White heads are a mild form of acne called a comedone. Comedones come in two forms, blackheads, which occur when an acne plug is close enough to the open surface of a follicle to become oxidized and turn black, and white heads, which are acne plugs that occur in a closed follicle with no access to oxygen.
Step 1
Wash areas that are more prone to acne breakouts to remove dead skin cells and sebum oil, both of which contribute to the formation of whiteheads. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing the acne affected areas one or twice a day using warm water and a mild cleanser.
Step 2
Use a preventive gel or lotion. Preventive gels and lotions contain ingredients that are designed to help prevent acne from forming. For example, one of the most common active ingredients in these products is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid prevents acne by penetrating acne-prone follicles, and slowing down the rate at which they slough dead skin cells. This provides less matter for forming acne plugs.
Step 3
Adjust your makeup wearing habits. Many makeups are considered comodogenic, or acne-causing. If your acne breakouts center around areas you commonly wear makeup, try wearing less makeup, or invest in brands that are marketed as non-comodogenic. Removing your makeup before you go to bed each night can also help prevent acne from forming.
Step 4
Avoid tight fitting clothes. Tight fitting clothes cause the fabric to rub back and forth on your skin, as well as trap in moisture and heat. These factors can cause skin irritation, which according to the Mayo Clinic, can result in acne breakouts.
Step 5
Take a shower after any activity that causes you to sweat. When you sweat, the sweat and sebum oils of your skin can trap in dirt and acne causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. This can contribute to the formation of whiteheads, and the progression of comedones to more serious inflammatory forms of acne.
Things You'll Need
- Mild acne cleanser
- Salicylic acid gel or lotion
Member Comments