Whiteheads – Allergic Reactions – Sunscreen

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are a form of acne which are made up of sebum and fragments of dead skin cells.  This results in a ‘plug’ inside the hair follicle which, as it is not exposed to oxygen in the air, remains a white / yellow colour.

We all produce sebum in our skin but it is believed that some people produce a drier form than others.  The sebum in most people’s oil glands contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid which gives sebum its liquid form.  If this linoleic acid is not available, which occurs in drier sebum, then oleic acid is produced to compensate for this loss.  This irritates the skin and causes whiteheads to form.

Many cosmetic companies have recommended products for various skin types but it is very important to understand the reasons behind your skin type before you embark on using a large number of lotions and creams.

If you have dry skin, you may be led to believe that loading your skin with several products will give it the moisture it needs.  In fact, using products that are too heavy can actually cause skin cell build-up and leave you with dull and rough skin and outbreaks of whiteheads.

If you do suffer from whiteheads, you are generally better off following a simple skincare routine of washing your face thoroughly twice a day.  Just use a mild soap and avoid harsh scrubbing as this can make matters worse.

It is also very important to protect your skin from the elements.  The sun can dry out skin quickly and cause dry patches.  However, loading your skin with sunscreen is not always the answer.  For example, the oil in cocoa butter can clog pores and make pre-existing acne worse.  You should also avoid oily and greasy cosmetics such as make-up, sunscreen and even hair products (as your hair often comes into contact with your face).  Instead, choose products labelled as “water based” or “noncomedogenic”.

Your skin is an exceptionally resilient part of the body but will always be happy to receive a helping hand from you.  Get to know your skin and treat it as it deserves.