If you have examined your skin closely in a mirror, you may have noticed two types of bumps: blackheads and whiteheads. Although they are similar in appearance, they differ in causes, treatments, and even composition. This article will explore the differences between blackheads and whiteheads, their causes, and their treatment methods. We will also provide tips to reduce their appearance and help skin look its best.
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads are closed comedones that form when the pores in your skin are clogged with dirt, bacteria, or dead skin cells. They remain covered by a thin layer of skin and appear white due to the trapped sebum inside. Genetics, hormones, improper hygiene, over-exfoliation, or stress can cause whiteheads.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are open comedones that appear black due to oxidation. They form when the pores of your skin become clogged with oil, dirt, bacteria, or dead skin cells, and the sebum oxidizes when exposed to air. Overactive oil glands, hormonal changes, improper hygiene, and certain medications often cause blackhead formation.
Differences between blackheads and whiteheads
The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that blackheads are open comedones while whiteheads are closed. Additionally, they appear black due to oxidation while whiteheads remain covered by a thin layer of skin and appear white. However, blackheads are usually caused by overactive oil glands and hormonal changes, while genetics, hormones, improper hygiene, over-exfoliation, or stress can cause whiteheads.
Microdermabrasion, medical facials, chemical peels, and therapy with the acne remedy Isolaz are all effective blackhead removal methods.
What causes whiteheads?
Understanding what triggers whiteheads are essential for developing an effective treatment plan. A whitehead may take up to two months to develop, even though it may seem to have appeared overnight. The whitehead’s causes are detailed below:
• Puberty
Throughout puberty, when hormones produce an increase in sebum production, whiteheads are more common. The skin cannot fully shed dead skin cells and microorganisms when pores are clogged with abundant sebum.
• Genetics
Children of parents who have suffered from acne are more prone to get the skin problem themselves. Your body’s inflammatory response may be affected by your genes.
• Stress
Whiteheads are more likely to appear when stress levels are high. Sebum-producing glands act as receptors for stress chemicals.
• Improper hygiene
Not properly cleansing your skin can lead to clogged pores, turning into whiteheads.
What causes blackheads?
• Acne prone skin
Blackheads tend to form more often on oily skin. If you have oily skin, it may become glossy as the day progresses.
• Oily hair locks
Pores may become clogged not just by hair but also by naturally oily hair. If you suffer from acne, keeping your hair off your face and washing it often may help.
• Sweating excessively
Facial residue and filth may penetrate the skin after a stressful day or a workout you forgot to wash off.
• Hair care products
Many hair products are oil based, which may trigger acne in those who are already prone but ingredients such as petroleum, silicone, cocoa butter, sodium lauryl sulphate, coconut oil, and lanolin can also trigger acne, if left on the skin. If you decide you do need to switch shampoos, search for ones that are silicone- and sulphate-free and composed primarily of organic components, many of which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. Anything marked as non-comedogenic (not going to clog pores) is worth a try.
Treating blackheads and whiteheads
• Whiteheads and blackheads
Whiteheads and blackheads are time-consuming to treat. In most cases, you’ll need to stick to consistent skin routine for a while before seeing results:
• Benzoyl peroxide
In addition to its antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide may slow the chemical process that alters the hair follicle’s lining.
• Antibiotics
Prescribed oral or topical antibiotics may treat infected blackheads or whiteheads, but medicines have little effect on non-infected comedones.
• Retinoids
Blackhead and whitehead treatments often include the use of topical retinoids. They aid in eliminating clogged material and restoring normal function to the pore. Nonetheless, retinoids may cause skin irritation if not used properly
• Use non-comedogenic products
Using non-comedogenic products specifically designed for oily skin can help control sebum production and prevent the buildup of black and whiteheads.
Conclusion
Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have any questions about your acne or want to investigate whether or not any of the medicines are appropriate for whiteheads and blackheads treatments.
FAQs
1. Do whiteheads turn into blackheads?
Whiteheads are pre-breakout acne. There is, however, an infinite amount of room in the pore. The pore widens when sebum and dead skin cells accumulate in your body. If the pore cannot drain after opening, the imperfection will oxidise and become a blackhead.
2. Is it good to remove whiteheads?
You can have blackheads pulled, but whiteheads should never be touched. As these comedones are extracted, the pollutants they contain might spread, forming new whiteheads and blackheads.
3. Should you pop blackheads or whiteheads?
Popping or squeezing blackheads or whiteheads is appealing, but it may not solve the issue. If you squeeze an infected area, you may push the germs and push further into the skin, leading to even more inflammation and discomfort.
4. What happens to whiteheads if you leave them?
If you let a whitehead alone for three to seven days, it will fade away on its own without any intervention from you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about skincare treatments here.