Guide to eliminating whiteheads for your face

Whiteheads are small skin blemishes that are often mistaken for other conditions, such as milia (singular: milium).

Why do I have whiteheads? Causes explained

Whiteheads can be caused by several factors. They often appear due to an excess sebum—known as hyperseborrhea—often triggered by hormonal imbalances. It is no surprise that they commonly occur during adolescence, menstruation, or pregnancy. When the skin is not exfoliated regularly enough, pores become clogged, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells.

Other key factors contributing to the appearance of whiteheads are the use of unsuitable products and environmental factors. Making the wrong choice of cosmetics by opting for comedogenic products can make the solution worse. As can pollution and humidity, which can also lead to clogged pores and weakens the skin barrier.

Whiteheads, pimples, blackheads: how to tell the difference?

Each type of lesion requires specific care and should be treated correctly. But first, it is important to be able to tell them apart.

Whiteheads also known as closed comedones, form when the skin’s pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria. Unlike blackheads, they do not oxidise in air, which gives them their white or yellowish appearance.
Milia are small, hard bumps caused by a build-up of keratin. They appear as tiny white or yellowish grains on the superficial dermis. They usually form around the eyes on the eyelids or cheeks, and are not directly linked to acne.
Acne pimples, on the other hand, result from an inflammation of the pores and are often accompanied by redness. They are sometimes painful, which distinguishes them from the other two.

Gentle daily cleansing

Wash your skin morning and evening with a soap-free cleanser to gently remove impurities and prevent clogged pores.

Avène’s recommendation: Cleanance Cleansing Gel is ideal for purifying the skin while respecting its sensitivity. Its gentle formula reduces excess sebum and helps prevent pore blockage.

Regular exfoliation

Incorporate an exfoliant in your weekly routine, such as our Exfoliating serum with patented natural acids, which is 1.5 times more effective than salicylic acid at unclogging pores.

Hydration tailored to your skin

Even oily skin needs proper hydration–provided you choose the right cream or product.

Avène’s recommendation: after exfoliation, apply a soothing product to calm the skin, such as Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion, known for its hydrating and sebum-regulating properties.

Targeted treatments for greater effectiveness

When you are prone to whiteheads breakouts, your doctor may prescribe creams containing topical retinoids (tretinoin or adapalene) or benzoyl peroxide.

Avène’s recommendation: Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemishes Concentrate, enriched in Comedoclastin™, is perfect to treat blemishes and even out the skin texture while remaining suitable for sensitive skin. And to dry out blemishes, try Cleanance Comedomed Peeling.

Treatments: when to consult a dermatologist?

When daily cream and skincare are not enough to eliminate these small imperfections, it is possible to consider certain aesthetic procedures. Professional extraction is one of the solutions that will enable you to remove the pimple causing your whitehead. This procedure should be carried out by a dermatologist.

Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliation technique that helps remove dead skin cells, reducing the risk of skin issues. If at-home dermatological treatments are not enough, your dermatologist may recommend:

Chemical peels, which use acids to deeply cleanse the skin.
Laser treatments, which target clogged pores and stimulate cell renewal.

Traps and common mistakes to avoid

To prevent whiteheads from worsening, there are a few things to avoid and precautions to take. The most common mistake is trying to squeeze comedones yourself. Stop. This bad habit can damage the skin and even lead to scarring.

When you are trying to combat minor blemishes or aiming to maintain a radiant complexion, be mindful of the products you use. Your face deserves the best, so be careful not to use harsh products that can irritate your skin and trigger overproduction of sebum.

Finally, moisturise your skin. Even if your skin is oily, inadequate hydration can actually stimulate sebum production. Use a moisturiser daily and drink enough water.

Can whiteheads disappear naturally?

White heads can sometimes disappear on their own if the skin renews itself properly. However, this process can take time, and without intervention, the issue may persist or worsen. Following a good skincare routine with quality products and consulting a dermatologist remain the best solutions to quickly and effectively eliminate these blemishes.

With these tips, you now have everything you need to say goodbye to whiteheads and regain a healthy, radiant skin. Do not hesitate to consult a professional for a precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.