It is easy to mistake a whitehead for a pimple. Hence many people apply the medication for acne and expect it to work for whitehead. But this is not true.
Your skin contains millions of pores that secrete oil or sebum. Sebum retains the health of your skin by lubricating and moisturizing it. When the pores of the skin are blocked, problems like acne start. If the pore is open, sebum oxidizes and becomes black. When the pore closes, bacteria start growing and leave a white residue, hence the name whitehead. Though it resembles a normal pimple, both are different. Blocking of pores is called comedone.
Do not squeeze or pluck the whitehead without proper care. Improper handling can result in the breaking of the skin, making it prone to infections and can leave a permanent scar. Using a comedone remover is the only appropriate method for removing whitehead. It is a stainless steel tool with a loop design to clear the skin of the whitehead without hurting the skin.
A comedone remover is very easy to use. First, steam your face with a hot washcloth or have a bath and then use the tool. This makes it very easy to remove only the whitehead, without touching the skin close to it. After you break the whitehead, press the loop over the whitehead to remove the dead materials. After finishing the process, wash your face with warm water to clear all the remnants of the pore.
If you find this method difficult, applying a cream or gel meant to cure blackhead, will also be effective. Many of these treatments consist of retinoid to hamper the growth of the whitehead, before it escalates into a major problem.
Choose either a retinoid cream or lotion to moisturize the skin and remove the blockage, suitable for your skin type. Before using this method, consult a dermatologist to find out the right treatment for you.
If you do not want any home remedies, ask your dermatologist about the specific procedures to clear whiteheads. These procedures are the best in certain cases and can be conducted only by the qualified dermatologist.