If you want to get rid of acne, you must know which type of pimple you are dealing with. Knowing your enemy is crucial to winning the battle. For example, learning what causes blackheads and whiteheads will help you find the best plan of attack for both.

Whiteheads and blackheads are made up of the same material, usually a combination of dead skin, oil, and sebum. The main difference between both is that whiteheads are closed pores, while blackheads stay open. This characteristic is critical to know how to treat each other.

Whiteheads

Commonly whiteheads are small but firm. They appear when your pores become clogged with bacteria and sebum. Whiteheads are white and yellow, and they are different from blackheads as they close the pores opening.

If you do not treat whiteheads, they typically turn into pimples; this happens when they become inflamed and turn red.

Blackheads

When your pores become clogged, blackheads often build-up. But blackheads live within an open pore, which exposes the dirt and oil to oxygen. The oxidation is what causes the material inside to become dark.

When you cannot remove blackheads, they turn into pimples.

Sometimes you can notice sebaceous filaments, which are groups of sebum that regulate your pores. These filaments typically look tan or gray compared to darker blackheads. The main difference is that sebaceous filaments are naturally produced by your skin to help moisturise and protect your skin.

The best way to reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments and blackheads is to remove excess oil from your skin.

Effective Ways To Treat Whiteheads And Blackheads

Whiteheads

Even though it is common to pinch and squeeze whiteheads, it is not the best way to get rid of them. When you pop whiteheads without the correct technique and tools, more bacteria are getting into your pores. 

Start with a pore clarifying cleanser such as COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser. Salicylic acid is a pleasant way to exfoliate your skin for reducing oil from your face. For those with oily skin or who sweats a lot, it is good to keep cleansing cloths such as COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad to cleanse your face during the day effectively.

Do not forget to remove all your makeup at night to avoid dirt and oil on your face. A good option is HEIMISH All Clean Balm, which has been designed to help remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities from your skin in minutes.

Finally, it is an excellent addition to use a gentle exfoliating scrub once a week to help remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores. Do not over-exfoliate as it can harm your skin and make your acne even worse.

Our favourite exfoliator is COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, which is formulated to remove whiteheads and to refine an uneven complexion for a healthier look. Apply AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid at night and do not forget to apply a sunscreen such as PURITO Centella Green Level Safe Sun Cream the next morning.

Blackheads

Removing blackheads is slightly different from whiteheads. Even though cleansers and exfoliators can remove both blackheads and whiteheads, you can use pore strips to your routine for instantly blackhead removal.

The best exfoliator for blackheads is COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. This powerful formula with 4% Betaine Salicylate that removes blackheads and dead skin cells from deep within pores. It also helps to heal blemishes for a healthier, clearer appearance.

After using BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, do not forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Typically, blackheads are caused by excessively oily skin, so it is an excellent idea to add a facial mask with charcoal or clay to your skincare routine, at least once a week, to absorb excess oil.

You can try INNISFREE Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X, as it draws out toxins, excess sebum, and impurities to firm your skin, minimise pore size, and refine your skin’s texture.

Lastly, do not forget to use only makeup labelled as non-comedogenic to prevent blackheads and whiteheads before they form on your skin. Use INNISFREE NO Sebum Mineral Pact to minimise pores, blemishes, and control excess oil.