Do Whiteheads Go Away on Their Own?

September 24, 2025 8:52 pm

Whiteheads are one of the most common skin concerns. Almost everyone has dealt with them at some point, whether during teenage years, adulthood, or even later in life. These tiny white bumps often appear on the face, chest, or back and can be both frustrating and confusing. A common question people ask is whether whiteheads will disappear on their own or if they need treatment.

The short answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some whiteheads may heal naturally without any effort, but others can linger, get worse, or even lead to new breakouts if left alone. Understanding how whiteheads form and how the skin heals can help you know what to expect and how to manage them effectively.

 

What Exactly Are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are a type of acne, also known as closed comedones. They form when pores in the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. Because the pore opening stays closed, the contents are trapped under the skin’s surface. This gives the bump a white or flesh-colored appearance.

They are different from blackheads, which are open comedones. In blackheads, the clogged material is exposed to air and oxidizes, turning dark. Whiteheads, on the other hand, remain sealed under a thin layer of skin.

 

Do Whiteheads Disappear on Their Own?

In many cases, whiteheads can clear up without intervention. Here are some factors that influence whether they fade naturally:

1. Skin Turnover Rate – Healthy skin constantly sheds old cells and produces new ones. If your skin turnover is working well, the blockage inside the pore may eventually rise to the surface and clear itself. This process can take several days to a couple of weeks.

2. Oil Production – If your skin is not producing too much sebum (oil), the pore may unclog more easily. But if your skin is oily, new blockages may form before the old one clears, leading to persistent whiteheads.

3. Bacteria and Inflammation – Sometimes bacteria inside the pore can trigger inflammation. This can turn a harmless whitehead into a painful red pimple or cyst, which usually does not disappear quickly on its own.

4. Lifestyle Factors – Stress, diet, hormones, and skincare habits all affect how long whiteheads stick around. If conditions are favorable, a whitehead might resolve in a week. If not, it could last much longer.

 

Risks of Waiting for Whiteheads to Go Away

While patience can work in some cases, leaving whiteheads untreated also has drawbacks:

• They can linger for weeks. Some whiteheads stay under the skin and feel like stubborn bumps that never fully disappear.

• They may get inflamed. What begins as a small white bump can develop into a red, painful pimple.

• Risk of scarring. Picking at or ignoring whiteheads that turn inflamed can increase the chance of scars or dark spots.

• More breakouts. If clogged pores are not addressed, more whiteheads can appear in the same area.

Because of these risks, many people choose to use safe treatments rather than waiting.

 

Safe Ways to Help Whiteheads Clear Faster

If you do not want to rely on waiting, there are effective methods to help whiteheads fade more quickly:

1. Gentle Cleansing

Wash your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. This helps remove oil, dirt, and dead skin without stripping natural moisture. Harsh scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen breakouts.

2. Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter acne treatments can speed up the healing process. Ingredients that work well include:

• Salicylic Acid: Helps unclog pores by dissolving dead skin cells.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• Retinoids: Increase skin turnover and prevent clogged pores.

3. Exfoliation

Gentle exfoliation with chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) once or twice a week can keep pores clear. Physical scrubs are usually too harsh for acne-prone skin.

4. Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress for a few minutes can soften the contents of the pore, helping the whitehead come to the surface naturally.

5. Professional Help

Dermatologists and estheticians can safely extract whiteheads or prescribe stronger treatments if needed. This is a safer option than trying to pop them at home.

 

What You Should Not Do

When dealing with whiteheads, it is important to avoid habits that can make the situation worse:

• Do not squeeze or pick. This can push bacteria deeper, cause infection, or leave scars.

• Do not over-wash. Washing too often dries the skin, prompting it to produce even more oil.

• Do not use harsh products. Strong scrubs, alcohol-based toners, or heavy oils can irritate pores and prolong healing.

 

Preventing Whiteheads in the First Place

Preventing whiteheads is often easier than waiting for them to heal. Here are some habits that can reduce their occurrence:

Keep Your Skin Clean

Regular cleansing helps remove buildup that clogs pores. If you wear makeup, always remove it before bed.

Choose Non-Comedogenic Products

Skincare and makeup labeled “non-comedogenic” are less likely to block pores.

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Stick to gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and treatment products. Constantly switching products can irritate the skin.

Watch Your Diet

Foods high in sugar, dairy, or unhealthy fats may contribute to breakouts in some people. Keeping a balanced diet with plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables supports healthy skin.

Manage Stress

Stress increases hormones that trigger oil production. Relaxation techniques such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help.

Change Pillowcases and Towels Regularly

Bacteria and oils build up on fabrics that touch your skin daily. Fresh pillowcases and towels reduce this transfer.

 

When to See a Dermatologist

Whiteheads are usually harmless, but professional advice may be necessary if:

• You have frequent or severe breakouts.
• Whiteheads do not improve after a few weeks of self-care.
• Pimples become painful, deep, or cystic.
• Acne is affecting your confidence or causing emotional stress.

A dermatologist can provide treatments such as prescription retinoids, oral medications, or in-office procedures like chemical peels and extractions.

 

FAQs

Can whiteheads turn into blackheads?

No, whiteheads do not turn into blackheads. They are different types of clogged pores. A whitehead stays closed under the skin, while a blackhead is open and exposed to air, which makes it darken.

How long do whiteheads usually last if untreated?

Whiteheads can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The exact time depends on your skin type, oil production, and overall skincare habits. Some may go away on their own, while others can linger.

Are whiteheads a sign of poor hygiene?

Not at all. Whiteheads are usually caused by clogged pores, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Even people with good hygiene can get them. Over-washing the face can actually make acne worse.

Can diet alone cause whiteheads to form?

Diet is not the only cause, but it can play a role. Foods high in sugar, dairy, or greasy fats may trigger breakouts in some people. A balanced diet with whole foods can support clearer skin.

Is it safe to use toothpaste or home remedies on whiteheads?

No, toothpaste and harsh home remedies can irritate the skin and make things worse. It is better to use gentle skincare products or proven acne treatments.

Do hormonal changes make whiteheads worse?

Yes, hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can increase oil production. This makes pores more likely to clog, leading to more whiteheads.

Can whiteheads appear on areas other than the face?

Yes, whiteheads can also show up on the chest, back, shoulders, and even the arms. These areas have many oil glands, making them prone to clogged pores.

What is the difference between whiteheads and milia?

Whiteheads are clogged pores filled with oil and dead skin. Milia are tiny cysts filled with keratin that sit under the skin. They look similar but are not the same and need different treatments.

Can sunscreen cause whiteheads?

Some sunscreens can clog pores, especially heavy or oily ones. Choosing a non-comedogenic sunscreen that is lightweight and oil-free can help prevent whiteheads.

Are whiteheads more common in teenagers or adults?

Whiteheads are very common in teenagers due to hormonal changes, but adults can get them too. Stress, skincare products, and hormonal shifts often trigger them in adults.

 

Conclusion

So, do whiteheads go away on their own? The answer is sometimes. Some whiteheads fade naturally as your skin renews itself, but many will linger or worsen if ignored. Safe skincare habits, topical treatments, and preventive steps can make a big difference. While it may be tempting to squeeze or scrub, gentle care and patience are the best approaches. If whiteheads keep returning or become more serious, a dermatologist can guide you toward effective solutions.

In the end, whiteheads are a normal part of life, but with the right care, they do not have to control your skin or your confidence.