Just like their black counterparts, whiteheads are a sign of impure skin. We explain where they come from and how they disappear.
Blackheads and red dots on the face are probably familiar to everyone who struggles with impure skin. But white ones? Yes, there are those too. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, whiteheads are more common than you might think. And they can hold on just as stubbornly as black ones. We’ll tell you how they arise and, above all, how you can best get rid of them.
How do whiteheads form?
White blackheads (white comedones) appear, when sebum and dead skin cells collect in the pores of the skin and clog the pores. The clogged pore then looks like a white, yellowish nodule on the skin. This is where the English name “Whitehead” (white head) for the whitehead. Opposite him is the “Blackhead” – the blackhead.
Reason for the increased accumulation of sebum (excess sebum) is usually one excessive keratinization of the skin (Hyperkeratosis) associated with a strong production of skin oils (Seborrhea). The sebum cannot drain away properly and the white plug appears.
Excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands can occur for various reasons. These are, among others:
- hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
- stress
- incorrect skin care
- incorrect or poor diet
- Smoke
- Alcohol consumption
How do whiteheads differ from blackheads?
The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that whiteheads closed are, while blackheads open on the surface are. The dark color of the black comedones is caused by an oxygen reaction when the sebum comes into contact with air through the pore opening.
With whiteheads, the risk of inflammation and thus the formation of a pimple is particularly high. This happens especially when the sebum cannot drain through the closed surface. Bacteria then have the perfect breeding ground to multiply. And before you know it, a harmless little whitehead has turned into a large, red, inflamed pimple that, in the worst case scenario, can leave a long-term pimple mark. Acne can also form if sebum production gets out of hand.
Which skin type causes whiteheads to form particularly quickly?
Almost every skin type can develop whiteheads at some point. For example, whenever the sebum production of the sebaceous glands is increased at times (see above). Even people with otherwise clear, healthy skin can suddenly develop blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and red spots. However, those who already have this are particularly at risk Predisposition to oily or combination skin have. This usually produces more sebum than other skin types. The whiteheads are usually found particularly on the so-called T-zone (forehead, bridge of nose and chin). However, whiteheads can also occur on other areas of the face and body (especially the décolleté and back).
What can I do about whiteheads?
Once they are there, most people are bothered by them. Because blackheads and whiteheads make the complexion irregular and the skin usually looks greasy and shiny. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to squeeze the blackheads. Neither with your fingers nor with cosmetic tools (comedone squeezers) that can be bought in drugstores and pharmacies. It happens too quickly that the skin becomes even more irritated and reacts sensitively. Additional redness, perhaps even inflammation, acne and pimple marks then occur. Result: The skin looks worse than before.
It is better to opt for the removal of whiteheads to be placed in professional hands and the blackheads from time to time to have it removed in a cosmetic institute and to have the skin completely cleansed. You can support the whole thing by: regular facial steam baths (for example with chamomile) every now and then Peels Use to ensure that dead skin cells are removed.
To prevent whiteheads, you should get one Get into the habit of a facial care routine, which is completely tailored to the needs of your skin and therefore has a sebum-regulating effect. We’ll explain to you what that might look like.
The right skin care for whiteheads
Once you have found a care routine that suits your skin needs, you will quickly notice that your skin condition improves and whiteheads gradually disappear. When it comes to the products you use, you should definitely make sure that they “non-comedogenic“. This means that the care products are designed to NOT further promote pimples and blackheads.
This is how the care routine works step by step:
- Clean: In the morning and evening you should wash your face (including your neck and décolleté if necessary) with a mild cleansing gel (for example with an active ingredient such as glycolic acid or hydroxy acids). This removes sebum, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt. Especially in the evening, you should make sure that all traces of make-up disappear from your face.
- Clear up: You can then use a facial toner (or facial tonic). This also supports the complete cleansing of the skin and is also able to penetrate into the fine pores and remove all dirt. It also has a slightly matting effect. Enriched with anti-inflammatory active ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, it can protect against new skin blemishes. It also prepares your skin for subsequent care.
- Take care of: So that the skin does not dry out and remains soft but resilient, you should moisturize it. You can use a light fluid, lotion or cream for this. It shouldn’t be too rich, but should be tailored to the needs of impure skin. There are products that provide moisture but at the same time regulate sebum production and prevent pores from clogging.
- Exfoliate: You should only use a peeling once or twice a week. But it can work wonders! By using a peeling, the skin is intensively cleansed. Used regularly, the peeling can refine the complexion by shrinking the pores in the long term. Whiteheads then no longer stand a chance and your skin gets a beautiful glow and the skin surface appears smooth. Pay attentiong: When choosing a peel, try to choose a product that is not too aggressive. If your skin is irritated too much during use, the sebaceous glands can react by producing even more sebum. But ideally you want to achieve sebum regulation.
- mask: It is also recommended to use a mask once a week, which usually stays on the skin for around 20 minutes. Masks that contain healing clay, activated charcoal, salicylic acid or Dead Sea mud are particularly suitable for impure skin with black and whiteheads. All of these substances have a sebum-regulating effect.
If you make this care program a regular routine, your skin should improve after a few weeks.
Tip: There are so-called “nose strips” in drugstores that you can use to get rid of the whiteheads on your nose. The small patches are stuck to the moist skin of the nose, left to dry for 15 minutes and then removed. The plaster also removes the sebum and dirt from the pores (like a pore vacuum). The nose then appears cleaner and smoother. Used regularly, the strips can also ensure that the pores on your face become smaller and whiteheads and blackheads simply stay away. The adhesive strips are also available for the forehead and chin.