How to Remove Whiteheads from Face - #7691
For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with persistent whiteheads on my nose, cheeks, and chin, and no matter what skincare products I use, they just keep coming back. I always thought whiteheads were just another type of acne, but after doing some research, I learned that they are a form of clogged pores (closed comedones) caused by dead skin cells, oil, and debris getting trapped under the skin’s surface. Unlike blackheads, which have an open pore, whiteheads remain closed, making them harder to remove. I’ve tried different face washes and scrubs, but I still can’t seem to completely get rid of them. This made me wonder—what is the best way to remove whiteheads from the face without damaging the skin or making them worse? At first, I made the mistake of trying to squeeze them out, which only led to irritation and redness. My dermatologist told me that picking at whiteheads can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation and breakouts. But if squeezing isn’t safe, I wanted to know—what are the best professional and at-home treatments for whitehead removal? One of the first things I changed in my routine was using salicylic acid, as I read that it helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. I also started using benzoyl peroxide, which helps kill bacteria that contribute to acne. But I was curious—do whiteheads need different treatment than other forms of acne, or are the same ingredients effective for both? Another thing I wanted to understand was how diet and lifestyle affect whitehead formation. I read that dairy, sugar, and processed foods can contribute to clogged pores, but I wasn’t sure—does cutting out these foods actually make a difference, or is it more about overall skin hygiene? I also learned that overwashing the face can strip natural oils, making the skin overproduce oil and worsen whiteheads. But I wondered—how often should I wash my face to prevent whiteheads without drying out my skin? Another issue I’ve faced is finding the right exfoliation routine. I’ve heard that chemical exfoliation with AHAs and BHAs is more effective than physical scrubs, but I wasn’t sure—how often should I exfoliate, and can over-exfoliation cause more whiteheads instead of preventing them? My dermatologist also recommended using retinoids, as they help speed up cell turnover, but I wanted to know—are prescription-strength retinoids necessary, or do over-the-counter options work just as well? Another method I came across was facial steaming, which some people say helps open up pores and remove whiteheads more easily. But I was curious—is steaming actually beneficial, or does it just make the skin temporarily softer without unclogging pores? I also wanted to understand whether pore strips or extraction tools are safe for removing whiteheads, or if they do more harm than good. Lastly, I wanted to learn about long-term prevention strategies. Even when my whiteheads clear up, they always seem to come back, especially on my nose and chin. My dermatologist mentioned that hydration, sunscreen use, and a consistent skincare routine are key, but I was curious—what specific habits or products help prevent whiteheads from forming in the first place? If anyone has struggled with whiteheads on the face, I’d love to hear—what treatments or skincare changes worked best for you, and were there any surprising things that helped clear your skin?
On the Ask Doctors service, online consultations with doctors for Skin and Hair Disorders are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!
Doctors’ responses
If you need a detailed answer, ask your question to a doctor
A doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what best treatments and practices should be followed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service.
