Blackheads vs. Whiteheads: Unmasking the Differences

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads, also referred to as open comedones, are a form of acne lesions. This is formed due to clogging of the hair follicles with sebum (excess oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Blackheads usually have an open pore being exposed to the skin surface.

Causes of Blackheads:

A wide range of factors contribute to the development of blackheads. The most common causes of blackheads include the following.

• The build-up or accumulation of Propionibacterium on the skin can cause blackheads and breakouts.

• Hormonal change is one of the significant attributable factors for blackheads. This includes increased oil production during menstruation or birth control pills.

• Blackheads can also occur with irritation of the hair follicles or when there is abnormal shedding of dead skin cells.

• Increased oil production on the face and body.

• Intake of certain pharmaceutical drugs like lithium, androgens (hormonal drugs), and corticosteroids.

What Are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads, also called closed comedones, are also a form of acne lesion formed when the hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria. Whiteheads have a closed pore, so the clog is present beneath the surface of the skin.

Causes of Whiteheads:

A variety of determinants play a role in the formation of whiteheads. The common causes are listed below.

• The most considerable cause of whiteheads is known to be excess sebum production.

• Usage of certain facial and cosmetic products.

• Lifestyle choices can also contribute to the whitehead formation. They include wearing tight clothes, dieting, and living in high-humidity places.

• Sweating is one of the major causes of whiteheads.

• Increased or decreased levels of hormones can also cause whiteheads. The hormonal fluctuations are associated with menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and intake of oral contraceptives.

• Cleansing routine and cleansing products.

• Hereditary factors.

• Stress.

• Certain medications.

• Pollution and pollutants.

• Pimple popping.

While blackheads are generally a mild form of acne and are often not associated with severe complications, certain issues can arise from improper removal techniques or persistent skin problems. Aggressively squeezing or picking at blackheads can lead to inflammation, irritation, and potential infection. Additionally, continuous manipulation may result in scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing dark spots. Enlarged pores and an increased risk of bacterial infection are other concerns associated with persistent blackheads. Beyond the physical complications, there’s also a psychological aspect, as a constant focus on skin imperfections may contribute to issues like compulsive skin picking and impact one’s self-esteem.

What Is the Difference Between Blackheads and Whiteheads?

Acne causes certain changes to the skin, including papules, blackheads, and whiteheads. Both blackheads and whiteheads typically occur from the plugging of the hair follicles. The plugging can be caused by overproduction of sebum during adolescence, pregnancy, and puberty. Sebum is generally produced from the sebaceous glands at a usual rate as an oily substance forming the skin's outer barrier.

The skin surface consistently upturns the skin cells and sheds the dead skin cells, which could be ensnared in the sebum, especially when it is excessively produced. Subsequently, the dead tissue begins to obstruct the hair follicles and clogs the pores, hindering the regular path for sebum to access the skin. This is how blackheads and whiteheads are formed.

Therefore, black and whiteheads are acne forms formed by plugs of dead substances. However, only blackheads get oxidized. This is because the follicles remain open on the upper layer of the skin. The debris inside the follicles of blackheads undergoes oxidation and becomes darker as the contents incorporated in them are exposed to the air. Therefore, it is termed as blackheads or open comedones.

Whiteheads usually form in smaller pores, so the air and oxygen cannot access the content beneath the skin. So it does not oxidize. The whiteheads are also referred to as closed comedones.

What Is the Treatment of Blackheads and Whiteheads?

It is recommended to avoid picking or squeezing for any acne and its forms since it can result in scarring or worsening of the acne, requiring additional care. The treatment for blackheads and whiteheads is often addressed with similar approaches.

The potential treatment options include the following.

• Topical Retinoids: Topical retinoids derivate vitamin A. Retinoids containing cleansers and rejuvenating creams help unclog the pores. The common retinoid options include Adapalene, Tretinoin, and Tazarotene.

• Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid aids in the exfoliation of the skin and unclogging the pores. This helps reduce the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is considered a compelling agent in combating the bacteria attributable to acne. This also helps unclog the pores while alleviating acne.

• Topical Antibiotics: Topical antibiotic medications are usually prescribed to reduce inflammation and kill pathogens.

• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are a skin rejuvenation procedure that helps unclog the pores. This approach is considered a profound option for the improvement of skin texture.

• Extraction: The healthcare professionals manually remove the acne, blackheads, or whiteheads using extraction.

• Prescription Medications: The dermatologist or healthcare professionals prescribe oral antibiotics and medications in severe cases.

• Consistent Skin Care: Good skin care practices seem essential for any skin concern. It is also crucial to use products constituting non-comedogenic ingredients (they won't clog the pores). Consistency is key for many, many skin care regimens.

Conclusion

Blackheads and whiteheads are both forms of non-inflammatory acne lesions, but they possess distinct characteristics. Blackheads and whiteheads generally vary in type of comedones, texture, and color. The treatment approach is similar, encompassing topical agents like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. The basic and over-the-counter treatments could be effective for the milder cases of blackheads and whiteheads. If one has more severe or persistent skin concerns, it is always best to consult a dermatologist for an appropriate diagnosis, tailored approach, and personalized treatment plan.