How to get rid of whiteheads: a simple routine that works
Share
To get rid of whiteheads, you need to clear the oil and dead skin trapped under the surface of the pore. A gentle cleanser, a 2% salicylic acid serum at night and daily sunscreen will clear most whiteheads in 4 to 8 weeks, without squeezing.
What is a whitehead?
A whitehead is a pore blocked with oil and dead skin, just like a blackhead, but the top of the pore is closed. Because air can't reach the plug, it stays white or skin-coloured and looks like a small raised dot.
Why do whiteheads form?
- Oily skin and Pakistan's heat and humidity
- Dead skin building up on the surface
- Heavy creams, oils or makeup that sit in the pores
- Sweat, dust and touching your face
- Hormonal changes, for example around periods
A simple routine to clear whiteheads
- Cleanse morning and night with a gentle gel face wash such as the Tea Tree Anti Acne Gel Face Wash.
- Treat at night with the Acne Treatment Serum (2% salicylic acid + azelaic acid). It works inside the pore, where the whitehead is. Start 2 to 3 nights a week.
- Moisturise with a light, oil-free moisturiser.
- Protect with sunscreen every morning, such as Sheer Defence SPF 60.
What to expect
- Weeks 1 to 2: skin feels smoother. A few small spots may appear as pores clear.
- Weeks 3 to 4: fewer new whiteheads.
- Weeks 6 to 8: smoother, clearer skin with regular use.
What not to do
- Don't pop them with your nails; it can cause red marks and dark spots.
- Don't use toothpaste or lemon.
- Don't scrub hard.
If you have many painful bumps, cysts or scarring, see a dermatologist.
Roman Urdu
Whiteheads band pores hote hain jin mein oil aur dead skin jama hota hai. Inhein dabayein nahi. Raat ko 2% salicylic acid serum lagayein, subah sunscreen. 4 se 8 hafton mein whiteheads kam ho jate hain.
More: Whiteheads, closed comedones or milia?, Should you pop whiteheads? and Whiteheads ka ilaj. Cash on delivery across Pakistan.