Before you try to remove whiteheads on your own, it's important for you to realize what they are. Many people think that since it looks like a pimple, they can just use normal acne medication and the problem will go away. This is simply not the case with whiteheads.

First lets look at what exactly is happening within the skin that causes a whitehead. Every pore on your body creates oil, called sebum. Sebum lubricates and moisturizes your skin to keep it healthy. Problems begin to present themselves whenever the pore that the sebum is released from becomes blocked. If the pore remains open then the sebum will oxidize and turn black. However, if the pore closes up, the bacteria will begin to grow and leave the remains white, which is where the term whitehead originates. While this may look like a normal pimple, it is definitely not the same.

To begin clearing up whiteheads it should be mentioned that you never squeeze or try to remove them by pressure without the proper tools. If you squeeze and pick you will only break the skin and leave it open for infection and potentially leave a scar. The best way to remove whiteheads from your face is with a comedone remover. Comedone is just another name for the blockage of pores.

This tool is made of stainless steel and has an interesting loop design which helps remove the whitehead without damaging the skin. Using this device couldn't be simpler. You would use this tool immediately after steaming the face with a hot washcloth or after a hot bath. This is to insure that you can easily remove whitehead material. Once the whitehead breaks the top layer of the skin, press the loop end over the whitehead and the trapped material will be dislodged. Once this process is complete, be sure to clean your face again with warm water to ensure that everything has been removed from the pore.

If you find it difficult to remove whiteheads then you may consider using a cream or gel designed to treat blackheads. Many of the medications available for the treatment of blackheads will also be effective for clearing up whiteheads. Most of these medicines include retinoid, which will slow the growth of the white head before it becomes too big of a problem.

Depending on your face type, you may be given either a retinoid cream or lotion that will moisturize the skin and loosen the blockage. If you choose this route for clearing up whiteheads, it is important that you speak with a dermatologist to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

If home treatment isn't the way you'd prefer to go, then please talk to your dermatologist. There are procedures to remove whiteheads that only a licensed dermatologist can do, and sometimes these methods are the best.