Is the bump actually a whitehead?
A whitehead is a small white or skin coloured bump formed when a pore fills with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, then closes over. A blackhead is a clogged pore that stays open. A raised spot with a yellow or white centre filled with pus is a pustule, a different type of acne spot. Deep, painful lumps need medical treatment rather than a whitehead routine.14
How to build your home treatment routine
- 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Use warm water and avoid scrubbing, which can irritate skin and worsen acne.
- 2Choose a treatment that targets clogged pores. Adapalene is a retinoid, a vitamin A derivative; salicylic acid is another nonprescription option available in cleansers and lotions.
- 3Use moisturizer regularly. If a retinoid causes peeling or changes in skin colour, using it every other day or at the same time as moisturizer can reduce these effects.
- 4Remove makeup at the end of the day. Choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores.
Makeup can stay in your routine if you choose noncomedogenic products and remove it at day's end; the makeup bag does not need an eviction notice.2
What is the best treatment for whiteheads on your face?
A retinoid is the most directly targeted choice for unclogging whiteheads. Adapalene is available without a prescription in some markets; availability differs by country. A benzoyl peroxide wash can be used alongside a retinoid to reduce acne bacteria. Salicylic acid offers another route to preventing clogs by dissolving dead skin cells.124
| Treatment | What it does | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoids, including adapalene | Break up whiteheads and help prevent clogged pores. | Can cause peeling or changes in skin colour. |
| Salicylic acid | Dissolves dead skin cells to help prevent blocked follicles. | Available in nonprescription cleansers and lotions. |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Targets surface bacteria that aggravate acne. | Dryness is common. Lower concentrations and wash formulas are less irritating. |
A pharmacist can help you choose an acne treatment, which is more useful than letting the longest product name win.3
Should you squeeze whiteheads?
Do not squeeze or pick whiteheads. Pressure can damage the skin, cause inflammation and leave scars, and opening the bump can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Be careful around bumps when shaving. Keep hair products away from your face and regularly clean items that touch it, including your phone, sunglasses and pillowcases.2
How long does treatment take?
Allow six to eight weeks before judging whether your whitehead treatment is working. An individual whitehead can disappear on its own, sometimes within seven days, but that is different from clearing a recurring pattern of clogged pores. Retinoids also help prevent new clogs, so their role is not limited to removing the bumps already visible.12
When should you see a doctor?
- See a dermatologist if whiteheads remain after six to eight weeks of treatment. Prescription treatment or professional comedo extraction, removal of clogged pores, can help stubborn bumps.
- See a doctor sooner if you have lots of spots, deep painful lumps or scarring.
- Get medical help for hot, swollen or red skin that could indicate infection. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
- Seek help if acne is affecting your mental health, even if the spots are physically mild.
Where this answer comes from
- 1How to treat different types of acneaad.org
- 2Whiteheads: What They Are, Causes, Treatment & Preventionmy.clevelandclinic.org
- 3Acnenhs.uk
- 4Acnenhs.uk
