White spots on the skin can be miliums (small cysts filled with keratin) or closed comedones (a form of acne that occurs when skin pores become clogged with dead cells and sebum, remaining closed by a surface layer of skin), and are one of those common skin conditions that we often overlook or know little about. But if you suffer from this topical problem and want to know what causes it and what treatments are available to eliminate it, this article is for you.
What exactly are whiteheads?
These small accumulations of fat (comedones or pimples), which can appear on various parts of the body, are the result of the accumulation of sebum and dead cells in the pores of the skin.
Whiteheads on the skin are a form of non-inflammatory acne characterized by small, whitish bumps. These spots, which can be the size of a grain of sand or even smaller, form when the pores of the skin become clogged with sebum and dead cells instead of being excreted through the skin’s surface.
Therefore, these whiteheads usually appear in areas where the pores are smaller and more prone to clogging, mainly around the eyes, on the forehead, nose, and chin.
And although the definition of whiteheads on the skin may remind us of blackheads, the truth is that they are two different types of conditions. It is therefore important to treat them differently.
The clearest difference is the color of these bumps. The white color of milia is due to the fact that the pore is closed, so the sebum it contains does not oxidize or turn black when it comes into contact with the air.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to differentiate whiteheads on the skin from pimples. In this case, the blockage does not become infected. Therefore, these spots are not accompanied by redness of the surrounding skin.
What causes whiteheads
Whiteheads appear due to the blockage of pores, either by sebum, dead skin cells, or impurities in the air.
- Excess sebum production: When the sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much sebum, it can accumulate in the pores and contribute to the formation of whiteheads.
- Accumulation of dead skin cells: As skin cells die and are renewed, some can accumulate on the skin’s surface and clog pores.
- Comedogenic cosmetics and skin care products: Using skin care products or makeup that contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients also contributes to pore blockage.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be genetically more prone to developing whiteheads on their skin due to the shape and size of their sebaceous glands.
How to remove whiteheads on the skin
Just because the pore is closed does not mean that milia cannot be treated. In fact, given the nature of this condition, to prevent the appearance of these whitish spots on the skin and to treat them, the most important thing is to keep the pores of the skin clean with the right products and to exfoliate regularly.
Aesthetic medicine specialists can also help remove whiteheads from the face. Techniques such as peeling (diamond, crystal, or chemical) and the use of microneedles are available for this purpose.
Prevent and remove whiteheads step by step
- The first step in combating whiteheads on the skin is exfoliation. Regular gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Keep your skin clean with the cleanser that best suits your skin type. Makeup removers, facial soaps, and micellar water are products that will help you prevent and treat clogged pores.
- Topical products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoids are effective in unclogging pores and reducing sebum production.
- Face masks, especially clay masks, are also a great option for removing impurities from the skin, tightening it, and purifying it.
With Toskani products, you can enjoy a healthy skin beauty routine that prevents and eliminates whiteheads. Remember to use products that are suitable for your skin type and seek professional help when necessary. A dermatologist can be of great help in preventing and treating this skin condition.