- What Are Acne Blackheads and How Are They Caused?
- What Are Whiteheads and How Are They Caused?
- What Is The Difference Between Blackheads And Whiteheads?
- How To Remove Whiteheads, Pimples and Blackheads?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Talking about blackheads vs whiteheads, or blackheads vs acne is an endless debate, which might probably take the whole day to discuss. However, it’s important to understand what differentiates the two from each other. Even though blackheads are more prominent, having whiteheads can also be problematic to deal with. In fact, some of us don’t even realise when whiteheads hit us as they’re virtually invisible. Cutting to the chase, let’s understand the difference between the two and how you can treat them well.
What Are Acne Blackheads and How Are They Caused?
Ever caught yourself staring in the mirror, trying to figure out what the black bumps on your skin are? Those are acne blackheads. Even though blackheads are a mild form of acne, both blackhead and acne can be very different from each other, and studies show that there is a difference between blackhead and acne. It’s true that both of them are a result of excess dirt and oil build-up on the face, however there is a difference between the two. Blackheads occur due to the clogging of dirt and oil in the pores of your nose due to excess sebum production. Acne develops when hair follicles are clogged. They occur when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Pimples and blackheads develop differently and have slightly varying treatment.
What Are Whiteheads and How Are They Caused?
Whiteheads, commonly known as closed comedones, are types of acne. The pores under your skin get filled with bacteria, with barely enough space to breathe. Since this does not undergo any prominent chemical reaction, it results in the dirt getting accumulated in the form of white spots, which we call whiteheads.
What Is The Difference Between Blackheads And Whiteheads?
As explained above, whiteheads and blackheads are both considered comedonal acne. Even though both blackheads and whiteheads are common types of acne, they differ in the way they are formed. Keep scrolling to know more about blackheads vs whiteheads.
Blackheads vs Whiteheads
Blackheads |
Whiteheads |
Caused by debris, oil, and dead skin cells clogging open pores |
Caused when oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening |
Have open pores |
Have closed pores |
It oxidises and turns black when exposed to air |
White or yellow in colour |
How To Remove Whiteheads, Pimples and Blackheads?
If you had more clarity on whitehead vs blackhead vs pimple, you won't have a hard time treating them. Is a blackhead, pimple, or a whitehead the only barrier between the skin of your dreams? Not anymore! Here's how you can remove them or prevent them by taking the necessary steps:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are whiteheads and blackheads considered acne?
There's only a minute difference between blackheads and whiteheads. Both of these are minute forms of acne. While whiteheads are closed pores, acne blackheads have open pores. They also differ in appearance from each other, where blackheads are darker and more prominent in nature.
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Do whiteheads turn into blackheads?
No, not all whiteheads turn into blackheads. Typically, whiteheads occur first, followed by the skin opening up, exposing oil on your skin to the air and enabling the oil to darken through oxidation. This is when the whiteheads turn into blackheads.
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Is it okay to squeeze out blackheads?
Squeezing or popping out a blackhead is tempting, but not the best decision. They leave behind other skin problems and scars when you squeeze them out. Improper guidance can lead to you pushing the blackhead further into your skin causing yourself more pain.
If you have blackheads or whiteheads, know that you are not alone. Dealing with them can be a little tricky but with the right guidance, it can be much easier than anticipated. All you need to do is integrate a few common steps into your daily skincare regime and ensure to follow it religiously. Remember, you can only beat these skin problems if you treat them correctly. Exfoliate once a week to get cleaner, clearer and better skin. Half knowledge is always dangerous, so consult a dermatologist wherever needed.