What Causes Seasonal Whiteheads?

Understanding the formation of whiteheads, and why they’re seasonal will pave the path to the easiest way to treat them as well as prevent them from becoming problematic.

Are Whiteheads Seasonal?

There are so many questions about seasonal acne. Most people want to know the cause, how to prevent it and which types are more prominent during which time of year. When looking at the grand scheme of seasonal patterns, and considering climates which experience all four seasons, seasonal acne is as fickle as the skin disorder itself. Does seasonal acne exist? Absolutely. Are whiteheads seasonal? They certainly can be.

You’re probably curious about the seasonal nature of whiteheads due to a personal experience. For many individuals, the summer season can bring on the formation of more whiteheads than is normal, and for others the winter is the trouble season. Generally speaking, when it comes to seasonal acne problems, the solstice seasons are the two that present the greatest extremes in temperature, associated clothing and problems with various types of acne.

How Whiteheads Form

Whiteheads form like all types of acne, and the process is quite simple to understand. Simply, whiteheads are a product of the natural regeneration process of the skin. As the skin continues to grow and regenerate, dead skin cells will shed from the surface. Some dead cells will remain stuck to the surface, where they will combine with bacteria. Together, these two entities can find their way into pores and follicles, creating a concoction with sebum (skin oil) produced by the sebaceous gland. These three can create a clog, or plug, and when there is only a microscopic opening to the pore at the surface of the skin, a whitehead will develop.

Of course, there are variables that increase or decrease the likelihood of whiteheads developing, and four of those variables are the changing seasons.

How Whiteheads Become Seasonal Acne Problems

Generally, whiteheads are more prone to develop when the skin is exposed to the elements and the extreme temperatures. For example, in the winter months, people wear more clothing. Whether it’s in the form of layers used for warmth, or a heavy winter coat for a daily commute, the result will be perspiration at the skin level. This will also trigger the sebaceous gland to produce more sebum, which can become one of the reasons whiteheads develop more during the winter.

Considering another winter variable: Dry skin. As it flakes, and the skin recognizes the dryness, the dead skin cells will enjoy access to excess sebum, and whiteheads can develop. Also, heavy clothing can serve to chafe and irritate skin, leaving dead skin cells on a direct path to clogging pores and creating acne problems.

In contrast, we generally wear fewer clothes in the summer, but the heat still remains, triggering sweat and sebum production. Also, many people wear tighter clothing in the summer and because of this the skin can be easily irritated, not being able to “breathe” from the outside.

In terms of facial skin being affected by seasonal acne, consider the patterns of inflammation and the elemental exposure to sun and/or cold and things associated with seasons such as wind burn, dry skin and sun burn. Ultimately, a simple, quality skin care regimen can greatly assist with seasonal acne issues of all types.