How To Reduce Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are common acne that can be prevented with a proper skincare regime. So, learn the strategies and know the best treatment options.
Written by
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Whiteheads are common skin conditions that might affect everybody in their lives at some time or another. They are the types of acne that look white or yellowish. Generally, they happen when the skin pores get clogged due to the accumulation of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. These mostly appear in the T-zone of the face, that is, the nose, chin, and forehead. The chest, back, and shoulders can also be affected. Some other factors that trigger the development of whiteheads are the use of the wrong cosmetics, excessive stress, hormonal changes, etc. Though whiteheads are harmless, they can affect an individual psychologically. So, awareness is needed amongst people to avoid any stress.
Understanding the Causes
Sebum is the oil that locks moisture and protects the skin from UV rays and other harmful substances. However, the overproduction of sebum makes the skin oily, blocking the pores and trapping bacteria. This results in skin inflammation, which leads to whiteheads and pimples.
Also, according to the researchers, an imbalance in hormonal levels causes dysfunction of the sebaceous gland, increasing sebum production, inflammation, and sebum retention. These mainly happen due to menstruation, pregnancy, or puberty.
Other factors, such as oil-based cosmetics, high glycaemic foods, etc., can cause acne.
Best Practices for Skincare
To prevent whiteheads, people should follow this daily cleansing routine -
Washing the face once with a mild product before going to bed and after a workout is mandatory.
Avoiding harsh scrubs causing skin irritation.
Exfoliating the skin a few times per week. However, over-exfoliation can exacerbate the condition.
Individuals preferring makeup should follow these tips -
The face should be cleaned daily before going to bed.
Old makeup products must be regularly cleaned and replaced as and when needed.
Makeup products should not be shared with others.
Non-comedogenic skincare products (these do not clog pores) are available in the market. So, when buying cosmetics, it is wise to see if they are labelled as non-comedogenic. People with oily or acne-prone skin will primarily benefit from this.
Exfoliation with or without salicylic acid can help whiteheads. These remove dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. It is necessary to choose the right exfoliant based on skin type.
Home Remedies for Whitehead Reduction
Natural ingredients help prevent whiteheads and breakouts in the early stages. Here are some step-by-step home remedy techniques with natural elements.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs include excellent exfoliating properties. That means they can remove dead skin cells and a bunch of keratins from the skin. They can be used as cleansers and should be applied with circular and small motions left for 30 seconds, and then rinsed with lukewarm water, followed by the application of moisturiser.
Honey: Raw honey has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. So, it could be applied after washing the face, left for 15-20 minutes, and then rinsed off.
Witch hazel: Along with having antibacterial properties, this natural astringent helps the skin eliminate extra oil by shrinking the cells. One can use it as distilled witch hazel extract or as witch hazel water by mixing it with water or alcohol and applying it on whiteheads. But should be used cautiously as it may dry out the skin.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera, both in readymade and plant extract form, has antibacterial properties that can treat a range of skin problems. So, applying aloe gel to whiteheads can reduce inflammation and help the skin to heal.
Professional Treatments for Whiteheads
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the best non-prescription treatments for whiteheads. Salicylic acid helps to remove the outermost layer of the damaged skin. It also dissolves the dead skin cells so that the hair follicles do not get clogged. It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) lotion or cleanser.
Benzoyl peroxide removes the surface bacteria that contribute to acne. It is also available as an OTC product (Stridex, Clearasil) in the form of a wash or a leave-on gel.
Prescription treatments include different extraction procedures and chemical peels-
Microdermabrasion: The dermatologist uses a specialised instrument to 'sand' the skin for this procedure. This technique removes the top layer of the skin and eradicates the clogs that cause whiteheads.
Laser skin resurfacing: It treats the whiteheads by directing concentrated, pulsating, short beams of light. The light beams reduce the sebum secretion from the sebaceous gland, which prevents whiteheads.
Chemical peels: For this treatment, the dermatologists use mild chemical solutions that reduce whiteheads and remove the damaged skin layer.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Treatment
Lifestyle Modifications
A balanced diet with leafy greens, legumes, vegetables, and fruits supports healthy skin that combat whiteheads. For example, people can add these foods to their diet -
Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
Tomatoes
Brown rice
Whole wheat bread
Lean turkey
Beans, peas, and lentils
Nuts
Fatty fish
Also, people must avoid high carbs and sugary foods to stop whitehead development.
Stress acts as a trigger for existing acne, including whiteheads. Thus, individuals should practice these stress management techniques to avoid whitehead formation -
Get enough sleep at night.
Practice breathing exercises.
Join meditation and yoga classes.
Engage in low-intensity workouts such as walking, jogging, cycling, etc.
Spend time in nature.
Enjoy time with pets.
Prevention Strategies
Though the prevention of whiteheads is quite challenging it's not impossible. These include -
Individuals must wash their faces with a mild cleanser and warm water.
Regularly use moisturiser.
People don't need to stop using makeup products. Instead, they could use 'non-comedogenic' products. Also, removing makeup at the end of the day is necessary.
Hair should be washed regularly, keeping hair products away from the face.
Excessive touching of the face should be avoided.
Taking extra care of the whiteheads while shaving is essential.
The items that come in contact with the face, such as clothing, cell phones, bed sheets, pillow covers, sunglasses, and sports helmets, should be cleaned.
Also, people should implement protective measures to avoid environmental factors such as pollution, humidity, and sun exposure.
When to See a Dermatologist?
Mild whiteheads can be treated with OTC medication and home remedies. But, individuals must go to a dermatologist in cases where-
The acne is severe and forms cysts or nodules causing pain.
The acne is causing stress and anxiety.
The problem is persistent.
Causing scar and pigmentation.
Myths and Facts About Whiteheads
Here are some common misunderstandings about whiteheads and other types of acne. These are -
Myth: Acne or whitehead is not caused due to hereditary reasons.
Fact: Studies show that the likelihood of developing acne is higher in people whose parents or siblings had acne. For example, there may be a tendency for acne development amongst twin children of a mother having a family history of hormonal acne.
Myth: Sunlight can improve acne or whiteheads.
Fact: Some people may notice improvement in acne due to sun exposure, but it is risky. Excessive sun exposure causes skin inflammation, dark spots, aged skin and even increases the risk of skin cancer.
Myth: Pregnancy acne or whitehead is a myth.
Fact: Acne development during pregnancy is common due to the hormonal changes in the body. These might appear at the first stage and automatically improve or disappear at the last stage of pregnancy.
Conclusion
Most of the time, whiteheads affect adolescents and can disappear by themselves. Thus, many people believe that they don't need to go to a doctor for whiteheads. But in case of severity, whiteheads can cause mental issues and other underlying conditions. Thus, talking to healthcare providers in case of recurring whitehead issues is essential. Alongside, everyone should follow proper skincare routines like regular cleansing, exfoliation, using non-comedogenic products, etc., to prevent this problem.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Paulomi Vartak
Dermatologist
2 Years • MBBS, MD (DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY AND LEPROSY)
Pune
Pramodini Urology Foundation and stree clinic, Pune
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Treatment
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Paulomi Vartak
Dermatologist
2 Years • MBBS, MD (DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY AND LEPROSY)
Pune
Pramodini Urology Foundation and stree clinic, Pune
