White spots on the skin can be: milia (small cysts filled with keratin) or closed comedones (a form of acne that occurs when skin pores get clogged with dead cells and sebum, remaining closed by a superficial layer of skin), and they are one of those common skin conditions that we often overlook or know less about. But if you suffer from this topical problem and want to know the causes of their appearance and what treatments are available to eliminate them, this article is for you.
What exactly are white spots
These small accumulations of oil (comedones or pimples), which can appear on various parts of the body, are the result of sebum buildup and dead skin cells in the pores.
White spots on the skin are a form of non-inflammatory acne characterized by small whitish bumps. These spots, which can be the size of a grain of sand or even smaller, form when skin pores become clogged with sebum and dead cells instead of being excreted through the skin’s surface.
Therefore, these white spots usually appear in areas where pores are smaller and more prone to clogging; mainly around the eyes, on the forehead, nose, and chin.
And although the definition of white spots on the skin may remind us of blackheads, they are actually two different types of conditions. So it is important to treat them differently.
The clearest difference is the color of these bumps. The white color of milia is because the pore is closed, so the sebum inside does not oxidize or turn black when exposed to air.
On the other hand, white spots on the skin should also be distinguished from pimples. In this case, the blockage is not infected, so these spots are not accompanied by redness of the surrounding skin.
What causes white spots
White spots appear due to pore blockage, caused by sebum, dead skin cells, or impurities from the air.
- Excess sebum production: When the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it can accumulate in the pores and contribute to the formation of white spots.
- Accumulation of dead skin cells: As skin cells die and renew, some can accumulate on the skin’s surface and clog pores.
- Comedogenic cosmetics and skincare products: Using skincare or makeup products containing comedogenic ingredients (which clog pores) also contributes to pore blockage.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be genetically more prone to developing white spots on the skin due to the shape and size of their sebaceous glands.
How to eliminate white spots on the skin
Just because the pore is closed doesn’t mean milia can’t be treated. In fact, given the nature of this condition, to prevent the appearance of these whitish spots on the skin and treat them, the most important thing is to keep the skin pores clean with the right products and perform regular exfoliation.
Aesthetic medicine specialists can also help remove white spots from the face. Techniques such as peeling (diamond, crystal, or chemical) and microneedling are available for this purpose.
Prevent and eliminate white spots step by step
- The first step to combat white spots on the skin is exfoliation. Regular gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and unclog blocked pores.
- Keep your skin clean with the cleanser that best suits your skin type. Makeup removers, facial soaps, and micellar water are products that will help prevent and treat pore blockage.
- Topical products containing ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids are effective for unclogging pores and reducing sebum production.
- Facial masks, especially clay masks, are also a great option to extract impurities from the skin, tighten it, and purify it.
With Toskani products, you can enjoy a healthy skincare routine that prevents and eliminates white spots. Remember to use products suitable for your skin type and seek professional help when necessary. A dermatologist can be very helpful for the prevention and treatment of this skin condition.