guidance to glow
Whiteheads
in Los Angeles & Glendale
in Los Angeles Glendale
At Guidance to Glow
Our customized whitehead and clogged pore treatments are designed to clear congestion, remove excess oil and dead skin buildup, and help prevent future breakouts. Depending on your skin type, your facial may include deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, enzyme treatments, hydrofacial treatments, and professional extractions.
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are a common type of acne that develops when a pore becomes blocked with excess sebum, dead skin cells, keratin, and debris. Because the pore remains closed at the surface, the buildup stays trapped underneath the skin and forms a small white, cream-colored, or skin-toned bump.
Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are not exposed to air, so the trapped material does not oxidize and turn dark. They often appear on the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and jawline, especially in areas where the skin produces more oil.
Whiteheads may be more common when the skin experiences:
- Excess oil production
- Dead skin buildup
- Clogged pores
- Hormonal changes
- Congested or acne-prone skin
- Heavy or pore-clogging skincare and makeup
- Inadequate exfoliation or over-exfoliation
- Sweat, heat, and environmental buildup
Whiteheads are usually considered non-inflammatory acne, but they can become red, irritated, or develop into larger breakouts if the pore becomes more inflamed.
What causes Whiteheads?
Whiteheads form when a pore becomes clogged and closed at the surface, trapping excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, keratin, and debris inside the follicle. Because the opening stays sealed, the buildup appears as a small white or skin-colored bump rather than a blackhead.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Excess oil production that makes pores more likely to become congested
- Dead skin cell buildup that does not shed properly
- Hormonal changes, which can increase oil production
- Pore-clogging skincare, makeup, or hair products
- Sweat, heat, and humidity, which can contribute to facial congestion
- Inconsistent cleansing, allowing oil and debris to accumulate
- Over-exfoliation or irritation, which can disrupt the skin barrier and worsen congestion
- Genetics and acne-prone skin, which can make someone more likely to develop closed comedones
Whiteheads often appear on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and jawline and are especially common in oily or acne-prone skin.
How to Treat whiteheads!
Whitehead treatments are customized to help clear closed comedones, clogged pores, excess oil, and dead skin buildup while keeping the skin barrier balanced. The goal is to reduce congestion, improve skin texture, and help prevent new whiteheads from forming.
Depending on the client’s skin type and level of congestion, treatments may include deep cleansing, gentle enzyme exfoliation, Hydrofacial treatments, professional extractions, customized acne facials, calming masks, and hydration support. Professional extractions can safely remove appropriate whiteheads without the unnecessary squeezing or picking that may lead to irritation, dark marks, or scarring.
We also provide a personalized home-care plan to help keep pores clearer between visits and support long-term results.
At-Home routine
Step 1. Gentle Face Wash
Step 2. Anti-oxidant Serum
Step 3. Luminance Serum
Step 4. Moisture Renew
Step 5. Retinol Radiance
Step 6. Revive bright Polish 3x a week