Blackheads and whiteheads are prevalent skin issues, affecting nearly everyone at some point in their lives. While they are most common among adolescents, up to 10% to 20% of adults also experience these concerns. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with constant breakouts. Understanding what they are, their causes, differences, and how to prevent them can help in managing and treating these skin issues effectively. In this article, I aim to give you a clear understanding of what they are, their causes, differences, and how to prevent them, so that you can make wise decisions for your skin.

What are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a type of acne. As the name suggests, blackheads are tiny black dots usually found on the face. They are also known as open comedones, caused by clogged hair follicles. You can get blackheads anywhere on your skin, but they’re especially common on your nose, chin, back, chest, and neck.

What are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are another type of acne, also known as closed comedones. They appear as small, white, or flesh-colored bumps on the skin’s surface. Like blackheads, they are caused by clogged hair follicles, but unlike blackheads, the follicle remains closed. It’s possible to pop open a whitehead to remove the oils and dead skin cells, but I don’t recommend this, as it can cause permanent scarring. You can also get whiteheads anywhere on your skin, but they’re especially common on your nose, back, shoulders, chest, and neck.

Key Differences Between Blackheads and Whiteheads

Blackheads and whiteheads are both forms of acne, and they’re quite similar. The main difference is in how they look:

Blackheads: Blackheads are dark because the substances trapped inside the pore (like oil, dead skin cells, and dirt) are exposed to air and turn dark due to oxidation. It’s like when you cut an apple, and it turns brown when exposed to air.

Whiteheads: Whiteheads have a thin layer of skin covering the pore, so the substances inside don’t get exposed to air and won’t undergo oxidation like blackheads. That’s why they look whitish or flesh-colored.

So, the key difference is whether there’s a thin layer of skin covering the pore or not.

Causes of Blackheads and Whiteheads

Just as whiteheads and blackheads contain the same substances (it’s just a different color because of the thin layer), they’re also caused by the same conditions. There are many causes for blackheads and whiteheads, such as diet, genetics, environmental factors, stress, smoking, etc. But the main cause of getting them is clogged pores filled with excess oil and dead skin cells, which also troubles me most due to my combination skin.

Hormonal changes, especially during teenage years, often trigger an overproduction of oil and dead skin cells, leading to pore blockage. This disruption can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, causing inflammation and turning whiteheads and blackheads into red, inflamed pimples.

Some adults overproduce oil and dead skin well into adulthood. If they produce more oil than the pores can release, the pores clog, and they’ll notice whiteheads and blackheads.

No matter the age, when bacteria find clogged pores and begin to feed on them, that’s when you will get whiteheads and blackheads, and they can also turn into red, inflammatory acne.

Tips for Prevention

There is no way to completely avoid blackheads and whiteheads because it’s impossible to avoid oil production and dead skin cells. However, regular care can significantly help in preventing them. Here are some tips that have worked for me, and I believe they will benefit you as well:

• Keep your skin clean by cleansing twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and try to use lukewarm water (not hot!).
• Exfoliate once or twice a week with chemical exfoliants such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
• Regularly use moisturizer because it helps maintain the skin’s natural balance.
• Do not pop your blackheads or whiteheads. Squeezing can push bacteria deeper into the skin, which can lead to permanent scars.
• Remove sunscreen and makeup at the end of each day to avoid clogged pores.
• Use oil-free and lightweight products that do not feel sticky or heavy on your skin.
• Use water-based products on your hair. When using hair products, be careful that they do not come into contact with your skin.
• Change your pillowcase at least once a week to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
• Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible to avoid transferring bacteria.
• Don’t overdo washing and avoid using scrubs that can disturb your skin’s microbiome and lead to more oil production.
• Limit fast food and soft drinks. Greasy foods and sugar aren’t the direct cause of blackheads or whiteheads, but they don’t help either.

If these lifestyle changes aren’t proving effective, it might be wise to seek advice from a dermatologist.

FAQs about Blackheads and Whiteheads

1. Can hormonal imbalance cause blackheads and whiteheads?
Yes, hormonal imbalances can contribute to the development of blackheads and whiteheads, as these skin issues are a type of acne. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

2. What are the best ingredients to treat blackheads and whiteheads?
Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and azelaic acid are effective ingredients because they help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Some studies have also shown that natural remedies like tea tree oil can help reduce them¹. Consult with a dermatologist before using them.

3. Does stress cause breakouts?
Stress itself doesn’t directly cause breakouts. However, in response, our bodies produce more androgens (a type of hormone) which can lead to acne².

4. How long does it typically take to see results from blackhead and whitehead treatments?
It depends on the severity of your blackheads and whiteheads and the treatment you’re using. Some might see improvement in a week, while others could take a few months.

5. Can diet affect blackheads and whiteheads?
There are no proven studies showing that diet causes acne. However, some recent studies suggest that consuming milk and dairy products can worsen acne for some people³. I always suggest you observing how your body reacts, as every human body responds differently to various factors. Therefore, diet could potentially lead to breakouts in your case.

Now that you understand what blackheads and whiteheads are, their causes and differences, and how to prevent them, it’s time to take action against them.