If you’re struggling with acne, know that you’re not alone.
Nevertheless, dealing with breakouts can trigger feelings of frustration, insecurity, and hopelessness.
Let’s get into it.
Whitehead basics.
Think of whiteheads as the slightly less intense version of papules.
Here’s a quick list of traits associated with whiteheads:
Who typically gets whiteheads?
Where do you get whiteheads?
A few other common spots to see whiteheads include the hairline, nose folds, and chin.
you might also get whiteheads on the body, especially if you’re sweating with a T-shirt on.
How long do whiteheads last?
“The length of time that a whitehead persists in the skin can vary.
It can take months before a whitehead resolves on its own,” Graf says.
Are white heads painful?
Whiteheads tend to be less painful than larger, more inflamed pimples.
What causes whiteheads?
Like any form of acne, there are plenty of things that can trigger whiteheads to form.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonesimpact your skin in many ways, including increasing the frequency of whiteheads.
“Whiteheads (or any acne lesions) can occur as a result of hormones.
“Increased oil production is thought to provide a growth medium for bacteria to thrive (particularlyC.
The bacteria utilize the triglycerides in oil as a nutrient source to flourish,” she adds.
“Diet can impact hormonally driven acne negatively.
Dairy in particular has been shown to exacerbate acne.
Not all dairy, however, worsens acne in the same manner.
Studies show thatskim milk exacerbates acne significantly more than full-fat milk1,” Mack notes.
How to treat whiteheads.
“Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that reduce oil production and promote cellular turnover,” she explains.
you might find retinol in manyover-the-counter forms such as classic retinol, retinaldehyde, and adapalene.
The benefits don’t stop there, either.
So if you’re looking for a multifaceted acne treatment, retinoids might be your best bet.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acidis a well-known acne treatment, and for good reason.
“MONAT’S Cold Charcoal Maskhas a beta-hydroxy acid in the form of salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide
Next up, we have benzoyl peroxide.
“It kills the bacteria,P.
However, this ingredient can be rather drying, especially for those with already dry or combination skin.
You canread more about acne facials here, if you’re curious.
Ready to add one to your routine?Here’s a curated list of our top picks.
Topical retinoids (liketretinoin, for example) can be prescribed by your dermatologist should you need them.
Other prescription options include topical hormonal acne treatmentWinleviand oral medicationSpironolactone2(used off-label for acne treatment for women).
How to prevent whiteheads.
These experts can help you navigate this complex skin condition from potential causes to the best treatments and more.
Other types of acne.
Still not sure if you’re dealing with whiteheads oranother bang out of pimple?
Here’s a quick refresher:
FAQ
Can I pop a whitehead?
You should never pop whitehead pimples (or any other kind of pimple, for that matter).
Doing so can lead to scarring, infection, and further breakouts in the surrounding area.
Instead, opt for spot treatments, clay masks, salicylic acid serums, or retinol treatment.
Do whitehead pimples go away on their own?
Whitehead pimples do go away with time.
How long they last, however, differs from person to person.
Some minor whiteheads may clear within a week, while others can last up to a few months.
Why do I get whiteheads?
There’s a wide range of reasons whiteheads pop up on the skin.
The takeaway.
Now you know what we mean when we refer to every form of acne as “complex.”
To manage this key in of acne, opt for salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide treatment.
