Lots of people have whiteheads of some variety around their T-zone (the area of the forehead, nose, and chin), especially those of us with oily/combination skin. They may seem evil, pesky, and unsightly but in reality they are just the result of pores clogged by oil and dead skin cells.
In this article we will discuss the formation of whiteheads, how they differ from blackheads and pimples, and what you can do to get rid of them to reveal smooth, blemish free skin.
What are Whiteheads?
Whiteheads, also known as comedone, are one type of acne that forms when oil and dead skin cells clog up a pore underneath the surface of the skin. The difference between whiteheads and other types of acne, like blackheads, is that whiteheads are enclosed underneath the surface of the skin and are not exposed to air. On the other hand blackheads happen when the surface is open, exposing the top part of the comedone to air which oxidizes it and makes it appear black.
Whiteheads and blackheads typically populate around the oiliest areas of your face (usually nose, chin, and forehead) because more oil means more clogged pores.
The Solutions
Okay, so now you know a little about whiteheads but what can possibly finally free your face of them or at least reduce their appearance? At Sarah Laser Center & Medspa we offer a variety of facials and other medical grade treatments that will give you clearer, smoother, more radiant skin.
When it comes to whiteheads the keys to removing them are exfoliation and oil control. Because whiteheads are caused by oil and dead skin cell build up, regular exfoliation will reduce them because it gets into the deep layers of the skin to slough off those dead skin cells and other particles that are clogging your pores. An added bonus is that it leaves your face feeling soft and smooth!
Microdermabrasion
As stated in the previous paragraph, exfoliation is very effective at removing/reducing whiteheads because it unblocks those pores filled with oil and dead skin cells. The deepest and most effective way to exfoliate the skin is microdermabrasion. This treatment involves the use of a diamond head wand which, when used by a trained esthetician, will deeply exfoliate your skin, slough off any dead skin cells or other debris, and then suck them away from your face. This treatment is a great way to improve the overall appearance and texture of your face, you will leave with skin that is radiant, soft, and rejuvenated.
Regular microdermabrasion sessions (spaced about 4 weeks apart) will also result in a smaller pore size, this will prevent future whiteheads and other types of acne because your skin’s oil production will become more normalized, making it harder for sebum oil to build up within the pores.
After microdermabrasion your skin will be very fresh and your pores will be very clean and open. During this time it is a great opportunity to introduce other treatments/products to your skin. This is why most of our medical grade facials begin with microdermabrasion then follow with IPL photofacial or vitamin infusion. When multiple treatments are used during the same session they compliment each other, giving you even better results.
To read more about the benefits of microdermabrasion click here.
IPL Photofacial
The IPL Photofacial is a treatment which involves a device that emits light and heat energy into your skin. This promotes collagen production and skin rejuvenation which will reduce signs of aging and acne. The light from the IPL device goes below the surface layer of the skin to reduce inflammation and destroy the bacteria within clogged pores that lead to a classic pimple.
Many of our facials combine IPL with other treatments which will lead to even better results, to see our medical grade facials menu click here.
To learn more about IPL Photofacials click here.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a treatment that involves the use of a device which contains fine needles. These create many micro channels on the surface of your skin through which serums will be applied to reach deep into the dermis where their nutrients are needed most. It also promotes aggressive collagen production which is the key to healthy skin. Microneedling is very effective at reducing acne scars as the collagen basically fills them in from the inside out (to read more about how to get rid of acne scars click here.) Over a series of sessions it will also reduce pore size, which will lead to less whiteheads and other types of acne because your skin’s oil production will become more controlled and normalized.
This treatment will reset the surface of your skin, revealing improved skin texture and a face free of any blemishes, scars, dullness, or hyperpigmentation.
To learn more about the microneedling service we offer here at Sarah Laser Center & Medspa click here.
To read more about the benefits of microneedling click here.
