Facial Whiteheads Prevention and Treatment

Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?

Anyone can be susceptible to getting the annoying facial bumps often called whiteheads. These small painless lesions are referred to medically as closed comedones. The presence of these whiteheads is one presentation of adult acne. Sebaceous oils get trapped under the surface of the skin at the orifice of a hair follicle.

The most common cause of closed comedones is making the wrong choice for skin care products. The biggest villain are moisturizers, sunscreens or foundations that contain any oil or petroleum derivatives. Most dermatologists will recommend that you be sure that your skin care regimen only includes oil-free products. My personal favorite is Neutrogena, which is available in many pharmacies. You can certainly spend more money at the department store cosmetic counter with products from Mac, Clinique, and Lancome. Be sure to ask for only oil-free products.

Long-term sun damage can also be the cause of whiteheads. These are called solar comedones and often appear on the upper cheeks near the eyelids. However, any part of the face can be susceptible.

There are physical remedies to remove them where the dermatologist uses a needle-like hook to puncture them and then squeeze out the contents. Estheticians often assist with the extraction process.

It is also important to avoid skin care products that you do not need, such as toners, astringents and skin conditioners. Prescription medications such as Differin gel and Retin-A can be very effective in reducing the future development of the whiteheads. These drugs may cause temporary dryness but in the long run can create a smooth, blemish-free skin. There are other medications prescribed by dermatologists that can offer even more improvement. Patients need to be treated as individuals and there is no perfect regimen that works for everyone.