Whiteheads!

Blackheads, whitehead, they are all the same thing – right? The answer to that is NO.

Whiteheads develop deep within the skin where skin cells become clogged and the follicle close. Whiteheads are small and appear on the outer layer of the skin like a white raised bump. Medical terms categorize them as a closed comedones. Whiteheads can be just as ugly and annoying as blackheads, but whiteheads can destroy the skin. They typically appear on the sides of the nose, cheekbones and forehead where the skin is thinner and the chin.

Here are a few ways to avoid getting whiteheads:

* Drink plenty of water. This helps in removing toxins from the skin.

* Try washing your face with mild cleansers and exfoliate once weekly with a mild facial scrub. Once you are done cleansing and exfoliating, try steam. This will help soften the skin and opens up the pores. This can be an important step. You want to open the pores to help remove the toxins from the skin, then close the pores using a mild toner to avoid both black & white heads.

* Apply a facial clay with fruit. Honey, strawberries and papaya are great for acne prone skin, while lemons work well to reduce whiteheads and black spots.

* Always rinse with lukewarm water. Hot water can be damaging to the skin.

Acne can also be due to:
* poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental or hormonal changes, harsh soaps
* hair/products you use on your hair
* dirty pillowcases
* products containing mineral oil

Subtle Essence products will never contain pore clogging mineral oil. We offer gentle facial cleansers, clay masks, toners, and a light facial butter. Stay tuned for our Honey Tropics Mask and a moisturizing facial serum specifically designed for acne prone skin.

When all else fails, you may need to seek out a dermatologist.