Whiteheads and Blackheads: What Are Their Differences

Indeed, acne facials make skin smooth and pimple-free. But, the first step in achieving clear skin is knowing first what type of acne you have.

When acne appears on your face, usually, it’s either a blackhead or a whitehead. According to a global medical news site, Healthline, both appear on the skin because of a similar cause. It happens whenever the pores get clogged because the skin produces excessive amounts of sebum or (oil), and it gets mixed up with dead skin cells.

Moreover, the skin on the face, shoulders, and back have more sebaceous glands than the other parts of your body. Because of this, they tend to have large pores that are susceptible to blackheads and whiteheads. Skin specialists would recommend an acne facial to get rid of them since this aesthetic procedure includes a thorough facial extraction. In this article, learn what are the differences between these two common types of acne.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are also known as “closed comedones’. In simple terms, it’s when the skin hasn’t ruptured yet, but the follicle underneath is already clogged with bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. It forms a small bump on the face, so it’s quite noticeable at first glance. 

As for treating whiteheads, purchasing and using OTC (Over-the-Counter) creams and facial washes with salicylic acid are recommended. They are effective for breaking off the keratin plug or the scaly, skin bump that forms when a whitehead appears. However, the problem with OTC skincare products is that you need to religiously apply them on your face for about a month a half to see visible results. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of your whiteheads with an acne facial. It’s a safe and effective acne treatment in Singapore that helps rejuvenate and clear the skin from whiteheads and pimples.

Blackheads

Meanwhile, blackheads form when whiteheads erupt. When this happens,  a chemical reaction called oxidation occurs because the oil and bacteria inside the whitehead are now exposed to air. Once these impurities oxidise, they turn into a dark shade of black.

Treatment for blackheads often includes using skincare products that are rich in retinol. Here’s what it works: it makes your skin less oily so that your blackheads will instantly dry up. However, excessive use of retinol might make your skin too dry. Another way to effectively remove your blackheads is through the use of pore strips. Just make sure to follow the instructions written on its packaging to get the best results. But, bear in mind that pore strips are only temporary fixes to remove excess sebum buildup on the face. You still need to follow a strict skincare routine to prevent the appearance of blackheads. If you want a more thorough skincare regimen, then try getting an acne facial. Aside from safely extracting your blackheads, it also deeply nourishes your skin using hyaluronic acid.

It’s normal to get whiteheads and blackheads. Unfortunately, they won’t completely go away. But, the good news is that you can control and prevent a breakout with acne facial.

Consult one of our skin specialists at MD Dermatics in Singapore to see what type of acne treatment is ideal for you.