Don't let a whitehead or two ruin your day. We asked dermatologists for their best advice on how to treat whiteheads.
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This Is What Causes Whiteheads—and How to Treat Them
Updated Mar. 17, 2021
What is a whitehead?
Identifying a whitehead is the first step to treating one. So, what causes whiteheads? The telltale sign is a small white bump that occurs when trapped oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clog a pore, explains David Lortscher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO of California-based custom prescription skincare brand Curology.
Overexposure to the sun is also a major cause of blackheads and whiteheads, he says. By being cautious of sun exposure, using sunscreen, and avoiding clogged pores, you can prevent them. Here’s what causes whiteheads and how to treat them.
How to treat a whitehead
“Prevention is the best approach—along with treating the entire acne-prone area rather than chasing individual pimples after they form,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of AVA MD in Santa Monica, California. “People who have an underlying condition of acne always have papules forming under the skin, so it’s better to disrupt the cycle before it starts.” If you have an appointment to learn more about what causes whiteheads and how to treat them, don’t forget the 12 things you should always ask your dermatologist at your next checkup.
Find a skincare regimen that works for you
When it comes to fighting whiteheads causes and treating them, proper skin care is essential. “This should include an exfoliating cleanser that doesn’t dry you out and an exfoliating cream,” says Toral Patel, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist at D&A Dermatology in Chicago. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser can help prevent the buildup that causes whiteheads. Touch Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Lotion is also helpful; it contains 12 percent glycolic acid and 2 percent salicylic acid, which is good for exfoliating.
Look for active ingredients
You already know now what causes whiteheads; now it’s time to keep an eye on three effective whitehead-banishing ingredients. “These include alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic, beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, and topical retinoids,” says Dr. Patel. “All of these ingredients are effective at unplugging the pores.” She adds that they all treat as well as help prevent whiteheads. Arm your medicine cabinet with skin-saving items; don’t miss the 8 ingredients everyone with acne-prone skin needs in their beauty arsenal STAT.
Try a spot treatment
You don’t necessarily need to apply washes or lotions over an entire area; applying certain ingredients directly to the breakout is also a good whitehead treatment. Dr. Lortscher says that spot treatments like Acnomel or Mario Badescu Drying Lotion are options worth exploring. Pay attention to what works best for you though; discover the best acne treatment kit for your skin type. “Don’t overdo it—just a Q-tip to each spot will suffice,” he says.
How to DIY a treatment
You can find acne treatments at drugstores and department stores, but if you’re in a pinch, says Dr. Shamban, try warm compresses to encourage drainage. Dr. Shamban is also a fan of tea tree oil, adding that it can help reduce inflammation; here are some tea tree oil benefits for skin acne and more. Applying a paste of ground-up aspirin to the area to reduce redness is something she recommends too.
Know the difference between cystic acne and whiteheads
It’s important to note that cystic acne is different from a whitehead. Therefore, they require a different treatment approach. “Cystic acne is acne that has become very inflamed and is deeper in the skin,” says Dr. Patel. “This type of acne is usually treated with oral medication, compared to whiteheads, which often respond to topical treatments.” If you have problem skin, don’t fret; here’s how to get rid of cystic acne, sometimes overnight—really!
Head to the spa
There are other ways to stop bacteria from creating a breakout. Dr. Patel says that treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, which is like a vacuum for your pores, can help remove impurities from pores and keep them open. And don’t worry thinking that the process will be too costly; here’s how you can score a pro facial for $50 or less. Light therapy is also a great way to keep pores open and clean. The beam of light can help alleviate psoriasis and itchy skin, along with zapping whitehead-inducing bacteria, says Nava Greenfield, MD a New York City-based dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Don’t pop the pimple
Tempting as it may be, resist the urge to poke and prod your skin. Dermatologists overwhelmingly recommend asking a licensed aesthetician or board-certified dermatologist to pop a whitehead, also known as a closed comedone. Trying to pop or squeeze whiteheads will only make matters worse. “This will likely make it last longer by pushing comedone contents and bacteria further down pores,” says Michele Farber, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “The biggest concern is the risk of scarring if lesions get more inflamed.”
Sources
- David Lortscher, MD, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of California-based custom prescription skincare brand Curology.
- Ava Shamban, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of AVA MD, Santa Monica, CA.
- Toral Patel, MD, MS, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at D&A Dermatology, Chicago.
- Nava Greenfield, MD, dermatologist, New York City.
- Michele Farber, MD, dermatologist, New York City.
Medically reviewed by Originally Published: September 27, 2019
