Whiteheads Vs Blackheads
Whiteheads Vs Blackheads : What Are They?
Everyone has gone through a phase of breakouts and acne problems. During puberty, our hormones trigger our body to produce more oil than necessary, leading to acne. On a positive note, acne can be treated, but the level of care is different depending on your skin type and skin condition.
There are quite a few types of acne; two of those are Whiteheads and Blackheads. They are the most common type of acne. Very frustrating and would show up at the most inconvenient time. They randomly pop up on your skin; usually, they appear in your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back.
Whiteheads and blackheads are non-inflammatory acne. They have clogged pores caused by excess sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. They are non-inflammatory, but if you will irritate them, they will become inflamed and would cause more damage to your skin. They are different in form but have similar treatment.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones. Your pore is filled with bacteria and has a micro-opening. Since the opening is small, air cannot come in. Inside, it will undergo a chemical reaction that keeps its color white. The pore is sealed with your skin, which forms a lump onto your skin.
Blackheads
Blackheads are also known as open comedones. It originates from a whitehead. A whitehead will slowly tear off the skin sealing it, but if it remains clogged, it will result in blackhead formation. Since the air can come in, it will undergo oxidation that causes the substance inside to turn black.
Whiteheads Vs Blackheads, How Do They Appear?
Blackheads and Whiteheads are from clogged pores containing bacteria, excess oils, and dead skin cells. They appear mostly on the face, neck, shoulders, and back, areas that are exposed to the external environment. Some factors and situations trigger their appearances, such as:
- Not removing makeup properly
When putting on makeup, make sure that you are using non-comedogenic products. Avoid oil-based products. Always remove your makeup thoroughly. Please, please, please, do not sleep if you still have makeup on! You will surely have bad skin when you wake up the next morning.
- Touching your face too often
If you always touch your face with your hands, you will surely get blackheads and whiteheads. Your hands have a lot of bacteria, especially on your fingertips and fingernails. As much as possible, never touch your face, especially with dirty hands.
- Using certain hair products
Another factor might be the hair products that you are using. Our hair is the closest to our face, shoulders, chest, and back. Your hair product might contain an ingredient that irritates your skin. Try keeping your hair away from your face if you are using heavy oils for your hair.
- Dehydration
Dehydration will cause your body to produce more oil to compensate for water. This results in the overproduction of sebum then could potentially lead to forming whiteheads and blackheads. Always stay hydrated. It is not only good for your skin but for your overall health too.
You might need to sweat a bit because your body will release sweat and oil when you work out. A good thing if you want to remove excess sebum from your skin, at the same time, you get to improve your fitness. I would also recommend that you go to a sauna. The warm steam will give lots of benefits to your body. It will help in releasing sweat and oils from your skin. Not only that, but it also calms and pampers your whole body.
- Inconsistent skin care routine
Having a skin care routine is essential. To minimize blackheads and whiteheads from appearing, you should always maintain a consistent skin care routine that includes cleansing and exfoliating. The purpose of cleansing and exfoliating is to keep your pores clean and remove dead skin cells, two of the many steps to ensure clear, healthy, and glowing skin.
- Using unsuitable skin care products
Talking about skincare routines, if you are trying a new product, always patch test first. Some products are not compatible with your skin. If your skin is getting worse, seek professional help. Dermatologists will advise you on what type of your skin is, what ingredients are suitable for your skin, and what steps you should take to maintain healthy skin.
- Genetically inherited
Despite all the skin care routines and hygienic practices, you still have acne? Maybe it’s because of genetics. You might have a hereditary tendency to overproduce sebum, causing your skin to become oily and acne-prone. Research has it that if both of your parents have experienced severe acne during adulthood, you have a high risk of having it.
Should You Pop Blackheads And Whiteheads Yourself?
Never pop those zits! Improper extraction of whiteheads and blackheads will lead to inflammation. They will surely create acne scars, which are very difficult to get rid of. Squeezing them will only let the bacteria enter deep into your pores. It will potentially become troublesome acne, very irritating, and painful at the same time.
Let the extraction be handled by professionals. They have the proper tools and are trained to do the appropriate method of extracting blackheads and whiteheads. You can choose to go to a dermatology clinic, a beauty salon and a spa/sauna. Just make sure that legit professionals will perform the extraction. You don’t want to end up breaking out even worse than before.
Better yet, leave them alone! Since they contain bacteria, your body will naturally fight and eliminate the bacteria out from your skin. They will usually come off in a few days. As long as you consistently, exfoliate and cleanse your skin, you’re good to go! If your zits decide to come off, clean them properly after. They will naturally heal on its own.
Are Blackheads and Whiteheads Treated Differently?
Blackheads and Whiteheads have similar treatment. Both are caused by the accumulation of bacteria from excess sebum, dirt, and dead skin cell. You will need to cleanse and exfoliate your face using products that have ingredients or properties that suits to your skin condition.
What Korean Skincare Ingredients/Products Can Help Pop Them Out?
There are tons of Korean skin care products out in the market, and it will get confusing about which product you should purchase.
Let’s start first with the ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is widely used for treating acne and helping in minimizing the appearance of acne. It is present in almost all skin care products out there. However, some people will take it very irritating to the skin, especially with sensitive skin types. It dries out and removes excess oil from your pores.
- Benzol Peroxide
Benzol Peroxide is a usual ingredient for reducing inflammation and treating acne. It is very much used in skin care products. The downside is, it causes peeling to some people. Similar to Salicylic Acid, it is quite irritating and is not friendly to sensitive skin. It also works the same with salicylic acid that dries out and removes excess sebum that causes acne.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is organic and natural. Although some skin types are not compatible with organic products, it still minimizes inflammation on your skin. Once consistently used, it will take a few days for it to effect.
- Activated charcoal
It has been a bit popular these days because of the great results it gives. Activate charcoal acts like a magnet that attracts impurities keeping it away from your skin. It is preferred in clay form for oily skin and dry skin, pairing it with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil.
- BHA
BHA is usually oil-based, great for deep cleansing your pores. It has proven to be effective in calming inflammation and acne.
Korean skin care products that can be used on blackheads and whiteheads:
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2x
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2x claims to be one of the top clay masks in Korea. It has AHA ingredient that helps in exfoliating dead skin cells.
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains betaine salicylate that softens blackheads and exfoliates dead skin.
A great gentle cleanser infused with tea tree oil. Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser’s formula won’t strip off your natural oils but remove dead skin cells and penetrate the pores to remove bacteria.
Cosrx Two In One Poreless Power Liquid is an alcohol-free product, very friendly for sensitive skin. Minimizes pores without irritation, thanks to its combination of BHA and Tannin.
Whatever skin type and skin condition you might have, always wash and exfoliate your face. Take note, over washing and over-exfoliating, will bring harm to your skin. Always be consistent in doing your skincare routine. Maintain proper hygiene at all times. Never discriminate yourself because of your acne. Treating acne is a long process, so be patient, you will get there.
