How To Remove Whiteheads

First lets talk about whiteheads. What are they you ask. Whiteheads are a little different than a blackhead.Whiteheads are called comedones. A comedone is a blocked pore in your skin. A whitehead is a comedone ( clogged pore) that is closed to the surface of your skin. A blackhead is a pore that is open. When a blackhead is open the surface air oxidizes the congestion and turns it black. Since the whitehead is closed to the surface it is under the skin and causes a raise in the surface. The skin then appears to have a white bump. Whiteheads are caused by a blockage in the sebaceous gland. The blockages in the skin are caused by a buildup of oil called sebum. Sebum is the oily secretion produced by the sebaceous gland. Dead skin cells also play a role in the congestion of a whitehead and blackhead. Now the oil seems to sound dirty and gross, but keep in mind oil on the surface of the skin, in normal amounts, is a protective agent to balancing the skins pH level. So do not go run off and try to remove all oils from your skin just yet! The sloughed off skin and oil is called congestion. The congestion in the skin now forms a plug. The surrounding area may become inflamed, irritated, redness may appear and some swelling. The redness and swelling are your bodies way of fighting infection which is how acne starts. Whiteheads and blackheads are not infected areas of the skin. Just clogged pores. Acne is a a congested pore infected. Ranges of acne are mild to severe. 

Lots of people,  babies, children, teenagers, and adults are affected by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples (zits) and acne. The culprits are usually hormones, pore cleansing habits, diet, environment, skin sensitivities, and changes within the bodies. Let's get down to treating and removing whiteheads. 

The problem with whiteheads is that since they are closed to the surface of the skin it is very hard to remove them. The best way to remove them is to have a professional do it. They have the tools and products to manipulate the skin with minimal or no scarring for removal of whiteheads. 

How To Remove Whiteheads

Most websites will always say have a professional remove a whitehead. That is always the best option. If you must remove them yourself here are a few tips. 

• Wash skin with specific skin cleansers that are best for your skin type

• Use steam to soften congestion in pores

• Use a facial brush to stimulate skin, in doing so the cleansing can cleanse most congestion away. Sometimes this alone will get rid of blackheads. Continued efforts over a period of time (weeks) whiteheads can disappear with products that help eliminate surface layer buildup. 

• Use an exfoliating cream that will help break down the top layer of skin

• use a lancet to slightly pierce the skin from an angle, never pierce straight down into the whitehead (should be done by a professional)

• once skin is slightly pierced use medical gauze wrapped around your finger to lightly squeeze the plug out of the pore

Things to keep in mind when attempting to remove a whitehead:

1. using a lancet incorrectly can result in scarring
2. never try to remove a whitehead or blackhead without prepping the skin 
3. use gauze to prevent contamination and bruising the skin
4. always use light pressure to remove blackheads and whiteheads
5. pushing on a whitehead without proper sanitation and instruction can lead to infection of the pore,scarring and bruising. Always be gentle with your skin and if the whitehead is not working its way out, have a professional remove them. Areas around the eyes and areas that are prone to broken capillaries are more sensitive and more prone to scarring and bruising

Preventing Whiteheads

As annoying as skin conditions are there are many different ways to treat them all. Always treat your skin gently and see a professional skin care specialist if you are at all hesitant to treating yourself. Sometimes with all the products out on the market it can become overwhelming and confusing. The best way to prevent whiteheads are:

• Wash your skin with appropriate cleansers in morning and night
• Use a facial exfoliant (cream) 2-3 times a week. The milder the exfoliant the more often you can use them. Using a facial brush is a great tool to use to prevent whiteheads and blackheads. Keep in mind this is not always a great tool for some stages of acne. 
• Drink plenty of water. Water purifies the body and helps your body flush out toxins
• Always remove makeup before working out and sleeping
• There are a variety of products available from your chemist to treat whiteheads & pimples. These may contain 

Always consult with a doctor if you are unsure about anything happening with your skin. You are responsible for your skins health. These are only tips and guidelines. We recommend having a professional remove whiteheads.