Whiteheads are form of acne - a build-up of oils, sebum and dead skin that plugs up your pores. Just like the blackheads, the whiteheads can be also seen in both teenagers and adults.
Whiteheads can be shortly defined as: tiny, pearly, white raised spots formed in the skin where skin cells clog and close a hair follicle (the reason why they are also called closed comedones ). Many people mistake whiteheads for pimples as they both look alike but there is a difference because whiteheads should be removed very carefully.
The exact cause of whiteheads isn’t still known for sure but most of the dermatologists suggest that the whiteheads are caused by the accumulation of hardened sebum (oil) in the pores of the skin. If the skin pore closes up then the bacteria will remain under the skin – it will begin to grow and after a few days a whitehead will be formed.
Whiteheads usually occur on different parts of the face, most commonly around the eyes and on the cheeks. Most of the people also get whiteheads on the chest, neck and forehead. Whiteheads are often accompanied with blackheads, pimples and acne.

HOW TO GET RID OF WHITEHEADS AND HOW TO PREVENT WHITEHEADS?
You should never try to remove whiteheads alone at home, never! You should know that whiteheads are different from pimples or blackheads. If you try to squeeze the whitehead you may easily break the skin which will result in permanent, reddish scar.
The best way to prevent the formation of whiteheads is to follow a strict skin care regimen, as follows:
Clean your face at least twice a day with skincare products that are appropriate for your skin type. Use a facial cleanser that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxyl acids as there ingredients help in unclogging the pores.
Exfoliate your skin regularly – twice or three times a week. Apply the exfoliating products all over your face, using light, circular motions concentration on the problem areas of the face – forehead, nose and cheeks. Try to find a gentle exfoliator with small particles – it will encourage newer, smoother and healthier skin cells to grow, helping to unclog the pores.
Even if your skin is oily or mixed you should never forget to apply a moisturizer or a hydrating cream.
Once a week steam your face for a few minutes to cleanse your skin in deep. Steaming is very important to loosen debris that may be embedded into the skin. When steaming the face you wide the clogged pores and soften the skin in order to cleanse more easily the impurities, the traces of makeup, the dust, the sebaceous secretions as well as the dead skin cells.
You can also use a comedone remover (a comedone extractor ) tool –a handy device to help keep pores free of blackheads and blemishes. It will remove all clogged dark bumps with trapped sebum, bacteria and excess oils dislodging pore blockages leaving skin clear and smooth. This tool should be used immediately after steaming the face.

If you have just a small number of whiteheads don’t do anything – leave them the way they are because sometimes whiteheads go away by themselves in a few days.
You should never try to squeeze the whitehead alone; you had better go to the nearest beauty parlor and consult a beautician or a dermatologist.
The cosmetologists are trained to remove whiteheads and the other forms of acne flawlessly. They use special methods and tools to extract the whiteheads without a risk of skin infections and scarring.
The first thing the cosmetologist will do is to steam your face – to widen the clogged pores and to soften the skin in order to cleanse more easily the impurities. After steaming it will be more easily to remove the comedones /blackheads, whiteheads/ and the little pimples.
Then she / he will use a sterilized needle to gently prick the tip of the whitehead with the needle. A gentle pressure will be needed to ease out the pus. Basically this is to most common way used by the dermatologist and the beauticians to remove the whiteheads. The method resembles the way a pimple is popped but a higher degree of attention is needed.

Useful Tips:
Remember: whiteheads should be extracted by an experienced esthetician or dermatologist.
To prevent whiteheads from forming in the first place, you should use a mild facial cleanser that is oil-free and wash your face at least twice a day.
Never squeeze or pick at a pimple as doing so may spread the inflammation and leave an ugly red scar behind.
Use a face cream or moisturizer containing salicylic acid.
Always look for antibacterial skin care and cosmetic products.
Use skin care products with benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid or AHAs.
It’s essential to keep your skin clean all the time in order to prevent the formation of whiteheads.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body hydrated and to remove the toxins from your skin.
Always apply a toner after cleansing your face in the morning and in the evening to close the pores.
Remember: there is a difference between a blackhead and a whitehead, blackheads are partly blocked pores and the fully blocked pores are called whiteheads.
Never try to remove whiteheads at home – this may lead to serious skin infections and permanent scarring.
Remember: usually the whiteheads go away by themselves in a few days.
Never forget to remove your makeup in the evening; otherwise this may clog the pores resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and rash appearance.
Never use harsh facial cleansers, soaps or lotions.
Always look for noncomedogenic and nonacnegenic skin care and makeup products.
Like the blackheads, the whiteheads can be seen on the areas around the face, especially around the nose, eyes, cheeks and forehead.
Never use oil-based makeup precuts as they may contribute to the buildup of oil in the follicles.
Always apply moisturizer after washing your face.
Don’t forget to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a mild exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells.
Remember: the appearance of your skin is influenced mainly by your skin care routine.
Always wear a sunscreen or sunblock with SPF at least 15, even during the winter months to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Avoid touching your face with dirty hands – you can transform bacteria and cause inflammation.
Remember: the best way to prevent whiteheads is to keep your skin clean and well moisturized all the time.
Regular facials can help prevent whiteheads because they will keep your pores clean.
Do a cleansing face mask once or twice a week.