Whiteheads are pores that fill up with oil and dead skin cells. They appear as white bumps on the skin and can be tempting to pop or squeeze. After popping a whitehead, you might find that your skin is irritated. And, according to Acne.org, doing this can cause more acne blemishes to appear. Clearing up popped whiteheads is a two-step process; you need to clean your recently irritated pores and cleanse your skin to prevent new acne blemishes from forming.
Step 1
Wash your face with an oil-free, gentle facial cleanser at least once a day and up to three times a day if you have very oily skin. This will remove dirt or bacteria on the surface of your face. Choose a product that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which treats whiteheads and helps to clear your skin.
Step 2
Apply a thin layer of a facial moisturizer to your entire face. Choose an oil-free, noncomedogenic lotion that will not clog your pores or cause more whiteheads. Choose a moisturizer that also has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.
Step 3
Don't pick or squeeze your popped whiteheads or other acne blemishes. Squeezing, picking at or attempting to pop any bumps on your face can cause scars, spread bacteria beneath the skin and make your acne worse.
Step 4
Apply a drying paste or cream directly on the popped whiteheads to help dry the area and allow your skin to heal.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid wearing makeup, which can clog your pores and create more whiteheads. If you do wear makeup, use noncomedogenic products only.
Things You'll Need
- Facial cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- Facial moisturizer with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- Skin drying paste or cream
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