Picking and popping your whiteheads? We all have been there and learnt that it probably does more harm than good. Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are a type of acne lesion that forms when a hair follicle gets clogged with sebum (oil secreted by skin), dead skin cells and bacteria. During the monsoon season, the humidity levels in the air tend to rise. This leads to excess moisture on the skin, which in turn, disrupts the skin's natural barrier and gives rise to clogged pores.

Clogged pores are a common skin problem that spares none. The intensity of sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities may vary as per the individual’s collagen – the primary building block of skin. If the collagen is weak, unwanted elements tend to accumulate, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts. If squeezed improperly, they can also lead to redness, swelling and infections.