Whitehead

Read more about whiteheads below.

Characteristics of whiteheads

Whiteheads are a combination of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that produce firm to hard plugs within hair follicles. They are closed from the skin’s surface by cellular debris at the follicle opening. Because they are closed and have no contact with oxygen, they do not oxidize or turn brown, as blackheads do. They form a light or yellow-white lump and are called milia (or milium, singular). When bacteria is added to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne, especially cystic acne.

Whiteheads are promoted by excessive cellular exfoliation, which quickly clog or block the follicles. Some skin specialists believe individuals with frequent and multiple blackheads and whiteheads produce sebum that is drier than normal and conducive to forming firm plugs. Sebum contributes to skin oils and people with dry sebum may have dry skin. This may be especially true of people with chronic whiteheads, but it is also possible to have dry sebum with oily skin.

This condition is frequently caused by linoleic acid deficiency, resulting in sebum that is dry and firm and tends to develop into plugs. The sebaceous glands normally produce sebum with linoleic acid (omega 6), an essential fatty acid. This type of sebum has a more liquid viscosity. It is calming to the skin and does not promote follicular irritation that leads to plugs. When linoleic acid is not available, the sebaceous glands produce sebum with oleic acid. This oleic form of sebum is irritating to the skin and promotes plugs. Oleic sebum is much firmer than linoleic sebum and is prone to producing hard plugs rather than flowing out of the follicle. This causes blackheads and whiteheads and both of these conditions may lead to acne infections.

BiON’s Blackhead/Whitehead Controller dissolves blackheads in about three weeks. It is a very unique product, made from natural plant extracts (25% of today’s pharmaceutical drugs are still derived directly from plant extracts and another 20% are synthetic copies of plant extracts). The Blackhead/Whitehead Controller contains extracts that reduce excessive cellular production and shrink tissues to keep follicles open. Some of these same extract Blackhead/Whitehead Controllers are used for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and similar conditions of excessive cellular proliferation. Some of the extracts are able to soften and break down lipids, like the dry sebum that form the plugs. Other extracts down-regulate the production of dihydrotestosterone, that stimulates the production of sebum.

As Blackhead/Whitehead Controller softens and dissolves milia, it is important that the skin does not become dry or dehydrated for long periods of time. This allows the milia plugs to harden again and is counter-productive to treatment. People with dry skin should use a moisturizer to prevent the skin from becoming dry and/or consider essential fatty acid supplements, if not pregnant or nursing. BiON’s Moisture Complex is especially formulated for acneic skin and can be used along with other BiON products for adult acne, acne vulgaris, cystic acne, etc.

Whiteheads dissolve in 3 – 4 weeks and during this time the Blackhead/Whitehead Controller must be used twice daily, following cleansing. Apply a small amount of the Blackhead/Whitehead Controller, immediately following cleansing, with a cleansed finger and do not use cotton or gauze. Rub it into the skin lightly to assist penetration into the follicles. For stubborn whiteheads, BiON’s Salicylic-Glycolic Gel can be applied following the Controller, and again, lightly rub the application into the skin to help push the products into the follicles. BiON’s Salicylic-Glycolic Gel will not cause dryness.

Whiteheads may develop into blackheads during the third to fourth weeks as the sebum plug is exposed to oxygen. Do not be concerned if this happens. Following the initial treatment phase, the Blackhead/Whitehead Controller must be used once daily or once every other day, following cleansing, to maintain the results. It is important to address treatment of whiteheads as these plugs can develop into cystic acne which can be painful and disfiguring.

The Blackhead/Whitehead Controller works very effectively in combination with any of BiON’s acne products. The Blackhead/Whitehead Controller should be the first item used following cleansing and lightly rubbed into the skin.

Salicylic acid and benzyl peroxide (frequently used in blackhead treatments) can be counter-productive to softening and dissolving blackheads as they can dehydrate dry, normal and combination skin. BiON’s Antibacterial Cleanser and BiON’s Bacteriostat Cleanser do not aggressively strip the skin of lipids and do not dehydrate the skin. They effectively cleanse and reduce bacteria to inhibit the development of acne infections. People with excessively oily skin can use BiON’s Glycolic Cleanser.

Patients with large numbers of whiteheads may have an inability to digest or absorb linoleic acid, which leads to sebum produced with an oleic acid form of sebum. Skin care professionals who carry BiON products can obtain additional information regarding supplements by reading the Acne & Essential Fatty Acids page and then calling the BiON office.

Blackheads & Whiteheads

Normal, Combination or Oily Skin

AM:
Cleanser (Antibacterial or Bacteriostat) – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
Blackhead/Whitehead Controller – Apply amply following cleansing, lightly rub in, leave on
Salicylic-Glycolic Gel – Optional for stubborn whiteheads, apply lightly, rub in, leave on
Other skin care products – Apply as usual

PM:
Cleanser (Antibacterial or Bacteriostat) – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
Blackhead/Whitehead Controller – Apply amply following cleansing, lightly rub in, leave on
Other skin care products – Apply as usual

Note: When using Blackhead/Whitehead Controller with other products, always use Blackhead/Whitehead Controller as the first item after cleansing.

Note: Use Blackhead/Whitehead Controller twice daily until blackheads disappear, in about 2-3 weeks, or until whiteheads disappear, in about 3-4 weeks. Then use once daily to maintain results. Do NOT let treated skin become dry or plugs will harden again and not dissolve.