Updated: April 2026
Whiteheads often show up as small bumps with a visible white tip, and while they may seem simple, they don’t always go away as quickly as you’d wish.
They form when a pore becomes clogged and stays closed at the surface, trapping oil and dead skin cells underneath.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what whiteheads are, what causes them, and what actually helps when it comes to treating them.
Jump to:
- What Are Whiteheads?
- Whiteheads vs Blackheads (and Closed Comedones)
- How to Get Rid of Whiteheads
- Should You Pop Whiteheads?
- Best Skincare Routine for Whiteheads
- Common Mistakes That Make Whiteheads Worse
What Are Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are a type of non-inflammatory acne that form when a pore becomes clogged and stays closed at the surface.
When oil and dead skin cells build up inside the pore, they get trapped underneath the skin instead of being exposed to air. This is why they show up as small bumps with a visible white or flesh-coloured tip.
This can happen if your skin isn’t shedding evenly, if there’s more oil than usual, or if certain products are trapping buildup in the pore.
If you want a broader understanding of how these factors connect, you can read more in What Causes Acne.
Whiteheads vs Blackheads (and Closed Comedones)
Whiteheads are often confused with other types of clogged pores, especially blackheads and closed comedones, but there are a few key differences.
Whiteheads stay closed at the surface and develop a visible white or flesh-coloured tip.
Blackheads, on the other hand, are open. When the contents inside the pore are exposed to air, they darken.
Closed comedones are closer to whiteheads, but they sit deeper under the skin and don’t form a visible head. If you want to understand the difference in more detail, you can read more in Closed Comedones: What They Are & How to Treat Them.
Even though all three involve clogged pores, they don’t behave in exactly the same way, which is why they don’t always respond to treatment in the same way either.
How to Get Rid of Whiteheads
Treating whiteheads is mostly about helping your skin clear buildup more effectively, rather than targeting inflammation.
Some of the most commonly used ingredients include:
Salicylic acid (BHA) → helps clear pores from within, making it a good starting point if your skin feels congested or oily
Retinoids → support skin renewal and help prevent buildup from forming in the first place
Azelaic acid → a gentler option that can help keep pores clear while also calming the skin
In most cases, starting with one ingredient and using it consistently works better than combining several at once.
To figure out which ingredients might suit your skin, you can explore our guide on Best Ingredients for Acne.
Should You Pop Whiteheads?
It can be tempting to pop whiteheads, especially since they sit closer to the surface and often have a visible head.
In some cases, they may come out more easily than deeper types of acne, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea.
Squeezing can push the contents deeper into the skin, irritate the area, and increase the risk of inflammation or marks.
If you do try to extract them, it’s important to be gentle and avoid forcing anything that doesn’t come out easily.
In general, focusing on ingredients that help clear pores gradually is a more gentle and reliable approach.
Best Skincare Routine for Whiteheads
A simple, consistent routine is usually the most effective way to deal with whiteheads.
For most people, this means focusing on a few key steps rather than trying to do too much at once.
A basic routine usually includes:
A gentle cleanser → helps remove oil and buildup without irritating the skin
One targeted treatment → such as salicylic acid or a retinoid to help keep pores clear
A moisturiser → supports the skin barrier and helps prevent over-drying
Sunscreen (in the morning) → especially important if you’re using active ingredients
When using treatments, patience and consistency matter more than intensity. If you want more guidance, you can explore our guide on Best Skincare Routine for Acne (AM & PM).
Common Mistakes That Make Whiteheads Worse
When you’re trying to get rid of whiteheads, it’s easy to do too much too quickly, which can often make things worse.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Over-exfoliating → which can irritate the skin and disrupt its natural balance
- Using too many active ingredients at once → making it harder to see what actually works
- Switching products too frequently → not giving your skin enough time to adjust
- Using products that feel too heavy or clog pores → which can trap buildup and make congestion worse
- Picking or squeezing whiteheads → increasing the risk of irritation, inflammation, and marks
If your skin starts to feel more irritated or congested, it’s often a sign that simplifying your routine will help more than adding more products.
The Bottom Line
Whiteheads might seem simple, but they can still be frustrating when they don’t clear as quickly as you want.
They form when pores become clogged, trapping oil and dead skin cells under the surface.
Keeping your routine simple, using ingredients that help clear pores, and giving your skin time to adjust usually works better than trying to fix everything at once.
With a bit of consistency and patience, they usually improve over time.
More From the Acne Series
Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Skincare Routine
How to Treat Acne: Finding What Works for Your Skin
How to Treat Blackheads
Why Am I Breaking Out? (Causes & What to Do)
