

How Exactly to Get Rid of Whiteheads

These five products might help.

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Blackheads. Bacne. Red, angry adult acne. They're all pretty annoying, but the first of all are the ripe, juicy whiteheads. They stick out on your face like a sore thumb. And sometimes it feels as though there's nothing you can about them. You've tried drugstore treatments and sheet masks, so what's next?

These five expert tips and five handy products will work together to eliminate whiteheads and noticeable zits sustainably over time. Yes, they're a treatment much more effective than popping.

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        1. Don't touch your face.

        According to Healthline.com, one of the best ways you can keep your acne from spreading is avoiding touching your face. Want to pop the pimple? Give it a second. Yes, popping is fun, but it's not exactly the best idea.

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        Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Absorbing Spot Dot

        Instead of popping your zit or running the risk of spreading the juices, throw a patch on the spot. An acne patch can help dry out your pimple and keep you from poking at it. 

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        2. Consult an expert.

        As dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield of the Schweiger Dermatology Group told Elle, you can't always play Dr. Pimple Popper. Leave that to the literal Dr. Pimple Poppers of this world. If a whitehead appears to grow in size or becomes painful, it's time to see a dermatologist. “If the technique is not sterile, you can cause an infection in the skin,” Greenfield said. “Also, pimple popping can easily lead to scarring which is hard, time consuming, and costly to treat.”

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        GlamGlow SUPERMUD Activated Charcoal Treatment

        So between doctor visits and pimple patches, it's a good idea to give your skin the occasional recharge it needs. A mask helps clear clogged pores of excess oil and dirt, which are often the culprits behind whiteheads.

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        2. Prep your skin.

        And if you're trying to do this alone or don't think your zit warrants a visit to the derm, prep your skin adequately for any pops, patches, or masks. "I take a really warm shower first or apply a warm compress, like a washcloth, for a few minutes first to dilate the pore," Rebecca Kazin, MD, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the associate director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery told Oprah.com.

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        Anthony Algae Facial Cleanser

        Washing your face? Might as well dab some cleanser on there too. A cleanser works twofold: it helps clean the skin that's already there (obviously) to clear up the face and helps prevent future zits as well. 

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        4. Look for products with the right ingredients.

        If you're going to buy specific products in the hopes of busting whiteheads, be on the lookout for specific ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two reliable solutions. “Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that can contribute to acne as well as help unclog pores,” New York City dermatologist, Hadley C. King, M.D. told Women's Health. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, clears out clogged pores.

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        Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment

        This Clean & Clear product basically zaps pimples off your face. It's a thin gel packed with salicylic acid, so it clears the pores of any gunk, dirt, or oil. 

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        5. Focus on prevention.

        Once you've gotten rid of your whiteheads, you're likely not trying to do all that again. Quite the opposite, probably. To make sure you avoid future breakouts, begin focusing on a skincare routine that emphasizes protection.

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        Sunday Riley Space Race Kit

        A reliable routine is key to prevention. If you suffer from chronic acne, including lots of whiteheads, look for products that serve your specific needs. Sunday Riley's Space Race line will help clear your skin with ingredients specifically made for fighting acne. 

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