As a dermatologist with over a decade of experience, I have encountered numerous cases of various skin conditions, including whiteheads. Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are a type of acne that occurs when a pore becomes clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, but the clog remains beneath the surface of the skin, which is why it appears white or skin-colored.

The primary cause of whiteheads is the overproduction of sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. This excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to the formation of a plug that blocks the pore. Several factors can contribute to this overproduction of sebum and the development of whiteheads, including:


1. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

2. Genetics: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to produce more sebum or have larger sebaceous glands.

3. Stress: Stress can increase the production of stress hormones, which can, in turn, increase sebum production.

4. Diet: A diet high in refined sugars and dairy products may contribute to increased sebum production for some individuals.

5. Skincare products: Using heavy, oil-based skincare products can clog pores and lead to whiteheads.

6. Touching the face: Frequent touching of the face can transfer oil and bacteria, increasing the risk of clogged pores.

It's important to maintain a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and the use of non-comedogenic products to help prevent the development of whiteheads.

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Your pores can become blocked for several reasons. One cause of blocked pores is hormonal changes, which are common triggers of acne. Certain life stages can increase the amount of sebum, or oil, your pores produce. The increased oil production causes clogged pores and whiteheads.read more >>