As uncommonly spoken about as they are, whiteheads are the sneaky siblings of blackheads. The primary cause of whiteheads is similar to that of blackheads. The stubborn dirt and oil spend days having a party on our faces and seem to overstay their welcome in the form of both blackheads and whiteheads until we make them leave.
Effective removal of blackheads means knowing the difference between blackheads and whiteheads, which mainly boils down to oxidation when exposed to the air. When excess oil on your face is exposed to air, it oxidises and turns black, giving blackheads their distinctive appearance. When the excess oil remains trapped beneath the skin's surface and does not come in contact with air, it manifests as whiteheads.
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How can I remove whiteheads effectively?
Cleanse:
Keeping your skin clean is essential to prevent whiteheads. A gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells is a good way to prevent them from forming.
Exfoliate:
Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and unclog our pores. Choosing a gentle exfoliant that contains salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids is the way to go.
Use a topical treatment:
Topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can reduce inflammation and unclog your pores. Apply these treatments as directed by your dermatologist.
Consider professional treatments:
If your whiteheads are stubborn, opting for professional treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or extractions performed by a licensed esthetician could go a long way.
Avoid picking on them:
While it can be tempting to pick or squeeze whiteheads, leaving them alone and letting them heal naturally can save you from some deep regrets.
A leafy diet:
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote healthy skin and reduce the risk of whiteheads.
To aid with the whitehead removal process, Tira recommends:
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum:
This beta-hydroxy acid is a common ingredient in acne-fighting products. It works by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, effectively removing whiteheads.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel:
This helps kill bacteria that can contribute to acne, thereby reducing the rate at which the whiteheads are formed.
mCaffeine Naked & Raw Cappuccino Coffee Face Scrub:
This scrub can help to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin and give a gentle and non-drying finish while also dealing with whiteheads.
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid:
If you are looking to elevate your skincare regime by exfoliating whiteheads from their roots, this powder liquid could be your partner in crime. Wearing this serum twice daily before sunscreen could help get rid of acne pores, fine lines, and dullness.
Innisfree Bija Trouble Mask:
Wearing this face mask regularly can result in grease-free skin. Infused with bija seed oil and salicylic acid, this mask balances the oil production on your face, thereby minimising the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads.
