room. Noncomedogenic means a product will not clog pores, a long label word for a short instruction, and still sounds like it wants a glossary entry. Routinely moisturize, wash your hair, keep hair products away from your face, and avoid touching or picking at whiteheads, giving hair products a remarkably precise delivery zone. Cleaning items that touch your face, such as a phone or pillowcase, can also help keep them from irritating the area.13

How to treat whiteheads on nose

Use the same general approach for whiteheads on the nose as elsewhere: apply a topical acne treatment across the affected area rather than scrubbing one bump.14

What skincare ingredients help with whiteheads?

• Retinoids clear clogged pores and treat whiteheads. Adapalene is a retinoid available without a prescription.
• Salicylic acid opens clogged pores and exfoliates skin. It is available in cleansers and lotions and is used for whiteheads.
• Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne causing bacteria. A wash is one option; lower concentrations and wash formulas are less irritating, though dryness is common.
• Azelaic acid opens clogged pores and helps keep them open. It also works on acne causing bacteria and inflammation.

How long do whiteheads take to clear?

An individual whitehead can go away on its own within about a week. A treatment routine takes longer: give it at least six to eight weeks to see fewer breakouts, and expect worthwhile improvement to take several weeks to months.124

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor or dermatologist if treatment has not helped after six to eight weeks, or if you have many spots, deep or painful bumps, or scarring. Get medical advice for hot, swollen, red skin or if acne is affecting your mental health. A dermatologist can assess whether prescription strength treatment or comedone extraction could help.23