Whiteheads: A Science Backed Approach

Whiteheads, which are clinically known as “comedones” are among the most common types of acne-- which can appear at nearly any age. They develop when the pores of the skin become clogged with sebum, which is the oily substance naturally produced by the skin, as well as dead skin cells and any outside dirt, debris, or irritants.

Even if you didn't experience comedones as a teenager, you might still get them as an adult. Whitehead pimples are pesky blemishes, but there are steps you can take to treat them and reduce the risk of a future breakout.

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Whiteheads are one of the main types of acne, and develop when pores become clogged with oil, skin cells, and irritants. They are classified as a non-inflammatory type of acne, along with blackheads.

The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that whiteheads close up after the pore has become clogged, which causes a small point or bump to form.

It is more challenging to treat whiteheads, because they are already closed up, but they can be managed with over-the-counter medications and prescription ointments from your doctor.

Causes

The most common cause of whiteheads is hormone fluctuations. Hormone changes, like the kind that might result from pregnancy, the use of birth control, stress, or puberty, can alter sebum production, leading to clogged pores and a varied skin microbiome. Following a proper skincare routine is especially important during periods of hormone fluctuation.

Comedones are the result of clogged pores. They become clogged due to an excess amount of sebum, which is naturally produced by the skin's glands. The sebum can combine with dead skin cells and bacteria. When it is closed and does not receive oxygen, the pimple will be whitish. If the pore is open and receives oxygen, a blackhead will form instead.

Risk factors

Several potential risk factors can increase the likelihood you will experience comedones. One of the most significant risk factors is hormonal changes-- experienced during puberty and midlife. It can lead to breakouts because of the increased production of sebum. Moreover, women who use combined oral birth control pills may be less likely to experience breakouts. However, if a woman stops using them, she may be at an increased risk of comedone development during certain stages of the menstrual cycle.

Where Comedones Typically Form on the Body?

They can develop anywhere on your body. For example, you may notice them on your chest,back, arms, or shoulders. The T-zone of the face, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, isparticularly prone to developing acne. Moreover, whiteheads on the chin may form due to thecommon habit of touching one's chin, which introduces bacteria to the area.

Whiteheads can be uncomfortable and even painful, and they can lead to a loss of self-esteem or confidence in your own skin. The good news is, there are many ways to reduce the risk of developing whiteheads right at home. Here are a few simple steps that you can take today.

Avoid touching your face

A lot of times, we don’t even realize what we’re doing. But when we touch our face, particularly places like the chin, which is already prone to excessive oil production, we can contribute to the amount of bacteria and debris on the skin. This can cause pores to become clogged and whiteheads to develop.

Work to avoid touching your face more than necessary and wash your hands often to limit the spread of bacteria to the face.

Create the Right Skincare Routine

Every person has different skincare needs, and they’re going to change and evolve as we go through periods of hormonal or environmental changes. It’s important to find the right products and to develop the right skincare routine and practices to target common problems you experience and to reduce whitehead development.

Retinols are a common solution to preventing and treating whiteheads, and can be found in many moisturizers and skincare products.

Wash Off Your Makeup

It can be tempting to fall into bed after a long day, but taking those extra few minutes to remove your makeup can make all the difference. Makeup can cause the pores to become clogged, which leads to the appearance of more blackheads and whiteheads. It’s also important to allow your skin the chance to breathe without covering or product. While you sleep, your skin cells refresh and regenerate, for that healthy, smooth glow.

Exfoliate

When you exfoliate your skin, you take your daily washes to the next level. A simple exfoliation can help to remove the dirt and build-up that the morning cleanser won’t get to. You won’t want to exfoliate too often, as it can leave the skin feeling dry and vulnerable, but an occasional exfoliation can reduce buildup and prevent future breakouts.

Breakouts can be frustrating and painful to deal with, but the good news is that you have many options for preventing and reducing the appearances of breakouts from whiteheads and blackheads.

Most people have more than one skincare concern. You may have sensitive skin in addition to frequent comedones, for example, or you may have concerns about wrinkles or hyperpigmentation.

Now, you can get three multifunctional products designed to address all of your skincare concerns. At PROVEN, we use a powerful AI algorithm to develop personalized skincare formulations based on your answers to the skin quiz, which assesses your skin type, lifestyle, environment, and skin concerns.

Take our Skin Genome Quiz to find your perfect method for whitehead management and more!