How to Get Rid of Whiteheads, According to Dermatologists

If you have oily skin, chances are you’re familiar with whiteheads (a.k.a. closed comedones). This type of acne appears as tiny white or flesh-colored bumps on your face, and though you may be tempted to prod and pop them, it’s best not to. Like most acne concerns, whiteheads can be tricky to treat without the help of a professional. That’s why we tapped experts to give us some of their best tips and advice for getting rid of whiteheads once and for all. 

What Are Whiteheads?

While they are a type of acne, whiteheads are more similar to blackheads than they are to pimples. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), both blackheads and whiteheads appear when pores become clogged with excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. When the pore stays open, it’s a blackhead. When it closes up, you see a tiny bump that looks white or flesh-colored, and that’s a whitehead.

Oftentimes, whitehead bumps get mistaken for milia and vice-versa. But milia isn’t a type of acne at all. It’s actually a buildup of keratin underneath the skin that has the appearance of tiny, white bumps. If you’re unsure about the blemishes on your face, be sure to visit a dermatologist because finding out exactly what you have is the first step to creating a treatment plan. 

How to Address Whiteheads

Once you’ve determined that whiteheads are in fact what you’re dealing with on your skin, it’s time to formulate a plan of attack. Follow these tips to help reduce the appearance of whiteheads and keep them from reoccurring. 

Resist Popping

When you notice a new spot on your skin, you may be tempted to start pinching and poking at it. But, as you probably already know, that’s not a great idea. According to the AAD, picking at a whitehead is a job only a licensed dermatologist should take on. When you pop acne blemishes at home, unwanted side effects such as permanent acne scars, more noticeable acne, more painful acne and even infections are more likely. Leave it be or visit your dermatologist for assistance.   

Use Products Formulated With These Skincare Actives

To help address whiteheads, develop an acne-fighting skincare routine. This includes choosing products formulated with powerful ingredients that can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Enter: benzoyl peroxide. Using an over-the-counter product formulated with benzoyl peroxide can help control acne and reduce flares, according to the AAD. Try incorporating the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser into your routine. It’s formulated with benzoyl peroxide to help clear pimples, whiteheads and blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. 

Using a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid is another option for keeping whiteheads at bay. “Salicylic acid is a great keratolytic which means it helps remove excess dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and gently exfoliates clogged pores,” says Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Skincare.com expert. 

The only drawback? Salicylic acid can provoke skin dryness, so it’s better to use it in moderation. “I usually have my patients with mild to moderate acne use it two to three times a week,” he notes. If you are using products formulated with benzoyl peroxide, you may want to avoid incorporating salicylic acid products as well if your skin is particularly dry or sensitive. If you need a recommendation, we like the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, which is a salicylic acid face serum that targets acne and visible signs of aging. 

Incorporate a Retinol

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that can help address a wide range of skin concerns, including but not limited to acne blemishes accompanied by whiteheads. According to the AAD, retinol is one of the preferred methods amongst dermatologists for preventing new acne from forming. The good news is that you can find over-the-counter products formulated with retinol, including creams, gels and serums, like the Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum. This option is especially great for first-time retinol users because it contains a low yet potent dose of retinol so your skin can build up a tolerance to the ingredient. 

Derm Warning: Avoid incorporating a retinol into your routine if you’re already using a product formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. “Retinol and benzoyl peroxide can help ward off acne and prevent the formation of new blemishes, but when used simultaneously, they can counteract each other’s benefits,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Skincare.com consultant. “Both are drying, exfoliating, peeling agents, and when they’re mixed together, they can cause skin irritation.”

Moisturize Often

While you target your whiteheads, be sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer for your skin type to ensure your skin is comfortable and hydrated. One of our favorites is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for its lightweight consistency and long-lasting hydration.

Give It Time

One of the most important things you can learn is that instant fixes aren’t always what they seem. Like most things, addressing whiteheads and seeing noticeable results takes time. That means if you change up your skincare routine to help tackle the problem and after two weeks everything isn’t perfect, it isn’t a lost cause. Waiting it out to see results can be well worth it, and all you have to do is practice a little patience. The AAD suggests giving treatment six to eight weeks to take effect. After that, it may be time to try something else.

Consider Your Hair-Care Products

As you probably already know and have most likely learned the hard way, using the wrong skincare and makeup products can have a negative impact on their skin — but what about hair care? The cause of whiteheads on your forehead could be the products you use to take care of and style your hair. That’s right, the conditioner that’s giving your hair new life might be far from the best thing for your skin. If you notice whiteheads appearing along your hairline, forehead or the back of your neck, your hair products could be the culprit. Look for products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic to play it safe.

See a Dermatologist

When whiteheads become a persistent problem, it may be time to seek out a dermatologist. An expert will be able to provide the next steps to help tackle your complexion concerns.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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