We’ve all been there before — you wake up, head to the bathroom and look in the mirror before getting ready, only to notice a whitehead has taken up residence on your face. Whiteheads are a common skin care concern that many of us have experienced at some point and if whiteheads are a concern for you, you probably have some questions.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of whiteheads and whether or not popping whiteheads is a good idea. (haven’t we all done it before?) you’re not alone. Along with that, you probably wonder what products to you use if you have whiteheads and what’s the best skin care routine to prevent them. Those are all valid questions — and we have answers. So, keep reading for everything you need to know about whiteheads.
What Are Whiteheads?
Before we get into a skin care routine for whiteheads, it’s important to understand what whiteheads are. There are a variety of different types of pimples but whiteheads and blackheads are two of the most common.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), oil, dead skin cells and bacteria can build up in pores, blocking them and causing a whitehead or blackhead to form. If the pore appears whiter, that’s a whitehead and if the pore stays open and appears black in color, that’s a blackhead. These pesky blemishes are pretty common but the good news is that there are steps you can take to help manage whiteheads, as they’re a pretty mild form of acne.
What Happens If You Pop A Whitehead?
If you’re trying to figure out how to remove whiteheads, note that you shouldn’t pop your whiteheads to get rid of them. As tempting as it is, doing this can actually cause worse acne by spreading bacteria, delaying natural healing and creating acne scars.
That being said, there are steps you can take as part of your skin care routine to help manage mild acne. According to the AAD, two ingredients to look for in skin care products if you have whiteheads are retinoid and acids like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. You can find these ingredients in skin care gels, lotions, creams, soaps and pads — all of which can be used to tackle whiteheads on your nose, chin or any other spots.
Keep in mind that it can take a few weeks to notice results from acne skin care products, so being consistent with your skin care routine is key. The AAD points out that sometimes acne skin care products can be drying to the skin, so follow the directions on the packaging, which should tell you how much to use.
Another important factor to consider is that these ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater in the morning. Along with daily SPF, remember to take additional sun protection measures, like limiting your amount of time in the sun during peak hours, seeking shade when you’re outside and wearing a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Getting Whiteheads
There are a few steps you can take to help reduce your chances of getting whiteheads in the future, according to the AAD. For starters, look for skin care products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic as well as alcohol-free to avoid irritation.
You should also avoid squeezing or picking at whiteheads along with scrubbing the skin and harsh exfoliants. Another important factor is to develop a solid skin care routine that can help to keep whiteheads at bay.
Via: Lorealparisusa.com
