Whiteheads: What Causes Them and How to Clear Them

Whiteheads are small, skin-coloured or white bumps that often appear on the forehead, chin and nose. They are one of the mildest forms of acne, but they can be stubborn and are easy to make worse by squeezing. This guide explains what whiteheads are, why they form and how to treat them safely.

What is a whitehead?

A whitehead, also called a closed comedone, is a pore that has become plugged with sebum (skin oil) and dead skin cells. Unlike a blackhead, the opening of the pore stays covered by a thin layer of skin. Because the plug is not exposed to air, it does not darken, so it looks white or flesh-coloured rather than black.

Whiteheads are not infected and usually are not painful. However, if the pore wall breaks or bacteria multiply inside, a whitehead can turn into a red, inflamed pimple.

Whiteheads vs blackheads

Both are comedones, the starting point of acne. The difference is the pore opening:

Blackheads (open comedones): the pore is open, and the plug darkens when it reacts with air.
Whiteheads (closed comedones): the pore is closed over, so the plug stays pale and sits under the skin.

Treatment for both is similar. You can read more in our guide to blackheads and how to treat them.

What causes whiteheads?

Excess oil: hormones, especially during puberty, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, can increase oil production.
Sticky skin cells: in acne-prone skin, dead cells shed unevenly and clump together inside the pore.
Heavy or pore-clogging products: thick creams, some oils, hair products and heavy foundation can contribute, particularly along the hairline and forehead.
Friction and pressure: helmets, headbands, masks and resting your face on your hands can encourage closed comedones.
Genetics: a family history of acne makes comedones more likely.

Treatments that help

Whiteheads respond best to ingredients that keep pores clear over time. Consistency matters more than strength.

Salicylic acid (BHA): oil-soluble, so it can work inside the pore to loosen the plug. Look for 0.5–2% in a cleanser, toner or leave-on product.
Retinoids: adapalene and prescription retinoids normalise how skin cells shed and are among the most effective treatments for comedones. See our guide to types of acne for how they fit in.
Azelaic acid: gentle, helps unclog pores and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Benzoyl peroxide: mainly targets bacteria and inflammation, so it is more useful if whiteheads keep turning into red pimples.

Expect to wait 6–12 weeks for clear improvement. Whiteheads can sometimes seem to increase in the first few weeks of a retinoid as clogged pores come to the surface. This is often temporary.

Should you squeeze whiteheads?

It is best not to. Because the pore is closed, squeezing usually requires a lot of pressure, which can push the contents deeper, break the pore wall and lead to an inflamed spot, a dark mark or even a scar. If you find it hard to leave them alone, try a hydrocolloid patch, which covers the spot and acts as a physical reminder not to touch.

A dermatologist or trained professional can extract stubborn whiteheads safely using sterile tools, sometimes after first softening the skin.

Prevention tips

Cleanse twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
Use oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup.
Keep hair products away from the forehead and wash your hair regularly if you have a fringe.
Clean items that touch your face, such as phone screens, glasses and pillowcases.
Remove makeup fully before bed.

When to see a doctor

If whiteheads are widespread, do not improve after three months of consistent over-the-counter treatment, or keep turning into painful spots, a doctor or dermatologist can prescribe stronger options. Small, firm white bumps that do not change for months may also be something else, such as milia, which need a different approach.

The bottom line

Whiteheads are closed, clogged pores. Gentle cleansing, a pore-clearing ingredient like salicylic acid or a retinoid, and patience are the most reliable way to clear them, while squeezing tends to make them worse.