Whitehead Pimple - What Causes Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are also known as milia, or closed comedones, which means that the pores are completely blocked and the air is unable to enter into the plugged hair follicle. Whiteheads remain under the skin's surface. They consist of trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells. They are generally white in color or they might have a slight, hint of yellow. Whiteheads may also present with a slightly raised, skin-colored bump.


WHITEHEAD PIMPLE - WHAT CAUSES WHITEHEADS?

Basically, whiteheads result when your skin experiences an overproduction of sebum, which is the skin's natural oil. When your hair follicles become clogged with the sebum build up, whiteheads result. Unfortunately, when this occurs, one of our first responses is to try and cover them up which can make things worse.

Whitehead Acne & Cosmetics

Attempting to mask whitehead acne with powder and foundation may only serve to exacerbate the problem. The use of cosmetics, especially with a heavy hand, may clog the pores. This results from the additional layer of cosmetics that is placed on the skin, thus it prevents the skin from breathing and the pores become clogged.

Whitehead Acne & Acne Skin Care

Another situation that can cause whitehead acne to develop is to become lackadaisical with your home care. Never apply makeup to a dirty face. Take the time to prepare the canvas, so to speak. In other words, cleanse your face thoroughly before proceeding to the makeup stage. Don't allow yourself to apply makeup over dirt, dust, or sebaceous gland debris.

Whitehead Acne & Skin Care Products

Speaking of skin care, examine your products. If they are heavy, inappropriate for your skin type, or of poor quality, the end result could be whiteheads. Many moisturizers that contain sunscreen or heavy emoilents can cause whitehead acne to form.


WHERE DO WHITEHEADS OCCUR?

Generally, whiteheads are so tiny and in many respects aren't even visible to the naked eye, until they transform themselves into pimples.

Although whiteheads can occur anywhere, they usually take up residency on the face. Most often, they are found in the area under the eyes, nose, chin, foreheads, and cheekbones.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what constitutes a whitehead, visit any of the following pages for additional information concerning whiteheads:

Removing Whiteheads
Treatment For Whiteheads
What Are Whiteheads
What Causes Whiteheads
White Heads
Whitehead Acne
Whitehead Pimples
Whitehead Treatment