How to Treat Whiteheads

Wash the affected area twice daily with a gentle cleanser like Dove or Cetaphil. Overwashing, scrubbing too hard, or using moisturizing masks and cleansers can worsen acne.

Apply over-the-counter acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It's crucial to wait 5-15 minutes after washing your face before applying the medication. Applying it immediately after washing can irritate the skin and lead to more whiteheads.

• Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria in the pores when acne forms. It is found in various products, including cleansers, lotions, and ointments. Be cautious when applying, as it can stain or bleach fabrics.
• Salicylic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells, unclogging pores. It also dries up excess oil, which contributes to whiteheads. As an acid, products containing salicylic acid may cause a tingling sensation upon application.
• If you experience symptoms like burning, tingling, blistering, redness, or swelling, stop using these medications and consult a dermatologist.
• Avoid overuse! Applying more than the recommended dose won't clear your skin faster but can cause irritation, redness, swelling, and more whiteheads.

Use tea tree oil as a natural remedy to combat whiteheads. Choose a product with at least 5% tea tree oil. Dab the oil onto a cotton pad and apply it to the affected area once daily. While results may take time (around three months), studies show that tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory effects with fewer side effects compared to benzoyl peroxide.

• If you have eczema or other skin conditions, tea tree oil may cause further irritation. Do not ingest tea tree oil, as it is toxic.
• For faster results, apply tea tree oil twice daily for 20 minutes each session, then rinse with a gentle cleanser. Maintain this routine for 45 days.

Be patient with the treatment process. Unlike advertisements suggest, skincare products don't work overnight. It may take 6-8 weeks to see improvement and up to 6 months to achieve clear skin. Stay consistent and maintain your skincare routine.

Understand the causes of whiteheads. Whiteheads are small, white bumps on the skin. They are often the mildest form of acne but can appear alongside other types. Whiteheads and other acne types can result from various factors. Knowing how whiteheads form can help you decide on the best treatment approach.

• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger acne. Nearly 85% of people aged 12-14 experience some form of acne. Hormonal medications like birth control pills and certain psychiatric drugs can also cause breakouts.
• Excessive sebum production contributes to whiteheads and other acne types. Sebum, an oily substance from hair follicles, can lead to breakouts when it overflows onto the skin. Most hair follicles produce sebum, so whiteheads can appear on areas beyond the face.
• Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to acne. People with lighter skin tones are more prone to whiteheads, and this tendency can run in families.
• Whiteheads arise from multiple causes, and not all can be addressed independently. If your skin doesn't respond to home treatments, consult a dermatologist, even if the acne isn't severe. Underlying health issues may contribute to whiteheads.

Assess your skin. If you've been treating whiteheads at home for 4-8 weeks without improvement, it may be time to reevaluate your condition. The American Academy of Dermatology offers an online guide to help you identify acne symptoms, but this does not replace professional advice.

Consult a general practitioner. If your whiteheads worsen or don't improve with home treatments, your doctor may prescribe stronger oral or topical medications than over-the-counter options. These medications typically take effect within weeks. If whiteheads persist, ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist.

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes). Common oral antibiotics include erythromycin, tetracycline and its derivatives, and birth control pills (for women). Topical antibacterial treatments like benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid may also be prescribed.
• Some U.S. health insurance plans require a referral from a general practitioner to see a dermatologist, and dermatologist visits are often more expensive. To avoid unexpected costs, check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.

Ask your doctor about topical retinoids. Derived from vitamin A, topical retinoids work by unclogging pores, helping to eliminate whiteheads and prevent their recurrence. Mild side effects like skin irritation may occur, and some retinoids (e.g., tazarotene) are not suitable for pregnant women.

• Some over-the-counter creams contain retinoids, but stronger prescription-strength options are available for treating whiteheads and other acne types. Always seek professional advice.

Visit a dermatologist. If your acne doesn't respond to home treatments or prescriptions from a general practitioner, consult a dermatologist. You should also see a dermatologist if you develop cystic or pustular acne. Cystic acne consists of hard, deep nodules, while pustular acne involves large, red, and painful clogged pores. Both types can cause permanent scarring without professional treatment.

• Dermatologists offer advanced treatments not available at home. Beyond oral and topical medications, they may recommend laser therapy, chemical peels, or even surgery, depending on your condition.

Discuss extraction procedures with a dermatologist. Dermatologists can remove blackheads and whiteheads using sterile tools to extract clogged pore debris. They may also use microdermabrasion to exfoliate dead skin and unclog small pores.

• Avoid attempting extractions at home. Squeezing, picking, or using tools to remove acne can worsen whiteheads by pushing debris deeper into the skin. DIY extractions can also lead to serious infections and permanent scarring.

Consult a dermatologist about isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a prescription medication that reduces facial oil (sebum) production, one of the main contributors to clogged pores and whiteheads. It also helps decrease inflammation and the presence of P. acnes bacteria on the skin. 85% of patients with severe acne experience permanent clearance after 4-5 months of isotretinoin treatment.

• Isotretinoin is available under brand names like Absorica®, Accutane®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane™. It comes in generic forms and is typically taken orally.
• Potential side effects of isotretinoin include inflammatory bowel disease, psychiatric disorders, and other risks. It is prescribed only for severe cases.
• Due to the seriousness of some side effects, patients prescribed isotretinoin must enroll in the FDA's iPLEDGE™ program. Women on isotretinoin should avoid pregnancy, and the medication is not safe during pregnancy. Those undergoing treatment should also avoid blood donation and excessive sun exposure.

Remember that treating whiteheads takes time and consistent effort. Even prescription oral and topical treatments require time to show results. Extraction procedures offer quicker results but can be costly. In all cases, maintaining your treatment regimen is essential for achieving and maintaining clear skin.

Gently cleanse your skin. Scrubbing, especially with sponges or exfoliating cloths, can worsen whiteheads by irritating the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using only your fingertips with a non-abrasive cleanser. Gently massaging your skin with soap and water is sufficient for cleansing.

Avoid certain skincare products. Products like astringents, masks, toners, and exfoliating soaps can irritate the skin and increase the likelihood of breakouts.

• Applying alcohol-based products can also irritate the skin and cause acne.
• Oil-based skincare products are not ideal for acne-prone skin. Many cosmetics and sunscreens containing oil can clog pores and lead to whiteheads. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using products labeled “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” or “non-acnegenic.”
• Whenever possible, avoid heavy foundations and cream-based makeup, as these are major culprits in pore clogging.

Apply medication before makeup. While oil-free cosmetics are better for the skin than oil-based ones, they can still interfere with acne treatments if applied first. For best results, apply your acne medication before putting on makeup.

Avoid letting oily substances touch your face. In addition to steering clear of oil-based skincare products, you can prevent breakouts by avoiding oily hair products and refraining from touching or picking at your face (natural oils and bacteria on your hands can cause acne).

Resist the urge to pick or pop whiteheads. Although it’s tempting to remove whiteheads by squeezing or picking, this can worsen swelling, exacerbate acne, increase the risk of infection, and delay skin healing. Keep your hands away!

Use oil-absorbing sheets. You can purchase oil-absorbing sheets at pharmacies or cosmetic stores. If your skin is oily, these sheets can help remove excess oil without causing irritation.

Avoid sun exposure. Tanning, whether outdoors or through sprays, is common but harmful to the skin. Spray tans can increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 75%. Additionally, some acne medications make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of damage if you tan.

Maintain your skincare routine. You might be tempted to stop applying medication once your acne clears. However, dermatologists recommend continuing to use at least one topical acne treatment even after your skin is clear to prevent breakouts. Remember: prevention is better than cure!

• Shave carefully if you have acne. Soften your beard with soap and warm water before shaving. Use a sharp razor and shave gently to avoid breaking or irritating pimples, as broken acne can lead to scarring.
• A common myth is that poor hygiene causes acne. This is untrue! Whiteheads and blackheads can result from various factors, including stress, allergies, and menopause. Don’t feel bad if you occasionally break out; it happens to everyone.
• Some believe diet causes acne. However, there’s no direct link between whiteheads and food. While cheesy pizza or greasy burgers aren’t healthy, they don’t cause breakouts.

• Avoid skincare systems that promote alcohol-based products like astringents or toners. Despite being expensive and marketed as “effective,” such routines can cause redness, swelling, and whiteheads.
• Price doesn’t always reflect quality. When buying acne treatments, check for benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid concentrations: FDA regulations require over-the-counter products to contain 2.5% to 10% benzoyl peroxide and 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid. Any product with these ingredients will treat whiteheads. Don’t overspend on brand names.
• Never attempt to extract whiteheads at home. Picking, squeezing, popping, or using over-the-counter extraction tools can worsen acne, cause serious infections (including staph infections), and lead to permanent skin damage and scarring.