Blackheads Vs Whiteheads: What’s The Difference
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Blackheads Vs Whiteheads: What’s The Difference

  • 02, Mar 2021

Acne is a common skin woe that many people face at some point in their lives. While acne is often easily treated, not all acne is the same. Thus, it’s vital that you identify what kind of acne you have in order to deal with it effectively.

 

Blackheads and whiteheads are among the most common types of acne. Although the differences between them may seem black and white, there’s a lot more to it.

 

Learn about the differences between these pesky forms of acne and how to treat them the right way.

 

What are blackheads?

 

Blackheads look like black dots on your skin. They form when your pores get clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. With blackheads, the pore is stretched open which exposes the material inside it to oxygen.

 

This forms a reaction known as oxidation, which darkens the material into the black dots that you see. Fortunately, they usually aren’t painful unless they become inflamed and infected further, hence turning into pimples.

 

What are whiteheads?

 

Whiteheads typically appear as small, firm white bumps on your skin. Like blackheads, they form when your pores get clogged with a buildup of dead skin cells and sebaceous material.

 

But what sets them apart from blackheads is that they are closed within the pore and remain under the skin, which gives it its white or light colour. Whiteheads should never be forced to pop since there is no ‘head’ and the impurities can spread to cause more blemishes.

 

How to treat blackheads and whiteheads

 

Both blackheads and whiteheads can be treated with over-the-counter products that open the pores and unclog them before pimples get to form.

 

For blackheads, retinol products can help to loosen the materials clogging the pores, making them easier to push out. Retinol also works to control oil production and minimise your sebaceous glands. However, be cautious not to overuse it as it can dry out your skin – stick to just once or twice a week.

 

As for whiteheads, retinol or salicylic acid are great for clearing out the gunk from your pores. Salicylic acid reduces the stickiness of the dead skin cells clogging your pores and can degrade the whitehead’s keratin plug.


Dealing with both black and whiteheads at the same time? Give our Adonis Oxy Clear Essence Set a try! Specially formulated to penetrate your pores and dissolve hardened sebum, our essence works effectively to reduce your white and blackheads.

 

Enjoy a FREE Auras Facial and 3 Blackhead Mask sachets when you purchase the set – and achieve glowing, healthy skin! After using our essence to soften your white and blackheads, follow up with our extraction facial to clear out your pores and control sebum build-up.

 

How to prevent blackheads and whiteheads

 

Although your likelihood of getting blackheads and whiteheads ultimately boils down to your genetics, you can take steps in your skincare routine to minimise breakouts. Wash your face twice daily using a salicylic acid cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt in your pores and prevent them from clogging your pores. Each week, treat yourself to a clay or charcoal mask to clean out your pores and regulate sebum production.

 

But apart from your daily skincare routine, getting a regular facial is ideal for deep cleansing your skin and having your black and whiteheads professionally extracted.

 

At Adonis, we offer affordable facials in Singapore that are designed to detoxify your skin, clear congested pores and rejuvenate your complexion. Look forward to our facial packages that leave your skin clearer and more radiant!