Whiteheads are a type of acne caused by pores that have become clogged with excess dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria. When the pores close up, small white or flesh-colored bumps can form on the skin.These raised bumps are commonly called whiteheads,

but they can also be referred to as closed comedones or pimples.²Unlike other types of acne such as papules (raised red bumps) or pustules (pus-filled acne lesions), whiteheads typically present without any clinical signs of inflammation, like redness or swelling.³ As a milder form of acne, whiteheads are typically easier to treat and manage than those inflammatory types of acne.⁴While you might not like the look of whiteheads, the good news is that skincare treatments and lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent them. What Do Whiteheads Look Like?What Causes Whiteheads? – Whiteheads form when excess bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells build up and clog the opening of a pore. Whiteheads and other types of acne can be aggravated by stress, lack of sleep, hormones, and certain types of foods. Skincare, hair care, or makeup products that contain oil can also bring on acne like whiteheads.⁶ You can develop whiteheads at any age. While acne is most commonly seen among teenagers—nearly 85% of teenagers have had acne at some point—the condition can also affect babies and adults.⁷ Acne has the tendency to run in families, so if your parents had or have whiteheads, you might be likelier to have them too.⁸ Research has also found a link between smoking and acne, in that that smokers are more likely to have acne than non-smokers.⁶ American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne: Who gets and causes.