Blackheads and Whiteheads: Understanding and Treatment Options

Blackheads and whiteheads are two of the most common types of acne lesions. These small, raised bumps on the skin can be frustrating and can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. While blackheads and whiteheads may appear similar, they are caused by different factors and require different treatments.

Dr. Kamal Alhallak, Ph.D.

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Preparation and Aftercare Timeline

Formation of Blackhead

Blackheads are formed when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This clogging causes the follicle to stretch and become wider, causing the top of the plug to become exposed to the air. The oil within the follicle oxidizes and turns black or brown in color, giving the appearance of a blackhead on the skin.

acne types infograph — Acne types infograph

Formation of Whiteheads

Whiteheads are formed when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells, just like blackheads. However, unlike blackheads, the top of the plug remains covered by the skin, preventing the oil from oxidizing and turning black. As a result, whiteheads appear as small, raised, white or skin-colored bumps on the skin.

Treatment Options for Blackheads and Whiteheads

There are several options for treating blackheads and whiteheads, including:

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments, such as creams and gels, can help to unclog the pores and reduce the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads. These treatments work by removing the excess oil and dead skin cells that contribute to the clogging of the hair follicles. Some common topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

Extraction

Extraction is a procedure performed by a dermatologist or esthetician to remove the contents of a blackhead or whitehead. During the extraction, the practitioner uses a small tool to gently apply pressure to the lesion, pushing the contents out of the hair follicle. Extraction should only be performed by a professional to avoid further skin damage or scarring.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion and hydrafacial is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a device to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This helps to unclog the pores and reduce the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads. Microdermabrasion can be performed in a dermatologist’s office or at home with the use of a microdermabrasion device.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a type of exfoliating treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This helps to unclog the pores and reduce the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads. Chemical peels can be performed in a dermatologist’s office and come in varying strengths, from mild to deep peels.

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Topical Treatments

Topical treatments, such as creams and gels, can help to unclog the pores and reduce the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads. These treatments work by removing the excess oil and dead skin cells that contribute to the clogging of the hair follicles. Common treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

Extraction

Extraction is a procedure performed by a dermatologist or esthetician to remove the contents of a blackhead or whitehead. The practitioner uses a small tool to gently apply pressure to the lesion, pushing the contents out. It should be done by professionals to prevent skin damage or scarring.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion and hydrafacial is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. It unclogs the pores and reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It can be done in a dermatologist’s office or at home with a device.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are exfoliating treatments that use a chemical solution to remove dead skin cells. They unclog pores and prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. They can vary in strength from mild to deep and are usually performed in a dermatologist’s office.