How to Stop Whiteheads

Co-authored by Aanand Geria, MD and Amber Crain

Last Updated: July 12, 2021 References Approved

Whiteheads are a mild form of acne which look like small, white bumps. They usually occur on oily patches of skin on the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks. This type of acne can be a nuisance and tough to get rid of! Luckily, you can easily treat whiteheads at home by following a skincare routine and using store-bought acne treatment products.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Skincare Routine

1
Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Whiteheads develop when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells become trapped in the pores. Eliminate the build-up of these substances by washing your face twice daily, morning and night, with a gentle, oil-free face wash.^{[1]
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- Don't wash too vigorously or use harsh skincare products containing alcohol, as this can dry out and irritate the skin.
- Cleaning your face more than twice a day can dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil to compensate and leading to more whiteheads.
2
Use oil-free makeup and moisturizers to prevent clogged pores. Oily makeup and other skincare products are some of the worst culprits when it comes to clogging pores. Look for makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers that have the word "non-comedogenic" on the label. This means that they are non-oily and will not clog your pores.^{[2]
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- Avoid products with alcohol if you have dry or sensitive skin.
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3
Remove your makeup every night with a gentle makeup remover. Even oil-free makeup can clog pores if it's not removed properly! If you wear makeup, remove it at the end of each day with an oil-free and alcohol-free makeup remover. Micellar water also works well for removing makeup.^{[3]
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- Wash out makeup brushes and sponges monthly using a gentle baby shampoo. These tools can harbor bacteria that causes whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.
4
Wash your hair every 2 to 3 days to prevent oil buildup. Greasy hair can cause oil to build up on the surface of the skin, increasing the chances of blocked pores and whiteheads. Washing your hair every 2 to 3 days is enough for most people. If you have very oily hair, aim for every other day.
- Over-washing your hair can strip it of natural moisture and cause your body to produce more oil to compensate.
- If your hair is long, tie it back in a ponytail when it's dirty, especially when going to sleep at night. Wearing a hair band is also be a good idea if you're exercising.
5
Change your pillowcases 2 to 3 times per week. Oil, dirt, and bacteria from your face can build-up on your pillowcases over time. Even if you go to bed with a freshly washed face, you may be exposing yourself to oil and dirt overnight! Replace your used pillowcases with freshly washed ones several times during the week.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Use natural or fragrance-free detergents if you have sensitive skin.
- It may also help to change your sheets weekly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Acne Treatment Products

1
Use products that contain benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide can be an effective acne treatment for whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne. It works by killing bacteria on the surface of the skin and removing built-up oil and dead skin cells from pores. Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter, although some of the higher strengths require a prescription.^{[5]
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- Benzoyl peroxide can be quite harsh on skin. Start with a milder 3% product at first, and only apply it to the affected area.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Aanand Geria, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}
- Try not to get benzoyl peroxide on any clothing, sheets or hair, as it can have a bleaching effect.^{[7]
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2
Try skincare products that contain salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is known to break down whiteheads and blackheads. It may also help to slow down the shedding of skin cells in the hair follicles, which can prevent pores from becoming blocked. Try facial cleansers and creams that contain the ingredient.
- Salicylic acid is available in various strengths over-the-counter.
- This treatment can be irritating on the skin. Apply it directly to pimples and avoid the surrounding skin.
3
Apply retinoid creams for something a little stronger. Retinoid creams and gels are made from vitamin A derivatives and may help clear up an array of skin problems, including acne related issues. Retinoid creams address whiteheads by unclogging pores and promoting cell turnover.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Aanand Geria, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.} Low dose creams are available over-the-counter, but higher doses require a prescription.^{[9]
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- Retinoid creams may cause your skin to become red and irritated when you first begin using them. You may also notice a little flaking or sloughing of your skin. This is just because the product is getting rid of the dead skin cells that could be clogging your pores.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Aanand Geria, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}
- Retinoids can also be taken in oral form. These medications are usually only prescribed for severe acne.
4
Use one acne treatment product at a time. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoid creams can be harsh on your skin when you use them by themselves. Never use more than one of these products simultaneously. This can cause serious skin irritation and will not solve your whitehead problem.
5
Request stronger treatments from a dermatologist. If your whiteheads have not cleared up after 8 weeks of using a treatment product, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They may be able to recommend alternative options, or provide a prescription for stronger topical creams or oral antibiotics.^{[11]
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- Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed for moderate to severe acne. Courses last 4 to 6 weeks and are usually used in combination with a topical treatment.
- Other options like laser treatment, chemical peels and oral contraceptives are usually only recommended when whiteheads appear in combination with severe acne.^{[12]
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  Research source} If you do use an oral contraceptive, discuss its potential impact on your fertility and menstrual cycle with your doctor.
6
Get a facial. Visit a dermatologist, spa, or esthetician for a professional facial. A facial can treat your whiteheads in a clean, sterile environment. It's especially beneficial for your nose area! You'll leave with smoother, clearer skin.
- If your whitehead problem is serious, then you can get a facial monthly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Natural Remedies

1
Dab a little tea tree oil on the affected area. Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that may be effective for combating whiteheads and acne. To use the oil, dilute it to about 5% in a carrier oil (any vegetable oil), then apply directly onto the whiteheads using a q-tip.^{[13]
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- Use tea tree oil with caution and always do a patch test first, as it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
- Don't let the word "oil" put you off -- tea tree oil will not clog your pores like other oils.
2
Try honey on your whiteheads. Honey is known to have antimicrobial properties that may effectively treat whiteheads and acne. Dab a little honey directly onto whiteheads or you can apply it all over as a face mask.
- Many people consider manuka honey or raw honey the most effective options, although this is not guaranteed.
3
Apply heat only as a last resort. Many people hold their face over steam or apply a hot compress to open up pores, allowing trapped materials to escape. This can help in some mild cases. However, heat can irritate sensitive skin, which can make the acne worse. Gentle, lukewarm showers and facial washes are usually more effective.^{[14]
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4
Stay away from lemon juice, vinegar, and other kitchen acids. Acidic foods are not intended for use on skin. They can cause stinging, peeling, or even serious damage if left on for too long. Lemon juice and other citrus ingredients are extra dangerous, as they can react with sunlight to cause severe rashes.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
5
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydrated skin may produce excess oil to make up for the lack of moisture, and this may lead to worse acne. If your skin feels dry or your lips are cracked, you may be dehydrated. Water is a great place to start, but milk, tea, juices, and soups all count toward your daily fluid intake. In general, follow these guidelines:
- Men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily.
- Women should drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids daily.^{[16]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
6
Alter your diet if you notice certain foods cause acne flareups. Despite popular belief, there's no evidence that greasy food causes acne in most people, though there is a strong correlation between the two. If you notice a possible connection between a particular food and acne, it won't hurt to avoid it. Just remember, there is no universal "acne diet," and an extreme change in your diet is likely to cause more harm than help.
- For example, some people have acne flareups when they eat dairy products.
- There is a slight, uncertain connection between dietary vitamin A and decreased acne. High doses of vitamin A can be dangerous, so do not take supplements without consulting a doctor.^{[17]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you remove whiteheads from your face?

Aanand Geria, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
Question

Why do I keep getting whiteheads?

Aanand Geria, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

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It might be your haircare or skincare products. Generally, avoid using thick oils like coconut oil or petrolatum on your hair or face. They can clog your pores, leading to acne.
Question

Do whiteheads go away?

Aanand Geria, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, but it may take time. When you first start a new acne treatment, it may seem like your whiteheads get worse before they get better. That's because the treatment is pulling debris from inside your skin. If you keep up with the treatment, you should start to see results after about a month.