Treatments for Whiteheads

Whiteheads develop when skin oils block pores and create an environment where bacteria can cause irritation. The main difference between whiteheads and blackheads is that blackheads have a microscopic opening on the surface of the skin. This opening allows the sebum to oxidize and turn a dark color. Since these two types of pimples are essentially caused by the same problem, blocked pores, they often respond to the same types of treatments. Proactiv makes several kits and individual products that can reduce the number of whiteheads that you experience and prevent outbreaks from developing in the future.

How Proactiv Products Eliminate Whiteheads

Most Proactiv products can help eliminate whiteheads because they contain a substance called benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide has qualities that soap and water cannot match. First, Proactiv products use benzoyl peroxide to unclog the pores by removing the sebum. If you have ever tried to wash greasy dishes, then you know that soap can’t cut through the oil very effectively. The same is true of your skin’s oil. Even though soap cannot unclog the pores, benzoyl peroxide breaks up the sebum and dead skin skins effectively.

After unclogging the pores, benzoyl peroxide can destroy acne-causing bacteria. The Proactiv products are designed to penetrate the pore and eliminate bacteria quickly. In addition to killing the bacteria on contact, benzoyl peroxide leaves behind an oxygen-rich environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to survive in the pore. This helps prevent future outbreaks.

Proactiv Products for Whiteheads

If you have frequent outbreaks of whiteheads, then you should consider using one of Proactiv’s 3-step systems. The New Proactiv 3-Step System contains a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and repairing treatment that work together to eliminate whiteheads and prevent future outbreaks. This system uses a 2.5 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide. This amount of active ingredient works well for most people who have normal skin.

Those who have sensitive skin might experience some mild dryness from the benzoyl peroxide. The New Proactiv 3-Step System PLUS Oil-Free Moisture comes with a moisturizer that will hydrate dry skin without causing more whiteheads. The moisturizer also helps prevent common side effects such as itchiness and redness.

Excessively oily skin may respond better to a different approach. Try using the New Proactiv 3-Step System Plus Oil Control Deluxe. This kit includes a lotion that will dry up excess oil. It also comes with an oil-free moisturizer. That way you can fight whiteheads while maintaining healthy skin.

Advanced Proactiv Products for Whiteheads

The above kits contain products with 2.5 percent concentrations of benzoyl peroxide. Most people see a reduction in whiteheads when they use this level of treatment. Some people, however, have advanced cases that need more aggressive treatment. You should always start with a low level of benzoyl peroxide. If they don’t work within a few months, then you can move on to the Extra-Strength Formula Proactiv 3-Step System. This kit includes products with 7 percent concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, plus a toner with salicylic acid. This aggressive treatment for whiteheads should only be used once to clear up extreme cases.