Blackheads And Whiteheads: Causes And Treatment

Written by Sanya HamdaniSep 16, 2023
Blackheads and whiteheads: Causes and treatment

Oily skin comes with its share of skin problems and if you think acne if the only issue that this skin type has to deal with, think again. Blackheads and whiteheads are more common among those with oily skin. These comedones are filled with oil and cellular debris and end up causing pimples.

Identifying the causes and treating it at the right time can prevent pimples and give you clear and flawless skin. Here’s everything you need to know about the causes of blackheads and whiteheads and how to treat them effectively.

 

Blackheads

Whiteheads

You know those tiny black bumps you keep seeing on your face, especially on the t-zone? Those are known as blackheads, also referred to as open comedones. The dark colour is caused due to sebum changing colour when exposed to air. Apart from looking hideous, they also make your pores appear larger by stretching the skin.

Causes:

  • Excessive oil production
  • The build-up of bacteria on the skin
  • When dead skin cells don’t shed off and irritate the hair follicle
  • Undergoing hormonal changes – menstruation, birth control pills

Treatment

Dermatologists and trained skincare professionals use the blackhead extractor to remove blackheads that might turn into pimples in the future. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are some other forms of treatment that skincare experts might employ in order to treat blackheads.

Prevention

You can prevent blackheads by washing your face regularly and getting rid of all the dirt at the end of the day. Use oil-free or non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. Exfoliate your facial skin twice a week to get rid of all the dead skin cells from your face.

 

Whiteheads

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are clogged pores that appear as tiny, white raised bumps on the surface of the skin. Just like blackheads, whiteheads are filled with sebum. They are also called closed comedones since they haven’t been pushed all the way through to the skin’s surface.

Causes:

  • Hormonal changes - puberty, menstruation, pregnancy
  • Genetics
  • Athletic gear that causes friction

Treatment

  • Topical application of retinoids
  • Wearing sunscreen daily
  • FDA-approved contraceptive method
  • Antibiotics

Prevention

Use a mild cleanser to wash your face and avoid using heavy moisturisers. Instead, opt for a gel or water-based formula. If you wear makeup, consider using non-comedogenic and oil-free products as they won’t clog pores and lead to whiteheads.

Sanya Hamdani

Written by

Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

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