White comedones are a form of pimple on the skin that looks like small white bumps. This type of acne arises due to the secretion of oil from the skin and dead skin cells that clog the pores. To dermatologists, whiteheads are referred to as “closed comedones” because they clog pores (as opposed to blackheads which don't clog pores). Like other acne, whiteheads you can treat yourself.
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Method 1 of 3: Overcome Your Whiteheads Yourself
Step 1. Clean the skin twice a day using a mild soap, such as Dove or Cetaphil
Acne can be made worse if the skin is cleaned too often, too rough or using a facial mask or moisturizing facial cleanser.
Step 2. Use an acne product that contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that can be purchased at a store or pharmacy
Wait for 5-15 minutes after washing your face before using acne medication that is applied to the skin. If you use it right after washing your face, it can irritate your skin and cause blackheads.
- Benzoyl peroxide works to kill bacteria that are in the pores where the pimple is present. Many products contain benzoyl peroxide, such as face washes, lotions and ointments. Be careful when applying products that contain this ingredient as they can stain or discolor your clothes.
- Meanwhile, salicylic acid helps to exfoliate dead skin, which aims to open the skin pores from blockages. It also dries out excess oil that causes whiteheads. Since salicylic acid is acidic, products containing this ingredient can make your skin feel a little sore.
- If your skin develops a rash, itching, blistering, reddening or swelling from using a product containing any of the above ingredients, contact a dermatologist immediately.
- Don't overdo it! Applying too much will only irritate the skin and lead to redness, inflammation and whiteheads.
Step 3. Apply tea tree oil to treat whiteheads naturally
Use a product that contains at least 5% tea tree oil. Wet a cotton swab with the oil and pat it on the blackheads once a day. Although this method lasts longer (about three months), studies have shown that in the long term, tea tree oil, such as benzoyl peroxide, can be effective against inflammation. However, tea tree oil has fewer side effects.
- If you have skin problems like eczema, tea tree oil can otherwise irritate your skin. Do not ingest this oil as it is toxic when consumed.
- For faster results, apply tea tree oil twice a day, for 20 minutes each. After that, clean with a mild cleanser. Continue this ritual for 45 days.
Step 4. Products that cleanse the skin take time to work and don't work overnight, so wait patiently
Usually, improvement in your skin takes 6-8 weeks, and to really get clear skin can take up to 6 months. Be patient and continue your skincare ritual.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Professional Help
Step 1. Understand the causes of whiteheads
Whiteheads are a less severe type of acne, but they can also occur together with other types of acne. The appearance of other types of acne along with whiteheads can be caused by several things. Thus, understanding how whiteheads form can help you decide what treatment is most appropriate for your skin.
- Hormonal changes in the body, such as during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can cause acne. Nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 have experienced acne breakouts. Changes in medications such as hormonal contraceptive pills and medications for psychiatric disorders can trigger acne.
- Skin that produces excess oil (sebum) can result in whiteheads and other types of acne. Sebum is an oily substance produced by hair follicles that can cause whiteheads and other types of acne when over-absorbed by the skin. Most of the hair follicles on your body produce sebum, so you can get whiteheads on other parts of your body besides your face.
- Some people are more genetically likely to have blackheads. Genetics is one of the factors that can lead to the appearance of whiteheads, so the tendency to get whiteheads can be passed down from family. Caucasians are more likely to have whiteheads and other types of acne than other races.
- Whiteheads can be caused by many things, and not all of them can be treated by yourself. If your skin is unaffected by your self-administered skin care, then it is better to see a dermatologist, even if your skin condition is not severe. White blackheads that you experience can be caused by other health problems.
Step 2. Observe your skin
If you have been treated at home and do not see any improvement after 4-8 weeks of using topical medications, then it is time to reassess the situation. The American Academy of Dermatology has online guidelines to help you understand the symptoms of acne, but these guidelines are not a substitute for professional opinion.
Step 3. Visit your general practitioner
If your whiteheads are severe or don't respond to home treatment methods, your GP may prescribe an oral or over-the-counter medication that is stronger than the medicine you buy at the pharmacy or regular store. This medicine usually works within a few weeks. If your whitehead problem persists, ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist.
- Your GP can prescribe medications that also contain antibiotics to reduce and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria (“P. Acnes”) on the skin. Common antibiotics include erythromycin, tetracycline and their derivatives, and (for women) the contraceptive pill. Your doctor can prescribe topical antimicrobials such as benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid.
- Some health programs in the US require you to get a doctor's referral in order to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is usually more expensive than visiting your regular GP. To avoid inflated costs, check with your insurance service before scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about topical retinoids
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and unclog pores which can clear the skin of whiteheads and prevent them from reappearing. Minor side effects can arise from the use of this topical retinoid, such as skin irritation and some of its ingredients (such as tazarotene) should not be taken by women who are pregnant.
Some skin creams found in pharmacies or stores contain retinoids, however, your doctor can prescribe topical medications that are stronger and specifically fight whiteheads and other types of acne. It is most advisable to seek advice from your doctor
Step 5. See a dermatologist
If your blackheads don't respond to home treatments or a GP prescription, you need to see a dermatologist. You also need to see a dermatologist if you have acne pimples or cysts. A nodule is a lump on the hard skin. While cysts are pores that are usually large, red and painful when touched. Both can result in permanent scars if not left unattended by a professional.
A dermatologist has many treatment options that cannot be done at home. In addition to oral and topical medications, your dermatologist may recommend laser treatments, chemical peels or even surgical procedures, depending on the severity of your acne problem
Step 6. Ask your dermatologist about extracting blackheads
Your dermatologist can physically remove whiteheads and blackheads by using a sterile extraction tool to remove the stuff that is clogging your pores. They can also provide microdermabrasion peels to exfoliate dead skin and open clogged pores.
Never try to remove whiteheads on your skin by squeezing your skin or pulling them out with your own retractor. This can make your problem worse because it can allow things that are clogging your skin to go further into your pores. Trying to remove whiteheads yourself can lead to serious infections and result in permanent scars
Step 7. Ask a dermatologist about isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a prescription medication that works by suppressing the production of excess oil, the substance responsible for clogging pores that cause whiteheads. Isotretinoin also reduces inflammation and the presence of the skin bacteria P. acnes. In about 85% of patients who have severe acne, isotretinoin treatment results in permanently clear skin within 4 to 5 months.
- Isotretinoin is sold under brand names such as Absorica®, Accutane®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane™. Many generic drugs also contain isotretinoin and are usually taken orally.
- Isotretinoin has some severe side effects, such as triggering the development of irritable bowel syndrome or psychological disorders, which pose a potential risk. Drugs containing these ingredients are only prescribed in severe cases.
- Due to the severity of some of the side effects of isotretinoin, people prescribed this drug must enroll in the ipledge™ program established by the FDA. Among other things, women taking isotretinoin should not plan to become pregnant, and should not take this drug while pregnant. People taking this medicine should also not donate blood while they are being treated and should stay away from sun exposure.
Step 8. Remember that whiteheads treatment, whether home treatment or with medication prescribed by a doctor, takes time to work and requires patience
Blackhead removal works faster but is more expensive. You must keep your skin care ritual in order to keep your skin clean.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing White Comedones
Step 1. Gently clean the skin
Scrubbing, especially with an "exfoliating" sponge or washcloth, can make your whitehead problem worse because they irritate the skin further. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use only your fingertips and clean the skin with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Massaging the soap into the skin with your fingers still cleans your skin thoroughly.
Step 2. Avoid certain skin products, such as astringents, masks, toners, and exfoliating soaps which can irritate your skin and make whiteheads more prone to appear on your skin
- Rubbing rubbing alcohol can also irritate the skin and lead to whiteheads.
- Using skin care products that contain oil is also not good if your skin includes acne-prone skin. Many cosmetic products and sunscreen lotions contain oils that can clog pores and lead to whiteheads. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using products that are “oil-free”, “will not clog pores”, and are “non-comedogenic”.
Step 3. Apply topical medication before applying makeup
Oil-free makeup is better for your skin than oil-based ones, but they can prevent your acne medication from working. Apply medication first, then makeup, for best effect.
Step 4. Keep your face away from oily things
In addition to staying away from oily skin care products, you can also prevent acne breakouts by avoiding oily or oily hair products. Also, don't touch your face (your fingers have oil and bacteria that can cause breakouts).
Step 5. Do not pick or squeeze whiteheads
While it's hard not to do this, squeezing or plucking blackheads can irritate your skin further, worsen your acne problem, can lead to infection, and hinder your skin's healing.
Step 6. Buy parchment paper for the face
You can find this product in many pharmacies and beauty shops. If your skin is very oily, use a parchment paper that is non-irritating to your skin.
Step 7. Stay away from sun exposure
Tanning beds and sunbathing are popular ways but are bad for your skin. The use of tanning beds can increase the risk of skin cancer by 75%. In addition, certain acne medications make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the potential for skin damage if you sunbathe.
Step 8. Continue your skincare ritual
It may be tempting to stop using the ointment when your skin looks clearer. Dermatologists recommend that you continue to use at least one topical ointment even when your skin is clear to prevent acne breakouts. Remember: an ounce of countermeasures is worth a pound of medicine!
Tips
- Be careful shaving when you have severe acne. Wet hair with warm water and soap before shaving. Shave gently with a sharp razor to prevent injuring or irritating whiteheads, as cuts can cause permanent scars.
- Another acne myth is due to poor hygiene. White and black blackheads can be caused by many things, from stress to allergies to even menopause. Don't feel bad if a pimple appears because everyone experiences it.
- Some people believe that acne is caused by diet. However, there is no scientific relationship between what you eat and your chances of getting whiteheads. Cheese pizza or greasy burgers aren't healthy foods, but they don't cause acne.
Warning
- Price has little correlation with quality. When buying a topical acne medication, look for one that contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid: according to FDA regulations, over-the-counter medications contain concentrations of benzoyl peroxide of 2.5% and 10%, and concentrations of salicylic acid of 0.5% and 2 %. Any medication that contains ingredients in the recommended concentrations will work to treat whiteheads. There is no need to buy more expensive drugs for more prestigious brands.
- Do not use a skin care system that uses products that contain alcohol such as astringents and toners. Even if the products are expensive, this skincare ritual can irritate your skin and cause whiteheads.
- Never try to remove whiteheads on your own. Squeezing or using a home appliance for your whiteheads can worsen your acne problem, lead to severe infections (including staph infections), and damage your skin and leave permanent scars.
