Difference Between Blackheads and Whiteheads: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Small clogged pores on the skin may look similar at first, but the way they form inside the skin is very different. These tiny blockages, known as comedones, develop when oil and dead skin cells collect inside hair follicles. Understanding the difference between blackheads and whiteheads helps in choosing the right skincare approach and prevents them from turning into inflamed acne.

Both types begin the same way, with excess sebum and dead cells blocking a pore. What changes their appearance is whether the pore remains open or gets sealed at the surface.

What Are Blackheads and Whiteheads?

Blackheads are open clogged pores. In this condition, oil and dead skin cells block the pore, but the opening remains exposed to air. When the trapped material reacts with oxygen, it undergoes oxidation and turns dark. This is why blackheads appear as small black or brown dots, most commonly on the nose, chin, and forehead where oil production is higher.

Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed clogged pores. The pore opening becomes sealed by a thin layer of skin, trapping oil and dead cells underneath. Since the material inside does not come into contact with air, it does not turn dark. Instead, it appears as a small white or skin-colored bump that feels slightly raised on the surface.

Also Read - Why Do Women Get More Dark Spots?

 

Key Difference Between Blackheads and Whiteheads

How Blackheads Form

Blackheads develop when excess sebum and dead skin cells accumulate inside a pore, but the pore opening remains open. This open channel allows air to enter and react with the trapped mixture of oil and melanin. The oxidation process turns the surface dark, which is why blackheads appear black or brown. Because the pore is open, the clog hardens at the surface and becomes visible as a dot. Blackheads are more common in areas with higher oil production, such as the nose and forehead, where sebaceous glands are more active and pores are larger.

How Whiteheads Form

Whiteheads form when a pore becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells, and the surface opening closes over the blockage. This creates a sealed environment where the trapped material cannot be exposed to air. Without oxidation, the clog stays white or flesh-colored. The pressure of the buildup causes the pore wall to bulge slightly, forming a small raised bump. Because the pore is closed, bacteria can multiply more easily inside, which is why squeezing whiteheads often leads to redness, swelling, and inflamed pimples.

Treatment and Prevention of Blackheads and Whiteheads

Managing blackheads and whiteheads is not about harsh scrubbing or quick fixes. These clogged pores form slowly, so they also need steady and gentle care to clear and prevent them. The goal is to keep pores clean from inside, control extra oil, and help the skin shed dead cells in a healthy way.

• Wash your face gently, two times a day - Use a mild cleanser that removes oil, sweat, and pollution without making the skin tight or dry. Over-washing can actually make oil glands produce even more oil, which increases clogging. Use products like pokonut kumkumadi face wash to nourish your face gently.
  
  

• Use products with salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can go inside the pore and clean out the oil and dirt stuck there. Regular use helps in slowly clearing blackheads and preventing new ones from forming. Use anti acne soap inhibited with salicylic acid which gives better results.
  
  

• Apply retinoids at night if suitable for your skin - Retinoids improve how your skin renews itself. They prevent dead skin cells from building up inside pores, which is one of the main reasons for blackheads and whiteheads. Start slowly to avoid irritation.
  
  

• Do not skip moisturizer, even if you have oily skin - When skin becomes dry, it tries to compensate by producing more oil. A light, non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps the skin balanced and reduces the chances of pores getting blocked.
  
  

• Choose non-comedogenic makeup and skincare - This means the products are specially made not to clog pores. Heavy creams, thick oils, and greasy makeup can sit inside pores and make congestion worse.
  
  

• Use clay masks once or twice a week - Clay helps absorb extra oil from the skin surface and keeps pores looking cleaner. It should not be used daily because over-drying can irritate the skin.
  
  

• Remove makeup properly before sleeping - Makeup mixed with oil and dust can stay inside pores overnight and turn into blackheads or whiteheads. Double cleansing at night can help in proper removal.
  
  

• Avoid scrubbing hard or using rough face scrubs - Scrubs may make skin feel clean for a short time, but they can cause tiny injuries and increase oil production. Gentle chemical exfoliation works better than physical rubbing.
  
  

• Do not squeeze or pick clogged pores - Pressing blackheads and whiteheads can push bacteria deeper into the skin. This may lead to painful pimples, dark spots, and even scars, which are harder to treat than the original clog.
  
  

• Be patient and consistent - Pore treatments take time. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks of regular care to see clear improvement. Stopping treatment too early can cause the problem to return.
  
  

With regular and gentle care, blackheads and whiteheads can be controlled effectively, and future breakouts can be reduced without damaging the skin barrier.

When to See a Dermatologist

Blackheads and whiteheads are usually manageable with proper skincare, but sometimes they become persistent or start turning into painful acne. When clogged pores do not improve despite consistent care, it may indicate deeper skin imbalance that needs medical treatment.

• Clogged pores frequently turn into red, painful, or swollen pimples
  
  

• Breakouts keep returning in the same areas despite using suitable skincare
  
  

• Dark marks or scars start forming after acne heals
  
  

• Skin becomes very oily or very sensitive along with continuous congestion
  
  

• Over-the-counter products cause irritation without improvement
  
  

• Acne spreads to larger areas like the chest or back
  
  

• There are signs of hormonal acne such as jawline breakouts in adults
  
  

A dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments, perform safe extractions, or suggest procedures like chemical peels that help clear pores more effectively and prevent long-term skin damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes blackheads and whiteheads on the face?

Blackheads and whiteheads form when pores get blocked with a mix of excess oil and dead skin cells. Hormonal changes, oily skin, slow skin cell turnover, and use of pore-clogging products can all increase the chances of these blockages forming.

Are blackheads and whiteheads the same thing?

Both are types of clogged pores called comedones, but they are not exactly the same. The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that blackheads have an open pore exposed to air, while whiteheads are closed under the skin surface.

Why do blackheads look black?

The dark color is not dirt. When the clogged material inside an open pore is exposed to air, it undergoes oxidation. This reaction turns the surface dark, which is why blackheads appear black or brown.

Can whiteheads turn into pimples?

Yes, whiteheads can turn into red, painful pimples if bacteria grow inside the closed pore. Squeezing or irritating them increases the risk of inflammation and infection.

How can I remove blackheads and whiteheads safely?

Using products with salicylic acid helps clean oil from inside pores, while retinoids improve skin cell turnover. Gentle, regular skincare works better than squeezing or scrubbing, which can damage the skin.

Is it safe to squeeze blackheads and whiteheads at home?

Squeezing can push bacteria deeper into the skin and cause inflammation, dark marks, or scars. It is safer to treat them with proper skincare or get professional extraction done by a dermatologist if needed.

How long does it take to clear blackheads and whiteheads?

With consistent skincare, visible improvement usually takes about four to six weeks. Since clogged pores form gradually, they also take time to clear and stay under control.

Can oily skin have whiteheads and blackheads even after washing the face?

Yes, washing removes surface oil, but clogged pores form deeper inside the skin. Without ingredients that clean pores from within, like salicylic acid or retinoids, blackheads and whiteheads can still develop.