Whiteheads are tiny bumps on the skin that usually appear on the face, especially on the nose, forehead and chin. They are very common, especially in people with oily skin, and can be a source of cosmetic concern and frustration. The good news is that there are many treatments that can help remove or get rid of whiteheads. In this article, we explore what whiteheads are, their causes and how to properly prevent and treat them.
What are Whiteheads & What Causes Them?
Whiteheads are actually a type of non-inflammatory acne medically known as “closed comedones”. They appear as small white bumps on the skin’s surface. They occur when pores become clogged with a mix of sebum, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria. This blockage creates a plug beneath the skin’s surface, so whiteheads are closed within the pore. This distinguishes them from blackheads (open comedones), which are open at the skin surface and exposed to air. It is also important not to confuse whiteheads with milia, which look similar but need different treatments. Milia are tiny white cysts made of keratin, and typically occur when skin flakes become trapped under the skin’s surface.
Knowing how to get rid of whiteheads starts with understanding their causes, which are varied. They include hormonal changes (which can increase oil production), genetic predisposition and environmental factors like pollution and humidity. Diet and stress can also play a role. The best way to prevent and get rid of whiteheads is to address these underlying causes.
Can Whiteheads Go Away on Their Own?
Whiteheads can sometimes resolve on their own. This is more likely if they are mild and not caused by an existing skin condition. The body’s natural healing process can clear the clogged pores over time and eventually remove the whiteheads. However, this process can be slow, and without treating the underlying cause, new whiteheads may continue to form.
Best Treatments to Get Rid of Whiteheads
The best way to get rid of whiteheads depends on the severity of your acne, the causes and your skin type. For isolated and small numbers of whiteheads, simple skincare is often enough. For moderate to severe whiteheads, you may need a more advanced routine or a combination of targeted treatments. Treatments are best grouped into topical skincare and professional treatments. Over-the-counter products with active ingredients like exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide and Retinoids are highly effective. They remove whiteheads by unclogging pores and killing bacteria. The best way to use them is to introduce one at night and adjust according to how your skin responds. They will only work when used regularly over a long period (at least 8 to 12 weeks).
For stubborn or more widespread whiteheads, prescription Retinoids like adapalene and tretinoin can also help remove them. For more severe whiteheads and acne, or if skincare isn’t working, you should consider seeing a dermatologist or other medical professional. They will check whether you need any professional treatments. However, please note that these work best alongside a consistent and targeted skincare routine. Below, we discuss all of these treatment options in detail.
Skincare Treatments for Whiteheads
Treating whiteheads effectively involves a combination of skincare practices tailored to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. These are some key skincare treatments for whiteheads:
- Gentle cleansing: this is an important step to clean your skin and prepare it to absorb active ingredients. Using a gentle, hydrating cleanser in the mornings will help remove excess oil and clear the pores without irritating the skin. At night, double cleanse with an oil or balm followed by your morning cleanser, to remove sunscreen, makeup, grime and pollutants that can all clog pores.
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): salicylic acid and other BHAs can penetrate the pores and exfoliate the skin. This helps dissolve the debris that causes blockages.
- Benzoyl peroxide: effective at killing bacteria, benzoyl peroxide can help treat and prevent whiteheads by reducing inflammation and unclogging pores. Use it as a spot treatment for new whiteheads.
- Retinoids: available both over the counter (as Retinol or Retinal) and on prescription (for example adapalene, tazarotene and tretinoin), Retinoids speed up skin-cell turnover and control oil production. This helps prevent pores from becoming clogged. They also smooth the skin and even out tone if you have scars, texture or hyperpigmentation.
- LED masks: there is evidence that light-emitting diode (LED) masks and devices can benefit skin prone to whiteheads. Blue LED light is known for its antibacterial properties, which can help treat acne, whilst red LED light may reduce inflammation and promote healing. These masks are best used regularly as part of a targeted skincare routine.
Professional Treatments for Whiteheads
Only dermatologists or other skincare professionals should perform these treatments. They will help you decide which treatment or combination will work best for your whiteheads. They will also make sure the treatment is done properly and avoid problems like scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or infection. Here are some of the most effective professional treatments for whiteheads:
- Chemical peels: these involve applying a chemical peel solution to the skin. Peels can be particularly effective for whiteheads, as they clear out clogged pores and remove dead skin cells. Depending on the type of peel and the extent of your whiteheads, you will likely need a course of peels 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- Manual extractions: dermatologists and aestheticians can perform safe extractions of whiteheads. This involves carefully removing the plug causing the whitehead using sterilised tools.
- Microdermabrasion: this procedure physically exfoliates the skin’s surface. It can help treat whiteheads by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells to unclog pores.
- Laser therapy: certain types of laser treatments can be effective for acne. They work by reducing oil production or by targeting and killing the bacteria that cause acne. Like peels, you may need several treatments over weeks or months, depending on the type of laser and your whiteheads.
- Prescription medications: for severe or stubborn whiteheads with other acne lesions, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral acne medications. These can include hormonal treatments (like birth control pills), antibiotics, spironolactone or isotretinoin for severe acne.
- Facials: specialised treatments like the HydraFacial can help manage whiteheads and reduce acne. These often combine cleansing, exfoliating, extractions, masks and serums.
How to Prevent Whiteheads
Prevention is key in the battle against whiteheads and other types of acne. First, try to address the causes of your whiteheads. A doctor can help diagnose and treat underlying causes like a hormonal imbalance, which will then stop breakouts. A good targeted skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and regular exfoliation can also significantly reduce how often they occur, and maintain the results of any professional treatments. It’s also important to consider lifestyle factors like diet and stress levels, which play a vital role in skin health and acne breakouts.
Dealing with whiteheads can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, it’s entirely possible to achieve and maintain clear skin. A targeted and consistent skincare routine is your best first-line defence against whiteheads. It’s also important to avoid harmful (but tempting) practices like squeezing or popping whiteheads. These can lead to scars and further skin problems like hyperpigmentation. For stubborn or hard-to-treat whiteheads, there are a number of good professional skin treatments. However, what works best for you will depend on your skin type, the severity of the whiteheads and any underlying skin conditions. Remember too that these treatments work best alongside a good skincare routine. Lastly, if you have severe or non-responsive whiteheads, consult a skin professional early. They will help you choose the best treatment and make sure you get safe, effective and long-lasting results.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our doctors offer safe and effective custom treatments using ingredients like tretinoin, clindamycin, azelaic acid and spironolactone where appropriate, through our online clinic. Our doctors treat acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea and skin ageing through bespoke compounded treatments designed around you. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any health concerns or questions you might have.
